1991 - L98 Flowmaster 50's

[Interceptor430]

Guys n Gals,
Who has the Flowmaster 50 series mufflers on their L98?
I understand these are 3 chamber, and are kind to the ears ref interior resonance at low-mid rpms. My Vette is an automatic too.

Is this right?

Thank you in advance for your time/answers.

 

[LT4John]

Interceptor430,

I just installed 50's on my 96 vette with a 6 speed and I like them, see posts under "Flowmaster crossover pipe", not sure how they would be on a L98, but can't believe they would be much difference. Good luck

LT4John

 

[Interceptor430]

Just reread my post....maybe it wasn't written very well (I was at work and was hurried)...
My '91 L98 automatic is pure stock - including the mufflers.
Well I have glasspacks on my old classics, and flowmasters on my Truck and just have to get some more sound outta this Vette.
I've searched some threads about mufflers and was amazed at how many different types/models/etc that are discussed.
So....since I want more sound, but do not want the interior deafening reasonance so many people talk about trying to fix...
I read somewhere that the Flowmaster 50 series mufflers give a great exterior sound while remaining relatively quiet ref the interior sounds.
So, L98 owners - does anybody have these on their car?
;stupid ;help

 

[Interceptor430]

LTvjohn,
thanks....I'd like to get a little more sound outta this boy, but don't want to cause myself an interior noise problem.

oops....my second post showing the ;stupid was directed at myself and my first 'not worded so well' post....I didn't see that you had replied til it was late.

:duh :eek

 

[DaleB]

You won't be dissappointed.

I put a set of Flowmaster 40 series on my 94, but resonance between 1000 and 1800 was so bad I couldn't even think, though great everywhere else. With the wife's shotgun at my backside, I put on 50 series. Nice sound, and after 35,000 just a hint of resonance between 500 and 750, but not at all displeasing.

I actually bought mine from a cheapo muffler shop and paid $185 for both including installation.

Enjoy



Dale

 

[rdgfx3]

Umm,I was VERY unhappy after my Flowmaster installation.I am not sure which series I have though,sorry.The muffler shop said that these mufflers were made especially for the Corvette.They have chrome like(but not as shiny)tailpipes on them.They *look*good.

They sounded good,but they killed my dead stop launch times.
I have about 30,000 miles on them now.
They get louder with age and my launch times have improved,but still not what they used to be.

 

[Interceptor430]

Thanks guys!
I'll probably get some. What's very interesting is the price of these things.....The flowmaster site states the part number for the 1991's as 425501-L1 and -R1 with a MSRP of $190 each.
The 'Dealer Locator' function on the Flowmaster site for my area
revealed a nice list of 'retailers and/or installers'.
One retailer was P*PBoys - and their website lists these things
at $210 each! Higher than the MSRP! Go figure!
And then I find them at VetteCntral for $299 a pair(they verified the part numbers and price). Of course the 'shipping and handling' charge will be added.

Very interesting....

 

[berky2500]

Great topic!

I hope more people provide their experience with various mufflers and exhaust systems. I've been going back and forth about flowmaster or not. The price is in the range that I have to spend, but the resonance issue was bothering me.

So far, it seems if I go with the 50 series, I'll be ok.

More input, more input...

 

[STROKED1]

I have the flowmaster catback exhaust 50 series on my 87. I also have TPIS long tube headers. I love the sound the car puts out,very aggressive. It may not be for everyone though and also it depends on the mods you have done. In my opinion I think you will be pleasantly happy. In fact I just purchased a pair of 40 series to install for a bit more aggressive tone. Anyway happy motoring.:cool

 

[c4fan]

I just put the Flomaster Force II cat-back system on my car last week and am very happy with the results. I was afraid that they would be too loud but they sound sweet. They use two-chamber mufflers and resonance isn't bad at all. Conversation or listening to the radio is not hampered by excessive resonance. Summit sells the system with 2.5 inch Y pipe and mufflers for 356.95 with a 7.00 handling charge. No shipping charges.

 

[Radar]

I also am thinking about installing the Flowmaster 50 series. I too have heard good things about them and their lower resonance. I plan to do the cat-back. With my Corvette being a convertible, I place a high priority on the cabin sound level. I want a nice aggressive sound outside but somewhat quiet interior.

Radar

 

[berky2500]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the 85 and 86 factory exhaust system? The cat-back system listed on Summit, FLO-17153, is for 86-96. Also, what will the cat back system gain me compared to just replacing the mufflers? The drivers side is broken.

Lastly, the Corvette replacement Flowmasters FLO-425501 are $25 more than the stainless 40 series of the same size. Is there really any difference, or is it just because it has the name Corvette associated with it?

I'm going to ask all of these questions of Summit before I order, but everyone here has always had good advice so I figured I would check here first.

 

[Interceptor430]

UPS delivered my 50's series flowmasters last eve. YES!
I unboxed them, cleaned them, and shot them with some
black high temp engine paint. They get another coat tonight - and will be ready for a mini-project/installation Saturday morning.

Berky2500 - I think the part number you listed is for the 50 series mufflers -which are 3 chamber (quieter, less interior resonance) than the 40 series (2 chamber) mufflers.


Radar - I'll let you know how these 50's do real soon.

 

[Radar]

Hope those 50 Series Flows sound great! Good luck! How about a few pictures of the final installation? Looking forward to the "big critique"

Radar

 

[Interceptor430]

These 3 chamber/50 series Flowmasters are absolutely Perfect!
The sound is nice....the interior sound is super nice...there is zero drone at any cruising speeds/rpms. Yes, I can hear them on the interior, but it's only slight and won't deter radio playing or conversations.
Heck, I had the old stock mufflers off and these installed in 2 hours time Friday night. Sorry, I don't have any way to take pix, sure wish I did...
So, it is proven....flowmaster 50 series on a 1991 L98 Automatic
work/sound/behave perfectly.

Come on over and I'll take ya for a Rocket Ride!

:cool

 

[LT4John]

I'm glad the 50's worked out for you also, I am very happy with mine.

 

[91 Black Convertible]

And did you notice any "seat of the pants" performance improvement?

Inquiring minds want to know....

 

[Interceptor430]

Performance improvement? - I can't tell any difference there at all.
It just sounds so much better than the stock pffff pffff.
I do expect 1 maybe 2 more miles per gallon, and will look for that on my next 200(400) mile road trip on the Interstate.