Hi, i really am having a tough time choosing which to go with. I have a 95z with bbk shortys and a gutted cat. I have used the search and read good things about both catbacks, more on magnaflow. but i cant pick between the two. hooker is cheaper but would i be better off going with magnaflow? What about loudness and preformance gains between the two? Any help would be great
Thanks Josh

 

I've got the Magnaflow on my 97 Z, it came with it, from what i was told, the magnaflow is the least restrictive of them all, i like the sound on mine, nice crackle (but not too bad) on the de-excelleration, now i'm installing PS LTs with an ORY, i'm hopeing its not too loud .

 

mags all day sounds great and gives a lot more flow

 

Tough call, I would give the edge to the Hooker in terms of sound. In terms of quality and longevity, I would give the win to the Magnaflow.

 

the magnaflows got a more refined sound to it imo

idk I just ordered a magnaflow so I'll tell you how it goes

 

I love my magnaflow. I'd say you would not be displeased with it.


I cannot say yea or nea on the hooker CB...never seen or heard it before.

 

I really like how the magnaflow sounds compared to other cb's with LT's + cam. I just don't care for it with stock manifolds, especially in a manual. Might be different with an automatic though.

As far as durability, I had one on my 98 z28 that looked almost brand new still at two years. It's a very durable exhaust system, and probably has the best looking tips imo other than the 4" dual/dual corsa's.

 

The only car I had the Hooker Aerochamber in was a cammed '85 IROC, lol...

It did sound good though, and is quite a bit cheaper than the Magnaflow. You generally get what you pay for in exhaust components, especially headers, but IMHO, I don't know if you can beat the price of pacesetter LT's and if you're going with a standard catback-style setup, I just never justified spending more than whatever the cheaper 3" alternative was, beings as for the most part, the difference isn't going to be that big, just in sound.

 

here's a perfect vid for you to watch magnaflow vs hooker

http://youtube.com/watch?v=jXpD8p25wAk

 

btw if you go on ebay you can find a magnaflow catback for the same price as hooker brand new

so I'd pick based on sound preference unless you live in a state where rusting is a very big concern

 

I have the MagnaFlow 3" CatBack. It sounds great and flows great.
Its also made of all Stainless Steel, a real plus in my opinion. I had a shop weld mine in so no leaks or rattles.

 

Hooker, I personally think they sound meaner.

 

Go w/ the stainless

 

It would be perfect if it were at all evident which is which.

I think the car on the right sounded just a touch better. The video doesn't help me judge the difference in performance, loudness at cruising RPM, or material choice.

 

That is a good video to compare the two. The one on the left is the Magnaflow. At least, from the tips anyway. The right one, if its the Hooker did have a deeper rumble. It makes me think the car with the Hooker was cammed a little more than the MagnaFlow car, on the left. Both sounded great, though. The Hooker sounded somewhat deeper to me.