Installation Time
(approx) 2 Hours
Difficulty Level:
Light to Moderate mechanical skill required.
Installation Guides
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So, if you own a 2014 or newer Silverado or Sierra and you have the 5.3 motor under the hood, then you've probably been checking out a way to make that motor sound a lot better. And if that's the case, then Flowmaster's FlowFX Dual Exhaust System in the middle side exit configuration should be a top choice, for a couple of reasons. Number one, you want one of the deepest sounding exhausts currently available, and that's thanks to the design of the FlowFX muffler. It's pretty much a flow tube in there with perforations and some sound-deadening material to keep the volume in check. I'm actually gonna give the volume rating on this as healthy three out of five on my loudness meter. It's nothing too crazy. It's something that you'll enjoy when you're driving around on the streets on a regular basis. But, what's nice about the way this muffler is set up is the fact that it doesn't actually modify the sound of the 5.3 motor in any way whatsoever. So, if you're a fan of straight pipe systems but you don't want that volume, this is exactly what you want to get.And as far as looks is concerned, I'm very happy with the way Flowmaster designed this system. You got really nice black powder coat exhaust tips on there, those are welded to the tubes themselves, so you don't have any crazy clamps poking out of there. And this is actually made out of 409 stainless steel, so you don't have to worry about this thing rusting or corroding out on you anytime soon and looking all nasty, right? And of course that middle side exit configuration's really cool and unique, it gives the truck sort of a hot rod look. And I'm a fan of it because it's just a little bit different than all the other exhausts that currently exit out the sides or the back behind the wheels. And even though this system is very well built, I'm happy to say that the price is pretty damn good. Normally for something like this, I would expect it to fall closer to the $800, maybe even the thousand dollar price point, so I'm pleasantly surprised at how Flowmaster's offering this up at just over the $500 price point. That actually makes this one of the least expensive cat-backs available for the Silverado or Sierra. And the fact that it's made out of 409 stainless and you get those really nice black powder coat tips is pretty much just a nice bonus. And lastly, this one's actually very easy to install, too. There is some very minor drilling required in the frame rails for the new exhaust hanger, but it's something you can do with a 1/4-inch drill bit and a hand drill. You don't need any specialty tools, you don't even have to measure anything, very straightforward, so I'm gonna give the install a modest two out of three wrenches on my difficulty meter. It shouldn't take you more than two or three hours. And I'm actually gonna show you guys those install steps in just a minute. So again, if you want one of the deepest sounding exhausts currently available for the Silverado or Sierra and you want it to look cool, then this is the ticket. And then once you buy this system, come back in just a second, and I'll show you what tools you need to get the job done, and then we'll get started on that install.All right guys, to install your exhaust system, you'll need a standard drive ratchet, a 13-millimeter socket, a 15-millimeter socket, a 1/4-inch drill bit, and a drill. Optional but helpful tools include an exhaust hanger puller tool or a pry bar, and some spray lubricant. All right. So, we have to remove our factory exhaust, and there are two ways to go about it. Obviously, the instructions mention cutting this thing into pieces, but I'm a fan of retaining my factory equipment. So, we're gonna remove our factory cat-back as one piece. In order to do that, we're gonna be loosening this ball clamp up here just behind the Y-pipe and the factory cat itself. You'll need a 13-millimeter socket for this one. All right. So, we've loosened that ball clamp. And now technically, the cat-back is disconnected from the truck. Now, we gotta get it out of all those exhaust hangers. There's a couple of them. There's one directly above me in front of the muffler here. We're going to be spraying those down with some lubricant. Then you'll need an exhaust hanger puller tool or a pry bar. What we're gonna do, we're gonna loosen all those exhaust hangers. We're gonna work our way back towards the tailpipe. Once we've loosened that last exhaust hanger, the entire exhaust will fall down, and we can remove it from the truck. I'll show you guys more detail in a second, but let's tackle all these rubber isolators first. All right. With that first rubber isolator out of the way, we're gonna be tackling these next two here just behind the muffler. Same process, go ahead and spray them down with some lubricant, let them soak for a second, and then squeeze those isolators out of those hangers. All right. So, we're finally ready to remove the cat-back itself entirely. You wanna be careful when you've sprayed on this last rubber isolator and pull that exhaust hanger, because again, the entire exhaust is gonna fall down. What you want to do is take your time, support the over-axle pipe when you pop it free, then let the over-axle pipe rest on the axle itself.What you're gonna do, you're gonna go up front towards the muffler. You're gonna grab the muffler, push the entire system back towards the bumper, just enough to get that flex fitting over the crossmember. I'm talking about the flex fitting where we just loosened that clamp. Once you've got the flex fitting over the crossmember, let it dip down, then you can pull the entire exhaust out from underneath the truck. Again, it can be a little bit heavy. Take your time, and if you have a friend, definitely grab them to help you out with this. All right, so we got our factory system removed, we got the new one sitting next to it all mocked up and ready to go, but it's a good idea to get a comparison of our old one and our new one, right? And I've done a lot of exhaust system guys, I've done a lot of Flowmaster kits and I gotta say the FlowFX that I've got sitting here right now is in my opinion probably one of their best-looking exhaust systems to date.These 4-inch tips here, they're black powder coated. They did a really good job on the powder coat finish. It's nice and thick and even, but what I like more is the laser engraved logos they did. You got these really cool Flowmaster logos with a gold inlay. They just look awesome. And I love the fact that they welded the tips on to the pipes too, gives it a way more finished, clean, professional look where it's exiting out of the truck. Now, as far as build quality is concerned, we're on par with our factory system here. This is factory grade 409 stainless. You can see our factory system definitely has some miles on it. We see a lot of snow and road salt here. But this has stood up to the test of time, we don't have to worry about pinhole leaks or excessive rust or anything like that. So this system will stand up just as well. And the FlowFX muffler here, you can see it's way smaller than our factory muffler. We're also ditching the resonator on the over axle pipe, so that's where you're getting all that volume and tone from. And then lastly, again, it's a bolt-on kit. We do have our extension pipe here. Depending on your cab and bed length, that will be used, or you could discard it. Again, no cutting required, and then we have our exhaust hangers. Those are bolt-on as well, they do provide a new rubber isolator for the fact that this is exiting out underneath the cab. So we're gonna throw the new system in place. We're starting with our new pipe here with that new flex fitting. We'll bolt that up first with that factory ball clamp, and then we'll throw our muffler in place and our tailpipes, and I'll show you guys where that new exhaust hanger goes. All right. So like I said, we're starting with our new mid-pipe here. Go ahead and spray down that first rubber isolator, get that exhaust hanger in place, and we're gonna tighten down that ball clamp to seat this thing and get it in place. Again, you'll need that 13-millimeter socket to tighten this down. Okay, now we can throw our muffler in place. When you throw the muffler on the midpipe, make sure you grab one of those 3-inch clamps, throw it on the end here, and you'll need to tighten that down with a 15-millimeter deep socket. All right, now we can throw our tailpipe assembly in place. Before you do that though, make sure you throw those 2-1/2-inch band clamps on both of the outlets of the muffler, which we'll tighten down in just a moment with that 15-millimeter deep socket.And also do yourself a favor and throw this exhaust hanger and rubber isolator assembly onto the tailpipe before you throw it in place, because it is a bit of a squeeze. You may actually have to hammer this thing on there, so it's helpful to spray it down as well. But once we throw this on and tighten it down, I'll show you guys how to actually secure this to the frame rail. We will be drilling two holes for that. All right, so our tailpipe is hung up and everything looks good, it's resting where we want it to. Now, we gotta secure that exhaust hanger. And in order to do that, we're gonna be tapping some holes in the frame rail, so you'll need a 1/4-inch drill bit. Once you drill those two holes, you'll need these self-tapping screws provided in the kit. You can actually drive these guys home using that 13-millimeter socket that we used earlier. Now, these frames come greased from the factory, so it's helpful to have a wax marker or something relatively bright that you can see so you can mark these holes correctly. All right. Once you got both of those holes drilled, go ahead and grab those self-tapping screws, line everything up, and drive them home with that 13-millimeter socket. All right, so once you got that exhaust hanger tightened down, double check all the clamps, make sure they're nice and tight so you don't have any leaks. And that will wrap up this install. And that also wraps up my review of the Flowmaster FlowFX Dual Exhaust System in the very cool middle side exit configuration, fitting your 2014 or newer 5.3-liter powered Silverado or Sierra. I'm Travis. Thanks for watching, and for all things Chevy and GMC, keep it right here at americantrucks.com
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2014-2018 Silverado & Sierra Flowmaster FlowFX Dual Middle Side 5.3L Exhaust Sound Clip & Install
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Features, Description, Reviews, Q&A, Specs & Installation
Brand | Flowmaster |
Exhaust System Type | Cat-Back System |
Exhaust Tip Finish | Black, Black Chrome |
Exhaust Tubing Diameter | 2.50 Inch |
Exhaust Material | Stainless Steel |
Exhaust Tip Outlet Style | Dual |
Exhaust Exit Location | Passenger Side - Before Tire |
Exhaust Loudness | Mild |
Provides Moderate to Aggressive Sound. The Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust with Black Tips and a Middle Side Exit is the perfect upgrade for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if you want to aurally enhance its 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine. With the touch of your throttle, you will be thrilled by the throaty, NASCAR-inspired sound that this cat-back produces.
Improves Output. This cat-back is engineered to get the toxic gases out of your truck’s V8 engine quicker and more efficiently. Thus, it allows the already-powerful engine to “breathe” better and provide considerably more power for the truck to move faster and perform better on the road and off it.
Sturdy Stainless-Steel Construction. Manufactured from mandrel-bent, 2.50-inch, 409S-grade stainless steel tubing that is brushed, this cat-back features a pair of “straight-through” mufflers with large, 4.0-inch, 304 stainless-steel tips finished with a cool black ceramic coat. Ultimately, this system is supremely durable and corrosion-resistant.
Direct Bolt-On Design for Medium-Level Installation. This cat-back is designed to directly bolt onto the factory piping, thus making any modifications completely unnecessary. Expect to spend about 2 hours to get it done.
Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty. Flowmaster warranties that this cat-back exhaust system will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as it is on the vehicle that it was originally installed. Some exclusions or limitations may apply; please see manufacturer’s warranty for complete details.
Application. This Flowmaster FlowFX Cat-Back Exhaust with Black Tips and a Middle Side Exit is designed to fit the 2014–2018 5.3L Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models
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Fitment:
Flowmaster 717787
CA Residents: WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Installation Info
Installation Time
(approx) 2 Hours
Difficulty Level:
Light to Moderate mechanical skill required.
Installation Guides
No guide available for this part yet.
What's in the Box
Review Summary
Installation Time: Afternoon
Installation Cost: $2.00
Jun 4, 2024
Absolutely perfect.
I was contemplating a few different systems and decided to go with this one. Not too loud, not too quiet, has a nice rumble to it. And a very easy install. Installed this along with a corsa closed box intake and they definitely compliment each other. Definitely feel a better throttle response and better performance for sure. Definitely recommend.
Sep 19, 2023
Aggressive tone respectable volume
I love this exhaust. Easy install with a great fit. Throaty, aggressive tone but you can comfortably have the windows open without it droning in the cab and won't wake up the neighbors.
May 14, 2023
Great sound for the money
Super easy install. Did it in my driveway with minimal tools. Took an afternoon to get it done. Everything you need is in the kit. Sounds great! Not too loud and great throaty note. Hardest part of the install was getting the factory exhaust out.
Aug 11, 2022
Nice sound, good overall, hardware issues.
I knew this would take longer to install in my driveway without a lift available, and working with a floor jack and jack stands. Once I got the old exhaust out, I found that it required some percussive maintenance to get the dual tail pipes into the muffler outlets, as the bracket was welded slightly out of alignment. Once that was done it was just a matter of aligning it all and tightening it down. As many others have mentioned, the "self tapping" screws for the rear hanger are total crap. They are softer than the frame steel, and strip the threads right off even when properly drilled. Super glue, duct tape or zip-ties would be a better choice. I just drilled the frame and put some 1/4-20 through bolts in it and it's solid. The sound is a really nice, low rumble. Not too loud at all and no silly rappy noise or resonant drone at cruise. I will have to drive it more to evaluate any perceived performance gains. I have always been happy with Flowmaster's sound. Overall, very nice, except for the crappy hardware.
Jun 5, 2021
Worth it
I’d give this 5 stars if it wasn’t for the tailpipe bracket being slightly miss welded. Ended up having to beat them into the muffler and hang the whole assembly as one section with two jacks. If it wasn’t for this it would of been and hour or less install start to finish, this case took a bit over two. Otherwise everything was straight forward and included. I didn’t use the self tapping bolts for the frame, instead I used some of my own hardware not trusting the included wouldn’t back out. The sound is what I was looking for. Aggressive when you want it but just mild enough not to drone the whole time.
Apr 18, 2021
Amazing Sound and look
I ordered this for the stainless steel (live in northern WI) and the low rumble. It really doesn't disappoint. This system was super easy to install though I recommend not using the supplied "self tapping" bolts and just tapping the holes yourself. Both bolts stripped out immediately and rattled. I had to put in some temporary fasteners and decided to get the hanger plate welded in place. If not for that this would be five star. The sound is a beautiful low rumble with no rap. It's no to loud but you will know it's an LS.
Apr 7, 2021
Great Exhaust
Love the sound, simple install and great look. Not overpowering sound and no drone noise at high speeds.
Jan 31, 2021
Excellent sound
At first I thought it was too quiet.. but quickly broke in and came tastefully louder. It has a deep aggressive tone and really sounds nice. The stainless is flawless and really looks good. Only bad thing is the hanger you have to add the bolts strip out easy. So I had to take it to a shop for them to tack weld it for me. No big deal. 10/10 would recommend
Dec 27, 2020
Good value
Sounds really good, I had a K&N CAI installed with it. If you have a GM truck with Active Fuel Management, your going to want to buy the AFM disabler by Range Technology. Makes a night and day difference when it only runs in 8 cylinder.
Dec 6, 2020
Wouldn’t recommend
Sounds good looked good for about 4 days then black came off inside of tips