MagnaFlow Exhaust Tip: Sizes, Fitment, and Installation
By MagnaFlow Exhaust, Mufflers & Cat Converters - Quality | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to choose the right MagnaFlow exhaust tip size, check fitment, and install it yourself. Includes tips for the MagnaFlow 35226 round polished tip.
Quick Answer
Measure your exhaust pipe outer diameter, choose a tip with the same inlet size, and use a weld-on or clamp-on method. The MagnaFlow 35226 round polished tip fits 3-inch pipes and offers a durable stainless steel finish.
Why Size and Fitment Matter
An exhaust tip that is too large or too small will not fit securely, leading to rattles, leaks, or a poor appearance. The inlet diameter must match your exhaust pipe outer diameter exactly. A 3-inch tip like the MagnaFlow 35226 requires a 3-inch pipe.
Weld-on tips provide a permanent, leak-free connection but require welding skills. Clamp-on tips are easier to install but may loosen over time. Choose based on your tools and long-term plans.
Material and Finish Considerations
Stainless steel tips resist rust and last longer than chrome-plated steel. The MagnaFlow 35226 is made of durable stainless steel and built using CNC precision robotic manufacturing, backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Polished finishes look great but show fingerprints and require occasional cleaning.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Measure Your Exhaust Pipe Outer Diameter: Use a caliper or tape measure to find the exact outer diameter of your exhaust pipe where the tip will attach. This determines the inlet size you need. A common mistake is measuring the inner diameter instead. Always measure the outer diameter; a 3-inch pipe needs a 3-inch inlet tip.
- Select the Right Tip: Choose a tip with an inlet diameter that matches your pipe. The MagnaFlow 35226 has a 3-inch inlet and a round polished stainless steel body. Also consider the outlet shape (round, oval, angled) and length to match your vehicle's bumper clearance. Check bumper clearance to avoid the tip sticking out too far or hitting the bumper.
- Prepare the Pipe Surface: Clean the end of your exhaust pipe with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rust, paint, or debris. For weld-on tips, also bevel the pipe edge slightly for better weld penetration. Skipping this step can cause a weak weld or poor clamp grip. A clean, bare metal surface ensures a strong weld or secure clamp fit.
- Position the Tip: Slide the tip onto the pipe and adjust the angle and depth. Use a level or step back to check alignment. Mark the position with a pencil or tape. A common mistake is installing the tip crooked, which looks unprofessional. Double-check alignment from multiple angles before finalizing.
- Secure the Tip: For weld-on tips, tack weld in a few spots, then complete the weld bead around the pipe. Let it cool naturally. For clamp-on tips, tighten the clamp evenly with a socket wrench. Overtightening can strip the clamp or dent the tip. Let weld-on tips cool slowly to avoid warping; check clamp tightness after a test drive.
Product Facts
- MagnaFlow 3in. Round Polished Exhaust Tip 35226: MagnaFlow Custom weld on tips come in many sizes and styles completing most any exhaust system with the just the right finishing touch. MagnaFlow 3in. Round Polished Exhaust Tip 35226 is made of durable stainless steel and built using CNC precision robotic manufacturing techniques, all backed by MagnaFlow's limited lifetime construction warranty. This means the 35226 tip is a reliable, long-lasting option that fits standard 3-inch exhaust pipes and gives a polished, professional look.

MagnaFlow 3in. Round Polished Exhaust Tip 35226
