First off, you guys did not steer me wrong (pardon the pun). When I first stumbled across this board at the beginning of the month, I knew nothing and had no idea where to start. Now, I have my first performance mod in and am just thrilled.
I went with the Manaflow catted-X and cat-back system. I liked the sound, and from what people have said it gives you pretty nice gains as well (and can now testify to it). These are the main reasons for my choice:
1.) I didn't want a super-loud exhaust (I have neighbors, and I'd like them to remain friendly to me). Plus, I like the sound of the Magnaflows--it gives me what I was after--a more "ballsy" presence. Not too little, not too much, just right.
2.) I have emissions--I didn't want to have to worry about not passing them. Hence, the reason why my cats are still on.
3.) I have no tools or place to do my own work. Cutting / welding stuff was out of the question for me. Also, the shop got me the parts, and got me out of the door for well under retail (this included installation, too).
4.) I wanted a simple setup to give me the most bang for my buck.
I was able to drive approximately 35 miles on the freeway with 'em, and I must say, squirting up to 90 is extremely easy to do now. The exhaust makes the car run so much smoother--it's the first thing I really noticed. Instead of working / breathing hard, it just "flows". (Think of a runner who is at the tail end of a 5-mile run gasping for air, compared to a runner just off of the starting block.) My car was saying "thank-you" to me all the way back to work.
So there you have it. I thought this might help folks who were on the fence about their first mod, and figured the rest of you would like to hear "you were right." LOL Thanks again, guys!
My list of mods thus far:
1.) Turn off T/C (traction control) - Who would'a thought it could make a difference?
2.) Tires - Being able to stick to the road is a "very good thing".
3.) Springs - Taking corners at double the rated / suggested speed--priceless. Added looks--a bonus.
4.) Exhaust - Feeling the car breathe, and having your pony be happy by performing better is another "very good thing".
5.) Gears - Getting them installed this Friday! More details to come.
That is all, I hope you've enjoyed the "Mega Report". A story of an old man, his pony, and the pursuit of driving excellence.
I went with the Manaflow catted-X and cat-back system. I liked the sound, and from what people have said it gives you pretty nice gains as well (and can now testify to it). These are the main reasons for my choice:
1.) I didn't want a super-loud exhaust (I have neighbors, and I'd like them to remain friendly to me). Plus, I like the sound of the Magnaflows--it gives me what I was after--a more "ballsy" presence. Not too little, not too much, just right.
2.) I have emissions--I didn't want to have to worry about not passing them. Hence, the reason why my cats are still on.
3.) I have no tools or place to do my own work. Cutting / welding stuff was out of the question for me. Also, the shop got me the parts, and got me out of the door for well under retail (this included installation, too).
4.) I wanted a simple setup to give me the most bang for my buck.
I was able to drive approximately 35 miles on the freeway with 'em, and I must say, squirting up to 90 is extremely easy to do now. The exhaust makes the car run so much smoother--it's the first thing I really noticed. Instead of working / breathing hard, it just "flows". (Think of a runner who is at the tail end of a 5-mile run gasping for air, compared to a runner just off of the starting block.) My car was saying "thank-you" to me all the way back to work.
So there you have it. I thought this might help folks who were on the fence about their first mod, and figured the rest of you would like to hear "you were right." LOL Thanks again, guys!
My list of mods thus far:
1.) Turn off T/C (traction control) - Who would'a thought it could make a difference?
2.) Tires - Being able to stick to the road is a "very good thing".
3.) Springs - Taking corners at double the rated / suggested speed--priceless. Added looks--a bonus.
4.) Exhaust - Feeling the car breathe, and having your pony be happy by performing better is another "very good thing".
5.) Gears - Getting them installed this Friday! More details to come.
That is all, I hope you've enjoyed the "Mega Report". A story of an old man, his pony, and the pursuit of driving excellence.
Not bad when the MSRP on the system alone is around $650.00, eh?
You have a good start on helping your stang breathe better on the exhaust side. LT headers, of course, should be next. I did not notice any intake modifications. You may want to consider a 
