Catted Mac h-pipe out, offroad H in...

[Steve2kGT]

So now I have Mac offroad H and Mac Flowpath catback installed (2.5") I'll first say that it sounds pretty good. Although I still wouldn't call it loud by a longshot. It is louder of course, but really not what I was expecting. I really think the 3.73's really change exhaust sound because you're just not in the drone zone that much. I definitely like the sound in that range better, but all in all I'm happy with it. Also, the MIL eliminators seem to be working after 50+ miles at least.

Now, as far as the install...major PITA with jackstands
Took me about 2 hours. The hardest part was taking down the old pipe. Then, as I was pulling out the passenger side pipe, down dropped the metal gasket in two pieces!! At first I wasn't sure if it really was two pieces, but either way I didn't know how they went back in! So, luckily I called a Ford dealer and picked up a new one for $10. It appears my other one had broken apart.

I had an exhaust leak at the h-section as it uses a clamp. I took it to a muffler shop and had them weld the h-section together.

 

[COBRA90GT]

...Then, as I was pulling out the passenger side pipe, down dropped the metal gasket in two pieces!! At first I wasn't sure if it really was two pieces, but either way I didn't know how they went back in! So, luckily I called a Ford dealer and picked up a new one for $10. It appears my other one had broken apart...

Yeah, it's a good idea (hindsight is always 20/20, isn't it? ) to have a spare passenger side manifold-to-Hpipe gasket handy during a midpipe install because of situations exactly like the one you encountered.
You never know when the factory gasket might come apart during an installation, although most of the time they are still in good shape and re-usable. Congrats on the new exhaust combo

 

[Steve2kGT]

I think I might be going back to my catted H after all this trouble getting the offroad in there. It does sound a LOT louder, not so much at idle, but when you get on it. But after driving it for a few days in various conditions, I think the catted H has a little "tighter" sound...not sure of the word. Not to mention my eyes burn a little now when I sit at a light, and sometimes after driving for a while (could this happen with no cats? ) I know my fastback has this problem, but I do have a few holes in the firewall

So looks like I might be getting rid of it soon. Maybe even the catted H (mac) as well and just go back to stock. We're moving into our new house in a few weeks, and I might be leaving VERY early in the morning, and don't want to wake the kids up.. As it stands now, I will wake up the kids from families in the next town

 

[COBRA90GT]

... Not to mention my eyes burn a little now when I sit at a light, and sometimes after driving for a while (could this happen with no cats? ) I know my fastback has this problem, but I do have a few holes in the firewall

So looks like I might be getting rid of it soon. Maybe even the catted H (mac) as well and just go back to stock. We're moving into our new house in a few weeks, and I might be leaving VERY early in the morning, and don't want to wake the kids up.. As it stands now, I will wake up the kids from families in the next town ...

Heh yeah, the lack of cats is to blame for your eyes burning like that - the power of raw fumes! LOL Some love the smell of unburnt emissions in the morning, while others can hardly stand it. Hopefully you'll be able to manage with the aftermarket catted H pipe once you move to the new house - those factory H pipes are soooo restrictive.