Confused about CAI/Exhaust and results - help

[3huskydogs]

I have been searching but remain confused, hopefully someone can clear me up. I have an 06 GT and have been thinking of adding a CAI and/or changing exhaust. I want slightly better performance and slightly more exhaust rumble. Just a 50 yeqr old guy looking for a richer sound, and quicker pickup, nothing crazy. Most likely someone else will have to do the work, I can do a few basic maintenance things, but not much more. Anyway here are my questions.

With CAI and factory exhaust, does the sound change?
With CAI do I have to re-tune computer
With CAI do I need to use premium fuel
If CAI installed without exhaust change does it really make a difference
Can I just change exhaust mid way, or do I need to start at headers
Does changing exhaust without CAI have any impact on performance or is it just for sound

Appreciate the help, thanks

 

[anthony05gt]

1) The exhaust will sound the same, but the air entering the filter will be heard.

2) The better flowing CAI's like C&L, JLT, Steeda (with high flow elbow is better) all require a tune.

3) You don't need premium fuel if you buy a hand tuner/CAI combo with several octane rated tunes, but a 93 octane tune will obviously allow more advanced timing for added performance.

4) The stock exhaust flows pretty darn well. All tubing is 2-1/2'' mandrel bent stainless steel. The stock manifolds also flow well. For the most part exhaust changes will affect sound more than anything....gains are minimal. The biggest bottle neck in the exhaust system is the cats. You could have a set of high flow cats welded in to replace the stock ones and hear a definite change in exhaust volume. If I were you I'd do that and an axleback system. I like the sound of Zoomers and Corsa for a deeper tone with minimal drone.

Just an added point here...A 93 octane tune/CAI and a set of gears (4.10's) will really wake that car up. If you look on this forum there's an exhaust thread that gives you a library of different exhaust sound clips. Just keep in mind that if you hear something you like, you'll need everything that car has listed on the exhaust system to get that sound. One thing different will change the note substantially.

 

[FR-S8N]

Posted via Mobile Device i have to say the intake did change the sound of my exhaust. not by much, but u can tell that its a bit more aggressive. or maybe its in my head.

 

[BullDog71ss]

My cai and tuner package made my stock exhaust noticably more growly and a bit louder, then I added an off road h pipe and it sounds perfect for me.

 

[3huskydogs]

Good stuff, thanks

 

[kooldawg6]

K&N and WMS are two CAIs that don't require a retune, but doing so along with the CAI has huge gains in the way the car performs, adds power and sets you on the right path for changes later(tire size, gear ratio, rev limiter, speed governor...).

A note on listening to exhaust setups on the net. Most of the time you're not going to get a true representative of the sound as you will hearing it in person. Finding a few you like and then trying to locate somebody local who has the setup or either joining a local Mustang club will give you many chances to hear what is out there.

 

[BullDog71ss]

If you're going to shell out the cash for a cai, then you may as well step out and get one of the kits from brenspeed or bama. I personally went with brenspeed's bbk/sct3 kit for 600 and couldnt be happier. A CAI on these cars is more or less a waste without a tuner to match.

Brenspeed's favorite cai is the bbk because of the combination of good looks and good fitment. I can see why too.