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  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech

Exhaust, Axel back or H pipe?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mhanksii
  • Start date Start date Sep 2, 2007
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mhanksii

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Jan 3, 2006
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Sep 2, 2007
#1
  • Sep 2, 2007
  • #1
You can see my current list of mods in my signature and now I am turning my attention to exhaust. I like the looks of the pypes pieces but would like some advice. I only have enough money for either the mid muffler system or the H pipe. If I have read correctly with the off road H pipes I will more than likely need the mil eliminators, right? Any advice for which would be the better bet and better performance mod alone? As all ways all input is appreciated.
 
A

anticubicle

New Member
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Sep 3, 2007
#2
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #2
As far as I know, the tuner should give you the option to turn off the sensors so you shouldn't need the MIL eliminators. The Predator does so at least, not sure about the XCalibator.

As for the pipes themselves, I'd like to hear what people have to say on the H vs X since it'll likely be my next mod.
 

mhanksii

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Jan 3, 2006
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Sep 3, 2007
#3
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #3
anticubicle said:
As far as I know, the tuner should give you the option to turn off the sensors so you shouldn't need the MIL eliminators. The Predator does so at least, not sure about the XCalibator.

As for the pipes themselves, I'd like to hear what people have to say on the H vs X since it'll likely be my next mod.
Click to expand...

I have checked my Xcal2 and not found that setting if it is an option for me to turn off the ear sensors.

As for the H vs X pipe fight, that one has raged on this forum and many others for years now. Just to a search I believe there are at least 3 very long threads still here about it. There is some good argument for both sides. I choose H because I love that sound and they tend to make more low end torque. X's tend to be more top end horse power, correct me if I am wrong guys but that is my $.02.
 

DarkFireGT

Playing with my wife's really makes me want one.
10 Year Member
May 23, 2004
692
10
89
East Moline, IL
Sep 3, 2007
#4
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #4
The rear O2 sensors can be turned off with the XCal2, but your tuner must do it. It's not a user end option, it's an option in the Advantage III software. If your tuner is Doug or Brent, then they're already off. If not, just ask your tuner for a quick revision with them turned off. It's a very simple option.

If you're looking for the biggest change now, I would go with the H pipe. You'll gain more HP/TQ and have a more noticeable difference in sound. And you can't go wrong with Pypes.
 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount
Aug 31, 2006
1,679
2
38
Central VA
Sep 3, 2007
#5
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #5
Just adding the Pypes O/R H will change your sound. Get some decent looking tips for the stock mufflers and put the saved money elsewhere...gears?

View attachment 365842
 
A

anticubicle

New Member
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#6
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #6
Sounds good Kool.

Rockin' the pony tail there! Pun intended...I know, bad.
 

mhanksii

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Sep 3, 2007
#7
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #7
kooldawg6 said:
Just adding the Pypes O/R H will change your sound. Get some decent looking tips for the stock mufflers and put the saved money elsewhere...gears?

http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k121/kooldawg6/?action=view&current=Driveoffthenback_0001.flv
Click to expand...


That is a great idea , I was thinking about gears but being the USAF and heading to the dessert I am waiting till I get back. My car will see enough abuse by it's surrogate care giver while I am gone without encouraging it anymore.
 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount
Aug 31, 2006
1,679
2
38
Central VA
Sep 3, 2007
#8
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #8
anticubicle said:
Rockin' the pony tail there! Pun intended...I know, bad.
Click to expand...

I'm kinda suprised I was sportin' a Stang t shirt as well...doesn't matter, I sport the pony 24/7...on my right arm
 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount
Aug 31, 2006
1,679
2
38
Central VA
Sep 3, 2007
#9
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #9
mhanksii said:
That is a great idea , I was thinking about gears but being the USAF and heading to the dessert I am waiting till I get back. My car will see enough abuse by it's surrogate care giver while I am gone without encouraging it anymore.
Click to expand...

Just get the mid pipe for now and create a bit more sound and pocket the rest for when you get back
As for the latter comment...just take your tuner and set the RPM limit to about 4000 RPM
 

mhanksii

Member
Jan 3, 2006
336
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16
Maryland
Sep 3, 2007
#10
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #10
kooldawg6 said:
Just get the mid pipe for now and create a bit more sound and pocket the rest for when you get back
As for the latter comment...just take your tuner and set the RPM limit to about 4000 RPM
Click to expand...

Holy cow, I never even thought about turn the rev limiter down that low. Man I love this forum and the great ideas you guys give me .
 
A

anticubicle

New Member
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Sep 3, 2007
#11
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #11
Definitely tune it down b4 you leave.
 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount
Aug 31, 2006
1,679
2
38
Central VA
Sep 3, 2007
#12
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #12
Kind of like putting in valet mode.
 
S

speed1972

Founding Member
Mar 13, 2002
891
0
16
Denver, CO - Buckley AFB
Sep 3, 2007
#13
  • Sep 3, 2007
  • #13
mhanksii said:
I have checked my Xcal2 and not found that setting if it is an option for me to turn off the ear sensors.

As for the H vs X pipe fight, that one has raged on this forum and many others for years now. Just to a search I believe there are at least 3 very long threads still here about it. There is some good argument for both sides. I choose H because I love that sound and they tend to make more low end torque. X's tend to be more top end horse power, correct me if I am wrong guys but that is my $.02.
Click to expand...

I know you're pain... I had to leave my 91 behind for a year with my buddy when I PCS'd out here to Denver. He's a mustang fanatic like me so I know he beat on it regularly. BTW what's your AFSC?

LB
 

mhanksii

Member
Jan 3, 2006
336
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Maryland
Sep 4, 2007
#14
  • Sep 4, 2007
  • #14
speed1972 said:
I know you're pain... I had to leave my 91 behind for a year with my buddy when I PCS'd out here to Denver. He's a mustang fanatic like me so I know he beat on it regularly. BTW what's your AFSC?

LB
Click to expand...

I'm a 2E1X3 ground rat. What about yourself and how did your pony turn out when you were reunited?
By the way, I was told by two local speed shops that a BBK 62mm throttle body would be a better mod right now and only amplify the H pipe/cat back mod later. Not only that, but they also said if I was going to use the Pypes mid muffler and off road H pipe set up, tuned length shorties would yet a very good throttle response/hp/tq pick up.

Thoughts?
 

DarkFireGT

Playing with my wife's really makes me want one.
10 Year Member
May 23, 2004
692
10
89
East Moline, IL
Sep 4, 2007
#15
  • Sep 4, 2007
  • #15
The throttle body is a huge waste of money. You'll get 1-2 horsepower out of it, and most likely have trouble. Shorties are good for torque and gain a bit of low range horsepower, but your peak horsepower arrives sooner, and you'll loose quite a bit of top range horsepower.
 
S

speed1972

Founding Member
Mar 13, 2002
891
0
16
Denver, CO - Buckley AFB
Sep 4, 2007
#16
  • Sep 4, 2007
  • #16
mhanksii said:
I'm a 2E1X3 ground rat. What about yourself and how did your pony turn out when you were reunited?
By the way, I was told by two local speed shops that a BBK 62mm throttle body would be a better mod right now and only amplify the H pipe/cat back mod later. Not only that, but they also said if I was going to use the Pypes mid muffler and off road H pipe set up, tuned length shorties would yet a very good throttle response/hp/tq pick up.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

4P071 here (pharm tech).... I know, not much in the way of action but it's a hard field to get out of.... been trying for a couple years now but with the drawdown not much choices out there...... Good luck over in the desert and oh yeah, the pony was fine. I almost forgot what power was about after drving a truck for a year.....hehehe

LB
 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount
Aug 31, 2006
1,679
2
38
Central VA
Sep 4, 2007
#17
  • Sep 4, 2007
  • #17
mhanksii said:
I'm a 2E1X3 ground rat. What about yourself and how did your pony turn out when you were reunited?
By the way, I was told by two local speed shops that a BBK 62mm throttle body would be a better mod right now and only amplify the H pipe/cat back mod later. Not only that, but they also said if I was going to use the Pypes mid muffler and off road H pipe set up, tuned length shorties would yet a very good throttle response/hp/tq pick up.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

One of them Speed Unlimited?
 

mhanksii

Member
Jan 3, 2006
336
0
16
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Sep 5, 2007
#18
  • Sep 5, 2007
  • #18
kooldawg6 said:
One of them Speed Unlimited?
Click to expand...

Sir, yes sir. Good guess, should I take the advice (by the way I am more of a torque guy, that number means more to me than peak HP).
 

kooldawg6

mine works really well and can take a fair amount
Aug 31, 2006
1,679
2
38
Central VA
Sep 5, 2007
#19
  • Sep 5, 2007
  • #19
I've ony been there once(years and years ago), so I have no idea if their suggestion is based on customer(S197) experience or they're just trying to sell people stuff. I do drive by there a couple of times a week.
 

DarkFireGT

Playing with my wife's really makes me want one.
10 Year Member
May 23, 2004
692
10
89
East Moline, IL
Sep 5, 2007
#20
  • Sep 5, 2007
  • #20
Run, don't walk, away from the throttle body.
 
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