Tailpipes for '88 GT

pindude80

Active Member
Apr 8, 2024
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Cincinnati, OH
My '88 GT has dumped Flowmaster mufflers. I like the sound of it but I'm getting tired of my clothes smelling like exhaust fumes after I get out of the car. I want to put tailpipes on the car to reduce / eliminate always smelling the exhaust.

I was thinking of buying these Flowmaster tailpipes from LMR: https://lmr.com/item/FLO-15805/87-93-Mustang-Gt-Flowmaster-Aluminized-Tailpipes

I also found these on Summit but am kind of skeptical since the price is so cheap and the reviews are mixed. I'm not sure if I would have to pay shipping if I returned them to Summit if they didn't fit well. Here they are: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aph-x5003

I like the idea of the Flowmaster tailpipes but back in the late 90s / early 2000s I had a Flowmaster catback on my '91 GT and one of the pipes wanted to vibrate against the frame rail from time to time.

I was also thinking of looking for a used catback since I'm on the fence about the Flowmaster sound.

I thought about taking it to an exhaust shop but I would think most shops don't mandrel bend.

What do you guys think about the Flowmaster tailpipes? Do you have any other recommendations?
 
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Fwiw, I have the AP tail pipes in the wish list for my 87 GT. Otherwise, I have no real advice or suggestion to give. :shrug:

I mean they're both mandrel bent aluminized steel. In my mind, you're paying for a name with the Flowmaster pipes. They might fit better, they might not. But for ~$150/side, I think I'd take my chances on the AP set.
 
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Fwiw, I have the AP tail pipes in the wish list for my 87 GT. Otherwise, I have no real advice or suggestion to give. :shrug:

I mean they're both mandrel bent aluminized steel. In my mind, you're paying for a name with the Flowmaster pipes. They might fit better, they might not. But for ~$150/side, I think I'd take my chances on the AP set.
I think as long as the bends are correct for the AP, I agree they would be apples to apples with the Flowmasters. They are only $50 per side instead of the $225 for the Flowmaster set.
 
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I looked up the return policy at Summit Racing. The customer is responsible for return shipping payment.

I found the AP tailpipes at a local parts store. They said they are returnable if there are fitment issues unless they are modified. I ordered them and they should be in tomorrow. I will report back once I get them installed.
 
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I had no issues with the flowmaster tailpipes on my car when I ran that cat-back. No rub or hitting. I recently redid my exhaust and bought another set of flowmaster tailpipes, and even with a panhard bar, no rubs or hitting.
 
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I had no issues with the flowmaster tailpipes on my car when I ran that cat-back. No rub or hitting. I recently redid my exhaust and bought another set of flowmaster tailpipes, and even with a panhard bar, no rubs or hitting.
Good to hear. If the AP pipes don't work out I will probably order the Flowmaster tailpipes but I'm going to give the APs a shot first.
 
The car didn't have cats on it when I got it. Yes, not having cats is definitely going to contribute to the smell but I think it will be drastically reduced by putting tailpipes on it.

I have a '69 Mercury Cougar convertible also. Cars of that vintage didn't come from the factory with cats. It has tailpipes and even though it is a convertible I rarely smell the exhaust, even with the top down. I might smell it a little when I'm backing up or the wind is blowing the right way but nothing like my Mustang with dumps: I ALWAYS smell the exhaust in the passenger compartment of the Mustang.

I'm going to give the tailpipes a go and hopefully it will be like my Cougar.
 
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I blame it on 'fat fingers'
Old Kindle+cracked screen+old man-cookies=:poo: happens.......sometimes twice
@pindude80 let us know how them tail pipes work out, I took my junk to a muffler shop in town, I think my tail pipes were from Summit, cheap mufflers, BBK H pipe on long tubes, tossed the crap on the floor, told him I was going for lunch. Like 20 years ago, had the pipes off and on at least 3 times, never an issue.
AHhhh, the good old days :kmcoff:
 
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I blame it on 'fat fingers'
Old Kindle+cracked screen+old man-cookies=:poo: happens.......sometimes twice
@pindude80 let us know how them tail pipes work out, I took my junk to a muffler shop in town, I think my tail pipes were from Summit, cheap mufflers, BBK H pipe on long tubes, tossed the crap on the floor, told him I was going for lunch. Like 20 years ago, had the pipes off and on at least 3 times, never an issue.
AHhhh, the good old days :kmcoff:
I bought the pipes and they look good. I'm going to try to install them myself. If it looks like a lot of fab work will be needed I will do as you did and take it to an exhaust shop.