What Exhaust Component is Most Important?

[GreyDiesel]

Okay, I am looking at exhaust upgrades. I like the stock sound, but I would like a little more clarity to the rumble. I love the sound of a straight pipe (O/R X and Muffler Delete), but that would be too loud for my area. So I am looking for the same sound, only quieter. I am thinking about replacing the stock mufflers with a bullet style muffler of some type. (Magnapacks, Boomtubes, SLP LMs, or even the MRT AeroTurbine which I cant seem to find more then just one sound clip). Then I thought, maybe I can get the sound I am looking for with a good mid-pipe instead. My question is, those that have aftermarket exhausts, would you get a mid-pipe, headers, or axle back first? What is most important? What should I buy first? It sounds like a lot of folks buy an axle back, then when they get a mid-pipe, they replace the axle back with something else, because what sounds good on the stock catted-H, will not sound good on another mid-pipe.

 

[69mach1-409]

I went with Borla Stinger (Axleback) first. The car sounded really good, but I wanted it just alittle deeper/louder.

So I recently put on an off-road Prochamber and wow. It's freaking loud now! I love it, but I'm sure the neighbors don't. It's borderline too loud, but I think I'll be fine as long as I'm not behaving like a 'tard around town.

 

[Justin01]

It sounds like a lot of folks buy an axle back, then when they get a mid-pipe, they replace the axle back with something else, because what sounds good on the stock catted-H, will not sound good on another mid-pipe.

If you buy the x/h pipe first, then the axle back, and don't like it that way.....you're still looking at buying something different. I think the gains in hp come from the x/h pipe and a big change of sound come from the axle back. I'd go with the axle back first too.

 

[GreyDiesel]

thanks for the input. I was also wondering about a custom exhaust. If I am going to spend 300 on headers, 400 on a midpipe, and 400 on an axle back, that is 1100 bucks. Maybe I should just head into a custom exhaust shop and see what they can do for that kind of scratch?

I dont really like the idea of spending 1100 on exhaust, but the way I am going, I probably will end up getting a whole system. Only, I'll buy one piece at time over the next few years.

 

[Justin01]

Custom exhaust can get really expensive really fast too. Especially when you start asking about headers for these cars. I found a person locally who has the setup I want, SLP X and LM axle back, and that's what I'm going for. See if you can't find someone in a club, or "chase" down a mustang that sounds good and ask him what he's got.

 

[DarkFireGT]

off road pipe makes the biggest difference, mufflers and long tubes are about the same, then shorties.

 

[NastyStang113]

I say get a Pypes O/R X pipe and than get Magnaflow Magnapacks and have them welded up as a mid muffler system. The mufflers are $140 from Summit Racing. Just get muffler deletes for the rear with some nice tips. This is the set-up that I've got and it sounds amazing. I bet you won't be disappointed with it.

 

[GreyDiesel]

Thanks Nasty, I like that idea a lot actually. I like the sound of the pypes mid-muffler but have heard the pypes have problems fitting correctly. You sure its not too loud? Do you have video?

 

[NastyStang113]

No, I don't have a video. How loud is too loud? It sounds like you want a pretty aggressive system and this would be it. How about doing this ... Get the Magnaflow Magnapacks and get them welded up. See if you like it. If you want it louder, get the O/R X pipe. If you don't, than you're done. I was lucky and bought the SLP LMs at first so I've got a nice set of tips on my car and didn't have to have to do anything there.

 

[stangzilla100]

each piece of the exhaust has a different quality. the axlebacks dont add much hp at all, but give a distinct note and tone, and contribute the most to the drone. the midpipe will make it a lot louder w/out cats and again give it a certain sound, h, x, or prochamber. i think the prochamber has the most pleasing sound, but the h is loudest and is deep, while the x gives it more of a rasp and race car sound. and adding LT's will make it slightly deeper and louder especially at WOT. what i did was start at the axlebacks, then added LT's and o/r x pipe, then changed the AB's again, then changed the AB's again, and i'll probly change it again soon. lol. not satisfied yet.

 

[walter]

I started with a Steeda Axle Back exhaust which is good for a couple of HP and maybe an MPG but in reality it's mostly for the sound.

Next I'll probably go with an SLP modular catted X pipe which will allow me to later get longtube headers when I can afford it without having to replace the midpipe.

 

[Memphis Raines]

For those of you that end up doing a complete exhaust, have you gone to 3" diameter tubing or stuck with the factory 2.5" dimension? I'm new to the S197s (my last Mustang was an '01 Cobra) and with the SN95s, I know everyone seemed to go to 3". I just didn't know if on the newer Mustangs, if the factory exhaust is much improved and doesn't need the bump in diameter.