Discuss Catback questions (HP/TQ)... on AllFordMustangs.com, the place for Mustang enthusiasts.
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I've been searching around for exhaust for the longest time...and to be honest, they all sound pretty good. This thread isn't about that.
I plan on doing headers down the road (Dynatech or Stainless Works) and I know both of those will work with most, if not all, aftermarket catbacks.
I'm just wondering if there is any noticeable power difference (+/-) between the catbacks? I plan on getting a full 3", so it's really apples to apples. For example:
I really like the Stainless Works catback. Yet I've talked to some people (and read online) about chambered mufflers and their restrictions, blah, blah, etc.
So is this really anything to look into or is it just internet BS? I just want to make sure I'm getting the most bang/buck out of my catback.
IMO, the mufflers themselves are simply for sound. I believe the biggest power gains will be made (referring to a 'cat-back' exhaust) from the over the axle pipes, which won't have the resonators.
Headers can make great power. Also if you go with an aftermarket H or X (especially an off-road) that will make great power as well.
IMO, the mufflers themselves are simply for sound. I believe the biggest power gains will be made (referring to a 'cat-back' exhaust) from the over the axle pipes, which won't have the resonators.
Headers can make great power. Also if you go with an aftermarket H or X (especially an off-road) that will make great power as well.
Best of luck!
+1
I think whichever catback/axleback you choose, make that decision based on sound and volume considerations and let all the power come from the headers. With my current setup it is hard to enjoy the new power and torque from the headers, especially around town, because of how loud the system is. I literally have to tip-toe around town to avoid being thrown onto the hood by the friendly Boys in Blue.
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2011 GT Black w/Saddle, 6MT, 3.73, BREMBO, Steeda CAI, Boss Intake, Steeda Tunes, Borla S-Type axlebacks, Dynatech 1 7/8 LT w/custom H-pipe, Pypes M80, Dynatech driveshaft, FRPP "P" springs, Koni STR.T, UMI adj. LCA and relo brackets, UMI adj. panhard bar, GT500 mounts, Joe Heck Racing Shifter, bracket, and clutch line.(2013 Setup) 12.19 @ 116mph 1.88 60' stock Pirelli's at MIR 438 rwhp, 421 rwtq...SAE Dynojet(2011 setup) 154.0 mph Texas Mile, Oct. 2011
1967 Fastback, 4-speed, work-in-progress
I know from some old articles I've dug up, there are some HP/TQ differences on certain catbacks, but with everything being equal (pipe diameter, etc) it isn't a big difference.
I've been searching around for exhaust for the longest time...and to be honest, they all sound pretty good. This thread isn't about that.
I plan on doing headers down the road (Dynatech or Stainless Works) and I know both of those will work with most, if not all, aftermarket catbacks.
I'm just wondering if there is any noticeable power difference (+/-) between the catbacks? I plan on getting a full 3", so it's really apples to apples. For example:
I really like the Stainless Works catback. Yet I've talked to some people (and read online) about chambered mufflers and their restrictions, blah, blah, etc.
So is this really anything to look into or is it just internet BS? I just want to make sure I'm getting the most bang/buck out of my catback.
Thanks!
I have LT headers, I decided to use my stock catback,minus the resonators with GT500 mufflers
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2013 GT, AT, JBA ceramic LT with catted H pipe, resonator delete, GT500 axlebacks. Steeda CAI, Brenspeed tuned, AMR chrome wheels, Cooper
RS3-S tires, Focal door and rear coaxial speakers, Shelby-Kicker door subs
2013 V6 performace pkg, airaid CAI,BBK throttle body, Bama tuned, MTX thunderform, Pioneer Coaxials, alpine KTP-445U amp
The love of my sons life
My Hushpower cats-back sounds great and was cheap to boot. It was my first mod and I could definitely feel the increase in response, especially in bottom-end torque. It's not really a "bang for your buck" type mod. It's more about being ready for all the other mods down the road. You might want to consider where your diameter step-downs are though.
I know from some old articles I've dug up, there are some HP/TQ differences on certain catbacks, but with everything being equal (pipe diameter, etc) it isn't a big difference.
Timoren - I dig that. But see, that's the thing. I'm looking at a system that has no step-downs...just straight-up 3" the whole way...minus in the mufflers of course.
Grimace427 - Yeah, Stage3 gave me a hell of quote on that. I've always kinda of liked that system, too. It doesn't sound super loud and has a unique note to it. Plus, it's 3" the whole way.
Also, I know the headers (if I do get them over Dynatech) will fit great.
The real question is, can I restrain myself and keep within budget? I still have wheels/tires and maybe some suspension stuff to look at...
Timoren - I dig that. But see, that's the thing. I'm looking at a system that has no step-downs...just straight-up 3" the whole way...minus in the mufflers of course.
How do you figure that Stainless Works is going to connect to your stock intermediate pipe? Either it slips into another 3" section or steps down. That junction is a slip fit, so you'll need a 3" exit after cat X at the very least. The kit I'm looking at in Grimace427's link doesn't appear to include an intermediate H or X pipe. I noticed when I was shopping exhaust that some folks call OTA and mufflers "cat back", but they leave out the intermediate pipe.
I had the same issue as Grimace, had to sell the Corsa sports and put the factory GT mufflers back on sounds really bad, but at least i'm not afraid to set my foot on the gas pedal. it was super loud with the corsa's.. headers, o/r x, lethal over axle pipes..
How do you figure that Stainless Works is going to connect to your stock intermediate pipe? Either it slips into another 3" section or steps down. That junction is a slip fit, so you'll need a 3" exit after cat X at the very least. The kit I'm looking at in Grimace427's link doesn't appear to include an intermediate H or X pipe. I noticed when I was shopping exhaust that some folks call OTA and mufflers "cat back", but they leave out the intermediate pipe.
Communication error on my part. I thought about it the other way around. I thought you meant that after the connection at the X or H it would step down at one point...but it just steps up from there. As in...whatever the stock H is (2.5 I think?) then goes up to 3" and stays there throughout the system.
I plan on asking Stainless Works about this tomorrow...I want to know if their entire system (headers + X and catback) narrows anywhere. It says 3"...but I'm not sure on it. If it does narrow, I'm just going to get headers from Dyna or SW and get the rest custom fabbed.
Communication error on my part. I thought about it the other way around. I thought you meant that after the connection at the X or H it would step down at one point...but it just steps up from there. As in...whatever the stock H is (2.5 I think?) then goes up to 3" and stays there throughout the system.
I plan on asking Stainless Works about this tomorrow...I want to know if their entire system (headers + X and catback) narrows anywhere. It says 3"...but I'm not sure on it. If it does narrow, I'm just going to get headers from Dyna or SW and get the rest custom fabbed.
You don't need to worry if it necks down from 3" to 2.75"(stock diameter) because that won't have any impact on performance whatsoever. JPC put 550rwph through their complete 2.75" system.
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2011 GT Black w/Saddle, 6MT, 3.73, BREMBO, Steeda CAI, Boss Intake, Steeda Tunes, Borla S-Type axlebacks, Dynatech 1 7/8 LT w/custom H-pipe, Pypes M80, Dynatech driveshaft, FRPP "P" springs, Koni STR.T, UMI adj. LCA and relo brackets, UMI adj. panhard bar, GT500 mounts, Joe Heck Racing Shifter, bracket, and clutch line.(2013 Setup) 12.19 @ 116mph 1.88 60' stock Pirelli's at MIR 438 rwhp, 421 rwtq...SAE Dynojet(2011 setup) 154.0 mph Texas Mile, Oct. 2011
1967 Fastback, 4-speed, work-in-progress
^ Right. After calling Stainless Works they told me the same thing.
From what SW told me...Beefcake (I think that's who he said - I haven't really looked the guy up) runs in the 9's with about 1000Whp and uses their off the shelf SW system.
Either way, I think I've read into it a bit too much. Sticking with 1 7/8 headers and a 3" catback from any manufacturer should net the same gains, give or take a few, so that is all the info I need.
I think whichever catback/axleback you choose, make that decision based on sound and volume considerations and let all the power come from the headers. With my current setup it is hard to enjoy the new power and torque from the headers, especially around town, because of how loud the system is. I literally have to tip-toe around town to avoid being thrown onto the hood by the friendly Boys in Blue.
This is why I went with the gt500 axle backs so when I get my longtubes and borla over axle pipes it will not be omg loud all the time.
Catback questions (HP/TQ)... 
sounds really bad, but at least i'm not afraid to set my foot on the gas pedal. it was super loud with the corsa's.. headers, o/r x, lethal over axle pipes..
