Whose cat back fits best???

GTron · 12-15-2004

After looking at various catback systems for my '02 GT I settled on a Ford Racing system ($259.95 ). My thinking was that it should fit perfectly since it is made by Ford's OEM supplier, Arvin Meritor, and should be relatively quiet. I love the sound. It is a little mellower at idle, is deep and throaty when you get on it and is as quiet as a stock system at cruising speed.The perfect system for me. HOWEVER, THE FIT SUCKS! The right side fits great; the left side is terrible. There is very little clearance between the left tail pipe and the left upper control arm. I can't even get my pinky in the space between the two. Worse is the way the left side hangs. The tail pipe hangs an inch and ahalf lower then the right side and it hangs below the bumper cover when viewed from the side. The pipe points upwards and outwards, while the right side is nice and level. It looks like crap. The Ford Racing catalog says that there is not warrantee. I have emailed Arvin Meritor with digital images showing the poor fit. So far no response. At some point I am going to replace the system with either Bassani, SLP, or Borla. Based on everyone's experience does anyone have any complaints about the way either of the mentioned systems fit and hang on the car. I'm disappointed in the Ford Racing system's fit. It ruins what was, in my opinion, the perfect system.

SFMach1 · 12-15-2004

Poor costumer service... that sucks man. Well I would go with another known company, they all pretty much fit great these days. Good luck

97GTstang · 12-15-2004

most fit well only ones that i have heard specifically dont fit good are mac and in certain cases flowmaster.

Toonstang01 · 12-17-2004

I have a $40 solution to those Cat-Back questions. When I got my 2001 GT, I wanted to change exhaut systems as well. The first thing that I did was have the factory mufflers removed and replaced with a piece od 3" tubing. I got "Flow Throughs" and have had tem for four years now. They sound great and are not too loud driving down the streets. They do, however turn a lot of heads when I start the car (Especially at the dealership).

97GTstang · 12-17-2004

thats a good solution if you are only looking for sound or a cheap solution. Changing exhaust is mainly a sound modification with small hp gains. But those gains are from the bigger mandrel bent pipes, so your cheap fix would be good for sound, but wouldnt flow any better and would not yield any hp.

SFMach1 · 12-17-2004

hmm... i don't like cutting corners like that

GTron · 12-19-2004

It has been a week since I emailed Arvin Meritor concerning the crappy fitting left side of the Ford Racing cat back system. Guess what? I haven't gotten squat for a reply. I have ordered an SLP PowerFlo cat back system today. I wasted a bunch of money on FRPP system. I would be careful ordering anything from Ford Racing. I know that performance parts are subject abuse yda yda and are sold with no warrantee, but this was nothing but a manufacturing defect. After I get the SLP system installed, I'll post a review. The Ford Racing system sounds great; fits like crap. Don't buy one.

97GTstang · 12-19-2004

gtron, who installed your system? I know somenoe from another site who put an frpp exhaust on his 02 and he is very happy with it. Not trying to discredit you just wondering maybe defective part or something??? i dunno.

Also, you may be able to resell the frpp system on ebay to get back a little money.

GTron · 12-19-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97GTstang

gtron, who installed your system? I know somenoe from another site who put an frpp exhaust on his 02 and he is very happy with it. Not trying to discredit you just wondering maybe defective part or something??? i dunno.

Also, you may be able to resell the frpp system on ebay to get back a little money.

Local Mustang specialty shop installed it. There is no way to make any adjustments in the system . It's all welded together except for the tail pipe which is in two sections. The tail pipe clamps together after it goes over the axle. I tried everything to get to fit myself. It is not an installation problem; the system is defective. The left side exhaust pipe was not bent correctly and has an inch and a half to much length after it goes over the axle. The thing that pisses me off is that I got no response from the manufacter. Ford Racing doesn't stand behind their products. I again advise against buying anything from them. I don't want to try to resell it because it is defective and whoever bought it would have the same problem. I got screwed; I don't want to screw someone else.

highoctane · 12-19-2004

Magnaflows bolt right in. Very fit. Flows sound better,except for at WOT, at WOT(Recent dyno run) Magnaflows sound BAD ASS. Fit and finish is excellent with Magnaflow!

Dash Riprock · 12-21-2004

BORLA STINGERS!! Hands down the best system out there next to Bassani.

darrin · 12-24-2004

Actually, the FRPP catback fits really good once it is installed properly and you do have adjustment enough to get it lined up. You have to loosen the joints where it attaches to the front part of the system and you can rotate it to fit properly around the control arms. If you are unhappy with the tailpipe adjustment once you get the front part done, you loosen the slip connectors and adjust that from there. The fit is the reason I purchased this system. I saw it on another car and it was exactly what I was after.

GTron · 12-24-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by darrin

Actually, the FRPP catback fits really good once it is installed properly and you do have adjustment enough to get it lined up. You have to loosen the joints where it attaches to the front part of the system and you can rotate it to fit properly around the control arms. If you are unhappy with the tailpipe adjustment once you get the front part done, you loosen the slip connectors and adjust that from there. The fit is the reason I purchased this system. I saw it on another car and it was exactly what I was after.

I did all of this and it does not fit. Rotated to the max I have 1/16 " clearance max between the tail pipe and the upper control arm. In that position, the end of the tail pipe is even lower to the ground, further accentuating the upward and outward point of the left tail pipe where it exits the rear of the car. This particular system is defective and I can't get anyone to do anything about it. My SLP system has been shipped and is scheduled to arrive 12/28/04. I had the same thinking that you did. It should have fit perfectly. MINE DOES NOT FIT- PERIOD. I also took the car to a local shop that specializes in custom exhausts and is a Magnaflow and Flowmaster dealer. They looked at it and said that they could do nothing with it. They suggested I contact the manufacturer which I did an got no response.