[josh_0351]

Hi All,



I just ordered my FIPK kit and am thinking about exhaust now. I’ve decided to keep my stock headers for now, and am going to order the Flowmaster American Thunder or SLP Loudmouth cat-back system (I’m 90% in favor of the AmThunder FYI, but feel free to weigh-in on this as well).



I’ve noticed a huge priced difference between the X & H pipes with converters – their about double that of off-road pipes w/ converters. I could definitely use the approx. $200 difference on gears or springs (or diapers! ). Will an off-road X or H pipe (probably go with an X) work/fit with stock headers and Flowmaster AmThunder cat-back sys?



Thanks in advance!



~Josh

(I know this is probably a stupid ques and I did do a search – only found recommendations for X pipes for greater gains, but nothing that addresses ‘on’ vs. ‘off-road’ X/H pipes…)

[meatball]

I need cats here to be legal - you may not or can save stock mid-pipe and put back on for inspections/emissions, etc. I'd look at Dr. Gas, Bassini, Magnaflow - should be bolt in. Changing the stock headers should be way down your list - job sucks big-time and won't return big HP on mildly modified motor. Yes, money better spent on gears as next step.

[97GTstang]

also, it may be interesting to note that bassni i believe claims that there is absolutely no hp difference between there off road and catted pipes. Just something to keep in mind. With cats you will help the environment, stay legal, and not sacrifice hp. However, with cats it will also be more expensive.

[josh_0351]

Originally Posted by meatball

I need cats here to be legal - you may not or can save stock mid-pipe and put back on for inspections/emissions, etc. I'd look at Dr. Gas, Bassini, Magnaflow - should be bolt in. Changing the stock headers should be way down your list - job sucks big-time and won't return big HP on mildly modified motor. Yes, money better spent on gears as next step.

Thanks, Meat – Do you have any links for good prices? If I do go with the off-road pipe, I will retain the stock “just in case”. We don’t have inspections here in NE, but if we ever move I’ll want to have it covered.



Headers are on the list, but way down. My ‘Mod-Roadmap/List’ as is stands is:
1) CAI
2) Exhaust
3) Gears
4) Lowering Springs
5) New Plugs/Wires
6) *Then not sure – maybe a new throttle body and engine work (???)…
7) Headers


Thanks,



~Josh

[meatball]

BBK-1669, Summit, X-pipe, $199.88 - MACs and BBKs seem to be cheapest.
try this: www.mac-usa.net
Bassini X, AMP Performance, $249 - this looks like the average price on this
look at Lauurel Mountain Mustang, Mustang Tuning, Mustang Giant, 5.0 Resto
http://www.drgas.com/Street-Catalog.asp
Remember www.mustangexhaust.com if comparing sounds

List looks good, gears next.

[GTron]

The March 2005 issue of "Mustang Euthusiast" had a dyno test of catted and off road x- pipes on pages 48 through 57. They tested Bassani, BBK, Dr. Gas, Magna-Flow, and VRS off road X pipes. The off road pipes were all within 1 to 3hp of each other at any given rpm. They also compared a catted and an off road Dr. Gas X-pipe. From 2800rpm to 4600rpm the difference was 1 to 2 hp. From 4800 to 5200 the off road LOST 1 to 2hp compared to the catted X-pipe. From 5400rpm to 6800rpm the off road made more power- from 1 to 6 more hp. 4 hp at 6400, 5hp at 6600 and the 6 hp gain did not come until 6800rpm. They then compared a BBK off road X pipe to a BBK off road H-pipe. The X pipe made from 1 to 4 more hp than the H. The greatest gains (2 to 4hp) came in the mid range and up, but at 6600 and 6800rpm the difference was only 1 hp. An interesting article. The conclusion that I came to was there wasn't enough diffence between the brands to make much difference. The main thing I came away with after reading the article was that you should run a catted pipe. You don't get enough of a gain to justify dirtying the air, especially on a bolt on car that signs off at 6000rpm.

[meatball]

GTron - 100% agree w/you but the often significant price difference really affects the young guys here. I was able to get a catted Magnaflow X but the off-road H-pipe remains a steal.

[josh_0351]

Yea, I probably going to pull the trigger on the SLP Loudmouth II’s here Monday (barring something makes me change my mind again! ), then bolt 'em onto the stock mid-pipe for now (till I can save for the X/H-pipe). That’ll give me some time to investigate mid-pipes more thoroughly as well, and even the chance to hear some setups from Stangers’ in the area as the weather gets nicer and they begin to roll outa hibernation.

~Josh

[badass4.6]

I'd go with an off road Xpipe with the american thunder cat back. your car will sound good. bye the way its going to be loud as hell!!

[Darkness 96 GT]

Flowmaster American thunder catback gets my vote.
I have this catback and it will make your mustang
sound great!:thumbsup
In my opnion the SLP products belong on GM cars
and they really sound like a LT1 truck on a mustang
and that's horrible.But to each his own I guess.
Flowmaster:thumbsup

[Darkness 96 GT]

Try www.mustangexhaust.com to listen to some clips.