[Baker31]

I know what function exhaust plays in an engine running, but I don't know anything about the different parts, i.e. cat-backs? x/h pipes? Can anyone explain all the different parts functions? Also their advantages/disadvantages.

Thanks

[CHICO13]

Flowmaster has a good website that helps answer some questions. On a related note, anybody know the availability and/or warranty repercussions on exhaust for the '05 GT?

[dude5l]

Cat-back is the term used to describe the exhaust system from behind the catalytic converters to the rear of the car. An X/H pipe will even out the exhaust pulses from side to side thus reducing some backpressure and increasing cylinder scavenging.

[propellerhead]

Mustangexhaust.com had a good overview before their database got wiped. Here's my layman's view of exhaust... Experts please correct as required.

Right off the engine, you have the exhaust manifold. Plain and simple pipes that take exhaust fumes from four cylinders and feed them into a single pipe. You have one of these per side of your engine. These are sometimes replaced with headers. The headers do the same thing but 'schedule' the pulses so they don't hit the collection point at the same time. There are long tube headers and short tube headers. There are numerous claims of long tube headers being more efficient.

After the headers, you have your midpipe. The stock midpipe looks like the letter H. This is why it is called an H-pipe. The midpipe takes the exhaust gas from your headers or manifold and routes them further back. There is a pipe in between each long piece to help expel the exhaust. The stock H-pipe has catalytic converters, also known as cats. There are replacements for the midpipes that look like an X, thus the name X-pipe. The X-pipe is known to be more efficient between the two. Both X-pipes and H-pipes can come with or without cats. The ones without cats are not legal for street use, so they are also called off-road X or off-road H pipes. Most aftermarket catted midpipes come with high flow cats for better performance. Naturally, if you go with long tube headers, you will need a shorter midpipe.

After the midpipe, somewhere about the middle of your car, you will find the flow tubes. One per side. These are just short pieces of pipes. Then come the mufflers, also one per side. These are larger sections about two shoeboxes in size and are designed to reduce the noise through cancellation. There are chambered mufflers and straight through mufflers. The chambered ones tend to give a deeper sound and the straight through ones tend to have a higher pitch. After the mufflers are the tips. These are actually about three feet long even though they are called "tips'. These go from the mufflers to under the bumper. Everything in this group (after the midpipe) is commonly called the catback - everything past the cats.

The factory pipes are considered to be restrictive, which robs the engine of the power it can really produce. Replacing the factory pipes with more efficient one will unlock some of the power the modular engine can put out. It also gives off a meaner sound. H-pipes and chambered mufflers are known to give off a deeper, classic American muscle car sound. X-pipes and straight through mufflers are known for a raspy Ferrari like sound. Off-road X/H pipes tend to make your exhaust louder.

Most of these sections are bolted together and can be done in your garage with ramps, or at any muffler shop for a small fee. The hardest part it seems is getting the old bolts to break loose.