[rgensemer]

I posted this originally in the 2005 Mustang Forum, but did not receive any posts that answered my questions.

(I have installed the JBA Axleback since my first post, so I'm more interested in the dual question as it relates to actual Substantial gain for the cost vs. the axleback)

Maybe one of you guys who knows about exhaust systems can help. My next mod on the 4.0 will be an improved exhaust system. I am looking at either duals (using the existing factory Y pipe) or one of the single axlebacks from JBA, MAC or Magnaflow. With the factory set up, Y pipe, it looks like you would have to purchase an additional cat & H pipe to have true duals. The dual kits offered all use the Y pipe, which doesn't seem to justify the fairly high investment.

I talked to techs at two of the aforementioned and in their opinion, since I plan no more mods except my CAI and SCT, I will gain almost as much improvement with the axleback as with the Y pipe setup. Both attribute "back pressure" issues for their reasoning. The axlebacks are in the $200 range. The dual setup will be over $800. This includes the purchase, prep and paint for a GT rear valance and the purchase and labor for the mufflers and tailpipes.

Both tech's claim their axlebacks are good for 8-10 HP and that the small increase over that for the duals will not justify the additional cost. Of course, I'm from the old school and thought duals were a necessity at least with my V8's, but this is my first V6 and since I'm not sure, I'd like to hear your opinions.

[Darkness 96 GT]

To tell you the truth I never heard of the JBA Axleback?
I have a Flowmaster catback on my 96 GT and it sounds
very good and gave me a power increase also.People always
tell me that my car is the best sounding mustang they
ever heard.If I had a 05 I would get JBA shorty headers
and the new Flowmaster super 40 catback for the 05 and
you can get it at www.ninosport.com .I agree you should
also get a CAI and a tuner to go with it.If I were you I would
get the Steeda cold air induction kit for your 05 and get the SCT
because it's the best tune out their today and you can get it
from www.steeda.com .Good luck.

[rgensemer]

Thanks, You can see the JBA at http://www.v6mustangstuff.com/ Scroll down about half way. My first mod was the SCT XC and I run the 93 Octane tune. I also have a MAC Stright Shot CAI.
My dilemma is with going to duals. The stock system is pretty efficient with fairly big pipes going into the Y. But for the life of me, I cannot see how a big HP gain would be realized adding a second pipe ahead of the Y since both pipes are dumping into the Y and all you are doing is providing a second pipe. It would look good, but..........

[lcurle]

remember everyone the 05 exhaust system is set up very different from the pre 05's. The muffler is right behind the rear bumper now, and Im not sure becuase I haven't been under one lately, but the resignators and cats are moved back slightly.. So a good question would be, "cant I take off this stock exhaust and replace it with pre 05 exhaust system?" That all depends if you like the mufflers where they are, like ricers have them. I don't, just my personal opinion. If you are going to spend $800 on exhaust I would look into the Roush side exit exhaust for $200 more and on the 05s it looks very very uberifical nice!!!!