Ford Mustang GT 1996-2004: The Ultimate Exhaust Guide
A cat-back exhaust upgrade on your Mustang GT will give you a little more performance and a LOT more sound. This article will help you choose from a few good options, and also show you how to install it.
This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1996-2004)
The stock exhaust on a Mustang GT is, well, the stock exhaust on a Mustang GT. It serves the purpose, but for a little extra muscle and a lot more bass, it's time to think about an upgrade. There are certainly no shortage of choices on the market for aftermarket cat-back exhausts. How do you choose among a long list of quality options? Today we'll take a look at three popular models that are excellent choices to upgrade your stock muffler, as well as how to install it.
Table of Contents
Cat-Back Exhaust Reviews
When you make the decision of switching out your cat-back exhaust, you will need to choose from a variety of options. Here are three choices that cover plenty of bases. Read on to find out what best suits you and your needs.
SLP Loud Mouth |
Borla Stinger |
Bassani | |
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$500 | $600 | $750 |
Sound |
Loud | Medium | Medium |
Performance Gains |
8-12HP | 8-12HP | 8-12HP |
SLP Loud Mouth
Price: – $500
Sound – Loud
Performance Gains – 8-12HP
With a name like that, how can you go wrong? The SLP Loud Mouth utilizes SLP's specially designed resonators to deliver a wicked, "race ready" sound with minimal flow restriction. It's the best of both worlds, as you get the performance increase and the throaty rumble appropriate for the Mustang GT. Replacing your stock system with the SLP is a breeze, as it is engineered to bolt on directly to the stock factory mid-pipe with no modifications necessary. It's made from mandrel bent 2.5" 409 stainless steel tubing for its superior non-restrictive flow characteristics and a long life to enjoy it. It's also the most moderately priced option of the three, giving you the most bang for the buck and the best dollar-per-decibel ratio. Recommended for its sound, performance increase, and easy installation.
Borla Stinger
Price – $600
Sound – Medium
Performance Gains – 8-12HP
Not as loud as the SLP and not as costly as the Bassani, the Borla Stinger is an excellent middle ground option.
The signature "S-type" stinger mufflers are built from aircraft quality T-304 stainless steel and they feature a straight through baffled design, which is known for its ability to produce that highly desirable muscle car sound. Engineers built the system to deliver maximum flow for a significant bump in sound and power over stock. The Stinger exhaust is finished with two 4" polished tips. Installing it is not complicated task, as everything is manufactured to spec to fit right into the stock mid-pipe with no modifications required. Recommended for its increase in sound and power.
Bassani Cat-Back
Price – $750
Sound – Medium
Performance Gains – 8-12HP
This is the most expensive option of the three, but the quality is second to none. It's precision engineered from resilient stainless steel for exceptional durability. As they say, you get what you pay for, and the lifetime guarantee assures that this will be the last exhaust purchase you will need to make for your GT.
The 4x8 chambered performance muffler gives you the extra horsepower with an aggressive exhaust note to match. This kit comes with 3.5" rolled edge slash cut and polished stainless steel tips with "Bassani" etched into them. Recommended for its lifetime guarantee and extra horsepower.
How to Install a Cat-Back Exhaust
You've seen your options, you've ordered that shiny, new exhaust, and now it's waiting for installation. If you've got any questions, we've got you covered. Check out this easy tutorial and let your Mustang roar.
Materials Needed
- Auto lift
- Sawzall
- 3/8" ratchet
- 14mm deep socket
- 14mm wrench
- Hammer or mallet
- Exhaust hanger removal tool
- Safety glasses
Step 1 – Remove the old exhaust system
Start by getting the vehicle up on the lift and cutting the pipe right behind the muffler, as shown in Figure 1.
Next, release hanger and remove the tail pipe. Once that's done, you will need to separate the muffler and flow tubes from the factory H-pipe.
You may need to tap the ends with a hammer to get it loose. Remove the muffler from the hangers, and repeat the process on the other muffler.
Step 2 – Install the new tail pipes
First, slide one tail pipe above the axle and into place, as shown in Figure 6. Then hook the end into the hanger. Repeat for the second pipe.
Step 3 – Install the mufflers
Start by cutting small slots on the end of the muffler. This will make it a lot easier to slide onto the tail pipe.
Slide the slotted end of the muffler onto the tail pipe, and then fasten the other end to the H-pipe. It is highly recommended to use new nuts and bolts as opposed to the older hardware.
Step 4 – Clamp the muffler to the tail pipe
Use a U-clamp to secure the muffler to the tail pipe.
Be sure to line up the end of the tail pipe to the bumper before tightening the clamp.
Repeat the process on the second muffler and you're done!
Featured Video: Mustang Cat-back Exhaust Installation
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