Ford Mustang V6 2005-2014: Exhaust Reviews and How-To

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 (2005-2014).

An exhaust system is used to allow the exhaust gases from your engine to escape. To an automotive enthusiast, an exhaust is one of the most important decisions when deciding on modifications. Since Mustang has one of the largest aftermarket exhaust selections out of any car made in the world, you will have no trouble finding something that fits your car's personality. One word of caution is to check your local laws for sound decibel limits and emissions testing requirements.

How to Replace Your Exhaust System

This how-to is based off the Ford Racing Duel Exhaust System for the 2005 to 2009 Mustang V6. From the catalytic converter's back, this is a complete exhaust system. You may choose to mix and match components from different companies, which can change some of the installation instructions.

For those installing a dual exhaust system on your 2005 to 2010 Mustang, you'll need to modify the factory rear bumper valence or install a GT version.

Although the 2011 to 2014 3.7 liter V6 Mustang uses a true dual system from the factory compared to the Y-pipe setup on the 2005 to 2011 models, the installation procedures are similar.

Be sure your system meets federal, state, and local emission and decibel limit laws.

Step 1 – Jack up and support your Mustang

Follow the procedure in the related article: How to Jack Up Your Car

You'll only need to raise the rear wheels about of foot off the ground depending on your size. Make sure you place wheel chocks in front and behind one front wheel.

Step 2 – Remove the negative battery cable

Use either a socket/ratchet or wrench to remove the cable from the post. Place the cable in an area where it cannot come into contact with the post, or wrap it with electrical tape.

Step 3 – Remove the Y-pipe and muffler clamps

Use a large ratchet with a 15mm socket or 15mm wrench to loosen the clamps. Once removed, lift up the hooks with a flat head screwdriver to separate the piping and then place it on the ground.

Step 4 – Remove the muffler

Three hangers hold the muffler to the body. There is one on the side of the muffler and two near the tip. Spray penetrating oil on the hangers to ease removal. Using a flat head screwdriver or pry bar, push the tip into the hanger hole and expand it. Pull the metal hanger out of the grommet. Repeat the process for the rear hangers, but pull the muffler towards the engine to separate the hangers from the grommets.

Step 5 – Mark, cut, and remove the Y-pipe

Hold the new X-pipe against the Y-pipe and mark the Y-pipe for the cut. Cut the pipe using a cut off wheel or pneumatic/tiger saw. Clean the edges of the pipe with a file. Remove the oxygen sensor on the right side of the Y-pipe with a wrench or O2 sensor socket.

Step 6 – Install the X-pipe

Install the oxygen sensor into the X-pipe and slide the X-pipe over the factory piping. Clamp the X-pipe to the piping with the provided clamps, nuts, and bolts.

Step 7 – Install the left muffler grommets and modify bumper valence

You'll need to install grommets for the left muffler. Look at the factory muffler and compare where the grommet locations are, then find the locations on the left side. You can hold up the new muffler to be sure the grommets will reach the muffler hangers. Install the grommets to the frame with the provided bolts.

You are now ready to cut your bumper valence or install a GT valence. The Ford Racing kit has an included template and fascia outlets to make the finished product clean and factory appearing. You'll need you tiger saw again and a power drill to mount the fascia outlets to the bumper.

Here's a link to the GT/Roush valence installation.

Step 8 – Install the mufflers

Slide the muffler hangers into the grommets. Spray penetrating oil on the grommets to ease the installation process. Place a clamp on the inlet of each muffler.

Step 9 – Install remaining underbody pipes

Place clamps onto the X-pipe end of the piping and slide the piping into the mufflers, then over the X-pipe. Tighten the clamps, lower the vehicle and enjoy your new performance exhaust system!

Featured Videos: Exhaust Installation

• 2005-2009 V6 axle back exhaust Installation

• Roush Axle Back Exhaust Installation 2011-2014

Exhaust Systems Reviews

Exhaust systems are best compared when the price, power gains, and system style are known. The Mustangs vast selection of exhaust make it challenging for most owners to compare and contrast the many brands available. Thanks to the market's competitiveness and support by industry leaders in performance exhaust systems, your satisfaction is practically guaranteed.

Pypes Street Pros

Price – $400-$500

Piping Size – 2.5"

Quoted Performance Gains – 15-25 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – X-pipe

Pypes exhaust systems use mandrel bent tubing versus compression bent tubing used by some manufacturers. Exhaust flow is doubled with this design and system reliability is assured with the stainless steel piping. Pypes back their cat-back exhaust systems with a limited lifetime warranty. Systems can be purchased with no mufflers, mid mufflers, or back mufflers. Recommended for its options, value, and impressive power gains.

JBA

Price – $500-$700

Piping Size – 2.5"-2.75"

Quoted Performance Gains – 10-20 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – X-pipe or H-pipe

JBA exhaust utilize large diameter piping with smooth mandrel bends for increases in horsepower, torque, and throttle response. Exhaust tone is tuned for great sound without being to overwhelming inside the vehicle. The muffler tips are covered with chrome plated stainless steel to resist coloring and improve styling. JBA backs their exhaust systems with a one year warranty. Recommended for its performance sound and large piping diameter.

Ford Racing

Price – $600-$700

Piping Size – 2.5"

Quoted Performance Gains – 10-20 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – X-pipe

Ford Performance parts are recognized by Ford Dealers and some parts may be covered under your vehicle's warranty. Ford Performance offers high quality 409 stainless steel piping to resist corrosion and tuned mufflers for a deep yet mellow tone. The result is a high quality system that will reduce high pitched rasp not sought after when buying a cat-back exhaust system for your Mustang. Recommended for its factory support and craftsmanship.

Borla

Price – $900-$1,000

Piping Size – 2.25"

Quoted Performance Gains – 10-20 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – X-pipe

Give your Mustang an aggressive, throaty exhaust note with a Borla cat-back exhaust system! Borla began designing stainless steel exhaust systems over three decades ago for Rolls Royce and Ferrari. Austenitic steel is used over 409 stainless steel for a strong, long lasting system. Borla backs its product with a million mile warranty. Recommended for its industry leading quality and design.

Flowmaster

Price – $650-$750

Piping Size – 2.25"

Quoted Performance Gains – 10-20 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – X-pipe

Flowmaster is one of the originators in performance exhaust systems and continue to bring new innovations to the market. There offerings for the V6 Mustang are no different with the Force 2 system specifically designed for the daily driver. Performance is not missing, however, thanks to extensive research and development. Flowmaster cat-back exhaust systems are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Recommended for the everyday Mustang driver searching for a reliable, performance enhancing exhaust system.

Magnaflow

Price – $650-$750

Piping Size – 2.5"

Quoted Performance Gains – 10-20 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – Single and True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – X-pipe, H-pipe, or Y-pipe

Another big name in the performance exhaust market, Magnaflow may have precisely what you are after. They test there systems for performance gains, sound, and flow, ensuring you get the whole package with a Magnaflow cat-back exhaust. Check with your areas sound level laws because some kits may not be legal for street use. Magnaflow ensures long life with your purchase with a lifetime warranty. Recommended for its options, competitive price, and great sound.

Roush

Price – $400-$500

Piping Size – 2.5"

Quoted Performance Gain: 5-10 hp

Single Pipe or True Dual – True Dual

X-pipe or H-pipe – Axle Back Only

The name Roush is well known in the Mustang community not only for its exhaust, but many other performance and visual modifications. Roush uses OEM Ford computer aided designs for a precise fit and finish along with 409 stainless for system longevity. Roush provides a three year/36,000 mile limited parts warranty on the axle-back exhaust system. Recommended for the Roush enthusiast and its easy installation.

Related Discussions

• Official S197 V6 Exhaust Thread - MustangForums.com
• V6 Single to Dual Exhaust - MustangForums.com
• Ford Racing vs. Borla Exhaust - MustangForums.com
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