Original exhaust/mufflers on this 1990 Mustang. Exhaust looks in excellent shape, however, mufflers may have rusted on interior. Either way, very little exhaust note, so was wanting to add just a little growl to it.
Anyone recommend a specific muffler (flowmaster, etc.) for this? I think it has a standard 2" system on presently. Came with headers so muffler change should be just the right ticket.
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Joined: 3/31/2005 From: Indianapolis, IN Status: offline
As I mentioned previously, you can NOT go wrong with either a complete Mac or Flowmaster off-road system. These are 2.5" all the way, and don't skimp on it - do the headers on back. Talk about exhaust note - it WILL be that classic 5.0 growl that we've all come to know and love
The entire kits are probably less than $1000 or just over (last time I checked) and are EASY bolt-ons.
If it was 1990 and you were asking me, I'd say go with a 3 chamber flowmaster. But, it's not 1990. Although sound is personal prefferance, I think a magnaflow on there sounds pretty good. Borla also makes one as well that sounds sweet on the 5.0's.
Birdie: So, you would just change the muffler with a magnaflow unit? I prefer that route since the 2" system is absolutely brand new.
Sox: You would do from the header connection on back? I know 2.5" will get more airflow and power, but do you really think the sound will be that much different from the 2" system presently?
Just don't want to drop another $$ since this is just a daily driver. Thanks!
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Joined: 3/31/2005 From: Indianapolis, IN Status: offline
Viper - absolutely, a complete system including headers with the 2.5" pipes makes a huge difference in tone. I did this exact kit (from Mac) on my 82 Capri RS and my 93 LX, and wow what a difference. IMO, if you are going to do anything then do it all or just leave it alone until you can swallow the fact of droping $1000 into it. You can replace the headers for this price, or leave the stock headers if you wish. But the stock headers are junk IMO. Look closely at them and how kinked up they are in the bends
The 3 chambers as Birdie mentioned will add some tone, but nothing like what you hear driving down the road in just about every other 5.0 out there.
Talked with Performance Auto Specialist here in Richmond (Mustang/Saleens only) and they recommended keeping the original headers and cats on it and doing a catback system at 2.5" with flowmaster exhaust. Further, change the rear gears to 3:55, and install short-throw shifter.
I'm not looking for all-out performance, just wanted a nicer daily driver with some reasonable rubble to it. They said the headers/cat won't assist the sound that much and since this vehicle has so few miles, it would be a shame to change it up. I guess if I don't get the sound I'm after, I can go back and do the rest of the frontend exhaust system.
Posts: 3897
Joined: 3/31/2005 From: Indianapolis, IN Status: offline
quote:
ORIGINAL: Viper/Saleen1
To get a "complete" set, where do you get your pricing? Looking under the links for mufflers/exhaust on this board, most I see are cat-back systems.
Can you point me in a good direct? If I do, I want it right, so I'll probably go with the complete set. Thanks for any help!
The last time I did it was in 1998 - I spent $700+ on the Mac H pipe, rear pipes and mufflers/tail pipes, and the headers were $300+ So give or take a 1000 or so. I haven't priced them lately but can't imagine they've gone up much. I never did a "cat back" system because I never wanted to keep them.
Check any mustang magazine - there are TONS of mail order places that sell headers and complete off road 2.5" systems for the 5.0. I personally would not keep the "baby" headers. But certainly you can, and still gain some good tone with an off-road H pipe kit all the way back. But cat-back won't gain you as much tone as you hear on many of the 5.0's out there. I'm in a hotel right now, but when I get back home I can look it up for you.
And I'm sorry, but whoever told that going off-road vs leaving the cats on the car won't impact the tone is just nucking futs
< Message edited by sowaxeman -- 7/12/2006 9:26:40 PM >
I think the magnaflow cat back system sounds better on the 5.0's than the flowmaster, but Flo's don't sound bad. If you do go Flo's, get the 3 chamber, not the 2 chamber.
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Best mufflers for dual exhaust .... - 
