Daily driver...catback or axle back?

[HoustonGT]

First time mustang owner and new to the forum. I am loving my GT (white, 3.55, red trim int, premium). First mod is definately going to be something to wake up the exhaust. This is my first muscle car and I don't have a lot of experience with aftermarket exhaust. Here's my questions/criteria:

1. It will be more of a daily driver than a track car. If the stock exhaust sound level is a 3 out of 10, i'd like to have a 6 or 7 out of 10 volume wise. Not dead like the stock, but not over the top loud. Enough sound to hear a little something at idle and some decent noise when I get on it. Don't want to piss off the neighbors if I decide to drive it to work at 5 am.

2. Are axle backs better for daily drivers due to the resonator being in place and keeping the sound level to a manageable level? Is that a myth? Cat backs seem to be better for performance and they get rid of some weight due to getting rid of the resonator.

3. I'd like more of a deep tone than a lot of raspy sound. Cost isn't my number 1 factor. I am open to catback or axle back.

Is there a touring or street catback that fits my needs? Or would an axle back be a safer route?

Yes, I want to hear some exhaust systems in person and am looking for local mustang owners. I've watched many youtube videos....you can get some idea what they sound like but the volume is hard to gauge on the computer. I wanted to hit you all up for some recommendations from the forum to narrow down my options.

Sponsored

 

[gsxr1300]

After hearing Jmeo's car, Borla Touring cat back is what i decided on.

 

[Zodiac]

I had almost the same criteria as you. I leave for work at 4am and didn't want to piss off the neighbors. I knew I wanted the catback due to getting rid of the resonator and shedding some weight. My wife and 5 year old are occasionally in the car so the drone was a big concern for me as well.

After talking to a few members here and Jay@hypermotive I decided to go with the American Racing Headers cat back with H-pipe.

The H-pipe provides a deeper tone and cuts down on the rasp produced by these motors.

This system is also drone free and provides a nice mellow tone at cruising.

Overall I am incredibly happy.

The system isn't the cheapest out there but it's quality construction and sound are worth it.

If I lived close to you I'd gladly show it off, but unfortunately a NC drive to TX isn't in the cards =)

 

[texag70]

1. The following give a deeper tone than the stock but not overly aggressive; Magnaflow Competition axle back and Street,, Ford Racing Touring, Borla S, Roush axle back. There are others but these seem to be the more common exhaust mods.

2. Obviously axle backs are cheaper than full cat backs.

3. Axle backs require cutting and clamping leaving the original resonator (suitcase). Cat back mods let you remove the entire original exhaust including the suitcase and bolt the new system in (no cutting). You can store the original system and re-install if needed.

One site I know that gives very good video with sound of exhaust system mods is CJ Pony Parts. I modded my 15 GT with the Magnaflow Competition axle back. The sound is much deeper than original. I know this is subjective but I think the sound is awesome. The install including cutting and clamping took about an hour (I did have use of a lift). Highly recommend you check out CJ Pony parts videos along with the good feedback you're going to get on this thread from other S550 owners. Good luck and enjoy your new Pony.

 

[Voo Doo]

I had almost the same criteria as you. I leave for work at 4am and didn't want to piss off the neighbors. I knew I wanted the catback due to getting rid of the resonator and shedding some weight. My wife and 5 year old are occasionally in the car so the drone was a big concern for me as well.

After talking to a few members here and Jay@hypermotive I decided to go with the American Racing Headers cat back with H-pipe.

The H-pipe provides a deeper tone and cuts down on the rasp produced by these motors.

This system is also drone free and provides a nice mellow tone at cruising.

Overall I am incredibly happy.



The system isn't the cheapest out there but it's quality construction and sound are worth it.

If I lived close to you I'd gladly show it off, but unfortunately a NC drive to TX isn't in the cards =)

Yep...installing this system next weekend!!

 

[Bradrulz]

I have a Dailey driver with driving about 70 miles a day. I went with the Ford Racing Sport. I am very happy with it. Had I gone with the touring I don't think I would have been happy. I wouldn't want it any less loud than the sport. Doing my research the other one I was considering was the MBRP Street Series. This one is really cheap for a catback. Only reason I chose the Ford racing sport over the MBRP was I heard the sport in person.

 

[HoustonGT]

I have a Dailey driver with driving about 70 miles a day. I went with the Ford Racing Sport. I am very happy with it. Had I gone with the touring I don't think I would have been happy. I wouldn't want it any less loud than the sport. Doing my research the other one I was considering was the MBRP Street Series. This one is really cheap for a catback. Only reason I chose the Ford racing sport over the MBRP was I heard the sport in person.

Both the MBRP street and Ford racing sport are contenders at this point. Was the road racing touring too melow?

 

[Chameleon]

MBRP street. Best bang for the buck! Shaves off 27 lbs too.

 

[Sleepy88]

Corsa has a great axle back! I have it on my daily driver 15'. No drone. Awesome sound, quiet when cruising. Just got back from a 10 hour round trip drive and not one complaint. Purchased through Beefcake racing, got an awesome deal too!

 

[Socalmustang]

I never understand why people always bring up "don't want to wake up the neighbors"

A helicopter taking off ground up would...This car and any other car won't to the majority of people.

Unless you like revving the car and shift at high RPM's, there is nothing to worry about.

 

[Stripes]

I have the Roush axleback's.. for an axleback only, it's definitely noticeable. I love it, it's the perfect loudness for an axleback!

 

[Loyalty_S550]

First time mustang owner and new to the forum. I am loving my GT (white, 3.55, red trim int, premium). First mod is definately going to be something to wake up the exhaust. This is my first muscle car and I don't have a lot of experience with aftermarket exhaust. Here's my questions/criteria:

1. It will be more of a daily driver than a track car. If the stock exhaust sound level is a 3 out of 10, i'd like to have a 6 or 7 out of 10 volume wise. Not dead like the stock, but not over the top loud. Enough sound to hear a little something at idle and some decent noise when I get on it. Don't want to piss off the neighbors if I decide to drive it to work at 5 am.

2. Are axle backs better for daily drivers due to the resonator being in place and keeping the sound level to a manageable level? Is that a myth? Cat backs seem to be better for performance and they get rid of some weight due to getting rid of the resonator.

3. I'd like more of a deep tone than a lot of raspy sound. Cost isn't my number 1 factor. I am open to catback or axle back.

Is there a touring or street catback that fits my needs? Or would an axle back be a safer route?

Yes, I want to hear some exhaust systems in person and am looking for local mustang owners. I've watched many youtube videos....you can get some idea what they sound like but the volume is hard to gauge on the computer. I wanted to hit you all up for some recommendations from the forum to narrow down my options.

Ever thought of just an HPipe? They sound pretty good with stock mufflers.

 

[Bradrulz]

Both the MBRP street and Ford racing sport are contenders at this point. Was the road racing touring too melow?

I never heard the ford racing touring other than online. I heard the sport and it was the sound I was looking for. Touring would be quieter and I wouldn't want any quieter than the sport.

 

[mindys]

I have a Borla S-type. It does have a rasp when you get on it, but at idle it has a bit of the loopy sound, and nice deeper sound at low RPMs. If you are easy on the throttle and upshift frequently, you can roll through a neighborhood in the middle of the night without anybody knowing you were there. Also, at cruising speeds there is zero drone with the exhaust. I just wanted to give my input to help you with the decision! Also, I recommend talking to Beefcake on here if you're ready to buy. Great guy to work with!

 

[beefcake]

thanks

we can def help you out with anything your looking for. it's tough when going for a sound, you just have to go by best guess of what you thing sounds good

Sponsored