The S197 Mustang GT changed all the rules on getting an exhaust to sound good. The location of the gas tank was moved from the rear of the car towards the middle to better protect it, therefore Ford was forced to put the mufflers at the rear of the car in an “axle back” system. This makes choosing an exhaust more difficult. So I’m here to write out a description of the brands.
There are 3 main parts to our exhaust system when considering replacement. Headers, midpipe, and axle back/catback. The headers channel and collect the exhaust as it comes out of the exhaust ports, the midpipe controls the scavenging effect (see other sticky), and the catback/axle back usually contains the mufflers, which attenuate engine noise.
There are 2 basic types of muffler: Chambered and flow through (also referred to as bullet, resonator, etc). They will both enhance the sound of your car when paired with an otherwise stock setup, however, it is important when replacing the midpipe/headers to choose a combo that will sound nice.
There are some general rules to remember when looking for the right sound:
X pipe always goes with a bullet style muffler, especially without cats. It will work with a chambered muffler. But never put an offroad x pipe with a chambered muffler. Catted x, chambered muffler, and long tube headers is reccomended if you need an x and have your heart set on a brand of chambered muffs.
H pipe/prochamber generally goes with chambered mufflers; same rules apply but inversely.
STOCK MUFFLER SETUPS:
For those who would like a toned down, not so loud inside the cabin sound, the stock mufflers work quite well. However, they are very sensitive to offroad x pipes, meaning they will make rattling noises very easily and I would only suggest h pipes/prochambers for this setup.
Stock mufflers with gutted cats (basically an offroad h pipe, for purposes of sound):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ntTGT2wyy8U
Offroad Prochamber with stock mufflers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qAsl4TC2nrI
Longtube headers, offroad h pipe, stock mufflers (second set of clips in video)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rdxxuGE4elw
Longtube headers, offroad x pipe, stock mufflers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2CMZRMXqjtw
Stock Headers, offroad x pipe, stock mufflers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pClp0l-aN2E
First, let’s go through the different brands/types of mufflers and how they sound.
An axle back system will offer little to no performance advantage, and the motivation for going aftermarket is usually purely based in aesthetics. Dyno numbers might show 2-3 additional HP but a loss of torque of about the same. It is not considered a performance modification to replace the axle back system.
GLASSPACKS:
Basically tubes with fiberglass in them. Act as resonators, produce a deep but powerful sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EgvOGKi7do&NR=1
Bassani:
Always a good choice, Bassani’s axle back mufflers will give the car a deeper and louder sound, while keeping the volume under control.
Here are Bassani’s “Race Axle Backs”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlokhZMfeuI
With a catted x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jD65ZC8ib...elated&search=
With a catted x pipe and long tube headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NldHzFrHu...elated&search=
I recommend that this exhaust be combined with either a catted x pipe, or a catted h pipe or offroad h pipe. The drone is there, but is minimal and bearable.
Borla:
Also sold under the FRPP and Steeda exhaust guises, and I believe Roush, there are 3 types of Borla exhaust: The less aggressive chambered version, which is standard fare on the Shelby GT, (referred to as the FRPP GTA’s) the more aggressive “S” type, and the catback, which is the S type (bullet muffler) along with replacement over-axle pipes up to the midpipe. This catback system offers pretty much no performance/sound advantage.
The GTA’s are a subtle increase in volume over stock, as well as being deeper. They can be paired with a catted x pipe, or a catted or offroad h pipe. An offroad x pipe is not recommended, as these are a chambered style muffler and could get crackly. Drone is minimal. The aggressive style (also referred to as the Borla “stinger,” although not the official designation) are a substantial increase in volume over stock, and the sound is very low and very deep. They tend to dampen the tone a bit; they are not as throaty, and the sound is well under control. The best way to describe it is that the sound is toned down, not as aggressive, but very very deep. Drone is moderate, but is load-dependent and bearable. Not an exhaust for those who can’t stand drone. These mufflers are complimented excellently by a catted or offroad x pipe. An offroad h pipe will work well, however there are some “trumpeting” issues. In addition, it will not scream on the higher RPM’s like an x pipe will. However, an offroad h pipe is still a very viable option to consider.
Borla aggressive types are always a good choice; you really can’t go wrong with this muffler.
GTA’s on otherwise stock car:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2dPYdfOuAk
Stock exhaust vs. catted x and GTA’s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUSCOgffMZI
Borla Stinger Axleback:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7lIPOlCrMMI
Borla Stinger Axleback:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=px8RWdk5Q5s
Borla Stinger Catback outside car:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LcqU1KoSDwQ
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/6...4dd3648af0.htm
Borla Stinger Catback flyby:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dTOJebdq-kM
Borla stinger catback inside car:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_YL9NruWQQ
Borla Stingers and Borla stingers with offroad h pipe comparison: (THANKS TACOBILL!)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L0Pzr09JRPg
Borla Stingers and offroad H pipe in car (with 4.10 gears, THANKS TACOBILL!)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L0Pzr09JRPg
Borla Stingers, SLP catted x pipe, SLP long tube headers:
http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x...t=0e5ba360.flv
Borla Stingers, offroad h pipe, Long tube headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qih5SwoZ1Lw
Borla Stingers, Mac Prochamber, Long tube headers:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...65870ad09c.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...3976d86904.htm
Borla Stingers, offroad X pipe, long tube headers:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...4b00e6f0c9.htm
Borla Stingers, Catted X:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...7f013dbe86.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...7f013dbe86.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...7f014e4fe1.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...8100f83cf4.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/f...7f014c527d.htm
Corsa:
Corsa, while being a more expensive option, are a surefire way to make your stang sound fantastic while completely avoiding drone. Corsa’s are a flow-through or bullet muffler, shaped like a cannister, and very similar to the Borla’s in that sense.
They sound somewhat aggressive, while being under control at idle and part-throttle. This muffler can be combined with virtually and midpipe and still sound fantastic, although it will be quite loud without cats.
Corsa axle back:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...d9b288ffa1.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HzO26ZhL7Q8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CjcUWaU-Hls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ut-0708_sw
Corsa axle back, catted x pipe, shorty headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RmjNTPA5h_k
Corsa Axleback, offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iTOBpr41K...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6PJXwoljd...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nISt2ZoKVDg
Corsa Axleback, offroad h pipe, long tube headers
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MZJDceU6m_I
Dynomax:
I don’t know much about Dynomax mufflers. Here is the only sound clip I found.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EqDRDZWSUZQ
Flowmasters:
Flowmasters seem to be an interesting subject on the S197, as the elusive sound created by Flowmasters on previous generation mustangs is largely absent on the S197. This is due to muffler location as well as head port design; it just won’t sound the same. Flowmaster makes an axle back kit for the s197 that makes use of their “American Thunder” series muffler, incorporated into an axle back kit. It sounds very very decent with just the axle back system, slightly louder than stock, but when you get on it, sound aggressive. Mild drone between 1800-2400 RPM and again higher in the rev range. They are acceptable with an o/r h pipe, sound somewhat decent with a catted x pipe, but putting an offroad x pipe with this system is a big no-no. It sounds rattly, tin-canny, just nasty. A prochamber would probably work well, but I have yet to see/hear this combo.
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...9ad0b81abb.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...b0329676c7.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...3482688c9f.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YTFtGeXLyRg
Offroad X pipe and flowmaster single chamber axleback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyS6AmFJ2CA
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback with offroad h pipe
http://www.brenspeed.com/info/media/hwithflows.wmv
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qfL-YDvVt80
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback with catted x pipe:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5...af0123b24e.htm
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback with offroad x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=V5TsVccT-sM
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...e601570e68.htm
Offroad x pipe, long tube headers, and axle back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3LivZdBGDMM
40 series weld-in Flowmasters with offroad x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_mYZ-agu9bc
Longtube headers, Flowmaster 40 series weld ins, offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D22Y2E706Ro
Flowmaster 40 series weld ins, offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0jXiynEG8S8
40 series weld-ins, otherwise stock:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gcnc3YGae...elated&search=
Super 44 axle backs (super 40’s in a 4 inch case), shorty headers, catted x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uFMpXlsXUvU
Flowtech:
This is a chambered muffler similar to flow masters. They increase the volume slightly, and are deeper than stock. The sound is very natural for the 3v engine; it sounds genuine. I would recommend these with an offroad prochamber, or offroad h pipe. A catted x might work, but an offroad x will sound raspy and nasty.
Flowtech Terminator Axleback:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5...c600811a6e.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mrvnarsOYgQ
Gibson:
For a long time, Gibson made truck exhausts for diesels and such. Now, they’ve made a system (axle back) for the s197 mustang.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Py7fM5Nhb3I
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VpxLh6HXFWU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EWH9nFItIcw
As this is a chambered style muffler, I’d say anything but an offroad x pipe will work well.
IMCO:
IMCO is a company that has been around for a while. they make a chambered axleback that is very deep, but has some packing material and therefore is very under control and the sound is very "smooth."
IMCO Extreme Cherry Bomb Axleback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1mQ4...elated&search=
JBA:
JBA is one of the higher quality brands for s197 exhaust parts. They make 2 types of shorty headers, and longtube headers, as well as catted and offroad h pipes and axle backs. The axle backs are what we’re looking at right now. They increase the sound a fair amount, while giving the car an aggressive tone. They sound fantastic in my opinion. They are not obnoxiously loud, but are a considerable increase in volume when the go-pedal is applied liberally, and sound mean and rumbly at idle. Drone is mild, and controllable. An offroad h pipe or a prochamber would complement this axle back well, or a catted x pipe. Again, since this is a chambered muffler, an offroad x pipe is not recommended.
JBA axle backs:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/a...7aa68ef11a.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bTuXicjE3iA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TLDXQ__vyr0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69JUthZVlX0
JBA axle backs and offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TLDXQ__vyr0
JBA axle backs, offroad H pipe, and JBA long tube headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PfdAgVbh83A
JBA axle backs, catted x pipe:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...f1009b0339.htm
Mac:
Mac is one of the more popular brand choices for the s197 mustang. Their company makes 2 variations of axle backs: the most popular, and their “boom tubes.” The regular axle backs are a chambered type, and make the car significantly louder; as well as being deep. The sound is unique; it maintains all the definition of the engine sound while adding a genuine deepness that you can feel. They sound flat out mean. With an offroad h pipe, the sound level increases, and they become very loud. They are very rumbly and muscle car-like, however, they will not scream at higher RPM’s like an x or prochamber will. With a catted x pipe, the sound is acceptable, louder, but very aggressive. With an offroad x pipe, the sound becomes very aggressive, and absolutely fantastic at wide open throttle. However, with this combination, there is some crackling and tin-canny sound at certain rpm’s. If you can deal with that, this combination is worth it. I recommend an offroad prochamber, as a nice compromise between the two. Drone is moderate to excessive with this muffler; but a pair of resonators installed before the axle will help this. However, with resonators, as always, the sound is toned down, not as aggressive.
The Mac’s Boom tubes are an axle back system that is much like the SLP loudmouths (muffler delete), but with some packing material inside to lessen the raspy sound. They sound excellent with almost any midpipe. Drone is minimal, but the exhaust is somewhat loud and filters into the cabin.
Mac Axle back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lw0WciqyP8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vjlnmWOiayY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_lw55ACupF0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BmwkuBP_jhY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DHCnm0uNClw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=noi1jMGCmTs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CJSL1fUtB88
Mac axle back with offroad H pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4GWvANQLO...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2Bj-Z3B_n...elated&search=
Mac Axleback with catted x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lcOc2OXAq3s
Mac Axleback with catted x pipe and shorties:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=I_A1VR2VCMA
Mac Axleback with offroad x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zNV5F7PsbO4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSmU-zrNhRU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxoDIMoZZSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX9ect6mlfI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjvQs-bKIiA
Mac’s boom tube, JBA headers, catted x pipe
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZzZjvHxmIhk
Mac’s Boom Tube axle back
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t7bT2XEMMNg
Magnaflow:
Magnaflow is a system that’s been around for a long time. They have 2 basic systems for the s197: their regular magnaflow system, and the “magnapacks” which are cannister shaped and slightly more aggressive. The regular axle backs are very quiet, and slightly deeper than stock. The magna packs are slightly more aggressive. They are a bullet style muffler. The sound is not too aggressive, very under control, but deep. I would not recommend an H pipe with this setup. An offroad x pipe or a catted x pipe would work best.
Magnaflow axle backs:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t4g5XWFrG2w
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wv8zFM5v4iw
Kooks longtubes, offroad x pipe, magna packs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ukoZt09SZ6w
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9_51BaVEYlQ
Catted x to magna packs:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0CfOagAN3...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0CfOagAN3mo
New Magnaflow 3 inch system:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=d-J7oJ41V_s
MBRP exhaust:
MBRP produces 2 axle back systems for the s197 Mustang GT: One is similar to borla in almost every way, the other is a muffler delete that basically replaces the mufflers with a section of straight piping. It is loud, it will be a little raspy, but it will be very deep. Very similar to the SLP Loudmouths. Works better with a catted x pipe, can also be paired with an offroad h pipe but will be obnoxiously loud.
The Mufflered version tones the car down much more with a Borla. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SLEEPER EXHAUST, HERE IT IS. even with an offroad x pipe, it is still very quiet compared to most setups, and will flow extremely well.
MBRP mufflered axleback with offroad x pipe:
http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x...t=c4f29bb2.flv
http://www.mbrp.com/products.php?typ...&Submit=Submit
SLP:
SLP makes 2 variations of the axle back muffler. The first is the SLP power flow, which is a bullet style muffler, aggressive, loud and very deep. Similar to most other bullet style mufflers. Can be paired with any midpipe. Drone is moderate.
And of course, the wildly popular SLP Loudmouths. Merely a simple muffler delete, these axle backs consist of just piping, with the appropriate hangars, and nice tips. Very aggressive, obviously loud. Can be paired with an offroad h pipe or x pipe to be ridiculously loud, but recommended is a catted x pipe. Drone is minimal, almost non-existant.
SLP Loudmouth Axleback:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eqhXU_54o7I
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ymIDjvt7l...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8QyAIDP1I...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z4YycMl1k...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=53A07L1LFlA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xSRzf_5VjwE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DXHv9QoGYCo
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/f...2200f7b2d4.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1...7c11148957.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...d7c9652d46.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xy_rwC_VfLc (THANKS ARWING!)
SLP Loudmouths, offroad X pipe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN0IM6QbbqM&NR=1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=K-FNMGJgLy4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mncDpcvDpZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Tn8EB2nRQ
Long Tube headers, catted H pipe, SLP Loudmouths:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X8U5jXJmwzc
SLP Loudmouths, offroad H pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RKbHj-AEHwg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1fCP...elated&search=
SLP Loudmouths, catted x pipe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8MUS...elated&search=
Long tube headers, catted x, SLP loudmouths:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...29003f51fe.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9RZ8bKr0ptU
Offroad Prochamber, SLP loudmouths:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hg82nTBqv1Q
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IAcKgXzNV...elated&search=
Pypes:
Pypes is another brand that has been around for a long time. Up until recently, they made only 2 variations: a pro street axle back, and a violator axle back. The pro street is a subtle improvement over stock, while the violators are much more aggressive, loud, and very deep. They are comparable to Mac’s, and the same rules apply regarding midpipes: anything but an offroad x. personally, I recommend an offroad prochamber. Drone is mild to moderate.
However, Pypes has broken the mold and introduced the first “mid-muffler” system for the s197 mustang. It includes their M-80 Bullet race mufflers mounted before the axle. The reason this works is because the M80 mufflers are very narrow and long, and are probably only a half-inch in diameter wider than the pipes themselves. Judging from the sound clips, id say they did very well. This catback (yes, a true catback) can be paired with any midpipe. For this, I actually recommend an offroad x pipe. That will give you the closest to that 2v/4v new edge sound that is so hotly pursued. An offroad h will work well, and a prochamber is a nice compromise as always.
Pypes pro street:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fV_-3ZFLnxQ
Pypes Pro street with offroad x pipe:
http://www.brenspeed.com/info/media/2005gtpypesx.wmv
Pypes Violator axle back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pVqoO0EfPTA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HRxnbV398EQ
Pypes offroad H pipe and Violator axle back:
http://www.brenspeed.com/info/media/HWITHVIOLATOR.wmv
Pypes Mid Muffler system:
http://pysales.com/movies/05mustang-out-pypes-midmuffler01.MPG (offroad x)
http://pysales.com/movies/05mustang-out-pypes-midmuffler02.MPG (offroad x)
http://pysales.com/movies/05mustang-...midmuffler.MPG (catted x)
__________________
There are 3 main parts to our exhaust system when considering replacement. Headers, midpipe, and axle back/catback. The headers channel and collect the exhaust as it comes out of the exhaust ports, the midpipe controls the scavenging effect (see other sticky), and the catback/axle back usually contains the mufflers, which attenuate engine noise.
There are 2 basic types of muffler: Chambered and flow through (also referred to as bullet, resonator, etc). They will both enhance the sound of your car when paired with an otherwise stock setup, however, it is important when replacing the midpipe/headers to choose a combo that will sound nice.
There are some general rules to remember when looking for the right sound:
X pipe always goes with a bullet style muffler, especially without cats. It will work with a chambered muffler. But never put an offroad x pipe with a chambered muffler. Catted x, chambered muffler, and long tube headers is reccomended if you need an x and have your heart set on a brand of chambered muffs.
H pipe/prochamber generally goes with chambered mufflers; same rules apply but inversely.
STOCK MUFFLER SETUPS:
For those who would like a toned down, not so loud inside the cabin sound, the stock mufflers work quite well. However, they are very sensitive to offroad x pipes, meaning they will make rattling noises very easily and I would only suggest h pipes/prochambers for this setup.
Stock mufflers with gutted cats (basically an offroad h pipe, for purposes of sound):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ntTGT2wyy8U
Offroad Prochamber with stock mufflers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qAsl4TC2nrI
Longtube headers, offroad h pipe, stock mufflers (second set of clips in video)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rdxxuGE4elw
Longtube headers, offroad x pipe, stock mufflers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2CMZRMXqjtw
Stock Headers, offroad x pipe, stock mufflers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pClp0l-aN2E
First, let’s go through the different brands/types of mufflers and how they sound.
An axle back system will offer little to no performance advantage, and the motivation for going aftermarket is usually purely based in aesthetics. Dyno numbers might show 2-3 additional HP but a loss of torque of about the same. It is not considered a performance modification to replace the axle back system.
GLASSPACKS:
Basically tubes with fiberglass in them. Act as resonators, produce a deep but powerful sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EgvOGKi7do&NR=1
Bassani:
Always a good choice, Bassani’s axle back mufflers will give the car a deeper and louder sound, while keeping the volume under control.
Here are Bassani’s “Race Axle Backs”
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlokhZMfeuI
With a catted x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jD65ZC8ib...elated&search=
With a catted x pipe and long tube headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NldHzFrHu...elated&search=
I recommend that this exhaust be combined with either a catted x pipe, or a catted h pipe or offroad h pipe. The drone is there, but is minimal and bearable.
Borla:
Also sold under the FRPP and Steeda exhaust guises, and I believe Roush, there are 3 types of Borla exhaust: The less aggressive chambered version, which is standard fare on the Shelby GT, (referred to as the FRPP GTA’s) the more aggressive “S” type, and the catback, which is the S type (bullet muffler) along with replacement over-axle pipes up to the midpipe. This catback system offers pretty much no performance/sound advantage.
The GTA’s are a subtle increase in volume over stock, as well as being deeper. They can be paired with a catted x pipe, or a catted or offroad h pipe. An offroad x pipe is not recommended, as these are a chambered style muffler and could get crackly. Drone is minimal. The aggressive style (also referred to as the Borla “stinger,” although not the official designation) are a substantial increase in volume over stock, and the sound is very low and very deep. They tend to dampen the tone a bit; they are not as throaty, and the sound is well under control. The best way to describe it is that the sound is toned down, not as aggressive, but very very deep. Drone is moderate, but is load-dependent and bearable. Not an exhaust for those who can’t stand drone. These mufflers are complimented excellently by a catted or offroad x pipe. An offroad h pipe will work well, however there are some “trumpeting” issues. In addition, it will not scream on the higher RPM’s like an x pipe will. However, an offroad h pipe is still a very viable option to consider.
Borla aggressive types are always a good choice; you really can’t go wrong with this muffler.
GTA’s on otherwise stock car:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2dPYdfOuAk
Stock exhaust vs. catted x and GTA’s:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUSCOgffMZI
Borla Stinger Axleback:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7lIPOlCrMMI
Borla Stinger Axleback:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=px8RWdk5Q5s
Borla Stinger Catback outside car:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=LcqU1KoSDwQ
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/6...4dd3648af0.htm
Borla Stinger Catback flyby:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=dTOJebdq-kM
Borla stinger catback inside car:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=i_YL9NruWQQ
Borla Stingers and Borla stingers with offroad h pipe comparison: (THANKS TACOBILL!)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L0Pzr09JRPg
Borla Stingers and offroad H pipe in car (with 4.10 gears, THANKS TACOBILL!)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L0Pzr09JRPg
Borla Stingers, SLP catted x pipe, SLP long tube headers:
http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x...t=0e5ba360.flv
Borla Stingers, offroad h pipe, Long tube headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qih5SwoZ1Lw
Borla Stingers, Mac Prochamber, Long tube headers:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...65870ad09c.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...3976d86904.htm
Borla Stingers, offroad X pipe, long tube headers:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...4b00e6f0c9.htm
Borla Stingers, Catted X:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...7f013dbe86.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...7f013dbe86.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/2...7f014e4fe1.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/c...8100f83cf4.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/f...7f014c527d.htm
Corsa:
Corsa, while being a more expensive option, are a surefire way to make your stang sound fantastic while completely avoiding drone. Corsa’s are a flow-through or bullet muffler, shaped like a cannister, and very similar to the Borla’s in that sense.
They sound somewhat aggressive, while being under control at idle and part-throttle. This muffler can be combined with virtually and midpipe and still sound fantastic, although it will be quite loud without cats.
Corsa axle back:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...d9b288ffa1.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HzO26ZhL7Q8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CjcUWaU-Hls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ut-0708_sw
Corsa axle back, catted x pipe, shorty headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RmjNTPA5h_k
Corsa Axleback, offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iTOBpr41K...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6PJXwoljd...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nISt2ZoKVDg
Corsa Axleback, offroad h pipe, long tube headers
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MZJDceU6m_I
Dynomax:
I don’t know much about Dynomax mufflers. Here is the only sound clip I found.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EqDRDZWSUZQ
Flowmasters:
Flowmasters seem to be an interesting subject on the S197, as the elusive sound created by Flowmasters on previous generation mustangs is largely absent on the S197. This is due to muffler location as well as head port design; it just won’t sound the same. Flowmaster makes an axle back kit for the s197 that makes use of their “American Thunder” series muffler, incorporated into an axle back kit. It sounds very very decent with just the axle back system, slightly louder than stock, but when you get on it, sound aggressive. Mild drone between 1800-2400 RPM and again higher in the rev range. They are acceptable with an o/r h pipe, sound somewhat decent with a catted x pipe, but putting an offroad x pipe with this system is a big no-no. It sounds rattly, tin-canny, just nasty. A prochamber would probably work well, but I have yet to see/hear this combo.
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...9ad0b81abb.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/b...b0329676c7.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...3482688c9f.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YTFtGeXLyRg
Offroad X pipe and flowmaster single chamber axleback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyS6AmFJ2CA
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback with offroad h pipe
http://www.brenspeed.com/info/media/hwithflows.wmv
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qfL-YDvVt80
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback with catted x pipe:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5...af0123b24e.htm
Flowmaster American Thunder Axleback with offroad x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=V5TsVccT-sM
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/e...e601570e68.htm
Offroad x pipe, long tube headers, and axle back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3LivZdBGDMM
40 series weld-in Flowmasters with offroad x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_mYZ-agu9bc
Longtube headers, Flowmaster 40 series weld ins, offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D22Y2E706Ro
Flowmaster 40 series weld ins, offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0jXiynEG8S8
40 series weld-ins, otherwise stock:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gcnc3YGae...elated&search=
Super 44 axle backs (super 40’s in a 4 inch case), shorty headers, catted x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uFMpXlsXUvU
Flowtech:
This is a chambered muffler similar to flow masters. They increase the volume slightly, and are deeper than stock. The sound is very natural for the 3v engine; it sounds genuine. I would recommend these with an offroad prochamber, or offroad h pipe. A catted x might work, but an offroad x will sound raspy and nasty.
Flowtech Terminator Axleback:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/5...c600811a6e.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mrvnarsOYgQ
Gibson:
For a long time, Gibson made truck exhausts for diesels and such. Now, they’ve made a system (axle back) for the s197 mustang.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Py7fM5Nhb3I
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VpxLh6HXFWU
http://youtube.com/watch?v=EWH9nFItIcw
As this is a chambered style muffler, I’d say anything but an offroad x pipe will work well.
IMCO:
IMCO is a company that has been around for a while. they make a chambered axleback that is very deep, but has some packing material and therefore is very under control and the sound is very "smooth."
IMCO Extreme Cherry Bomb Axleback:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1mQ4...elated&search=
JBA:
JBA is one of the higher quality brands for s197 exhaust parts. They make 2 types of shorty headers, and longtube headers, as well as catted and offroad h pipes and axle backs. The axle backs are what we’re looking at right now. They increase the sound a fair amount, while giving the car an aggressive tone. They sound fantastic in my opinion. They are not obnoxiously loud, but are a considerable increase in volume when the go-pedal is applied liberally, and sound mean and rumbly at idle. Drone is mild, and controllable. An offroad h pipe or a prochamber would complement this axle back well, or a catted x pipe. Again, since this is a chambered muffler, an offroad x pipe is not recommended.
JBA axle backs:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/a...7aa68ef11a.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=bTuXicjE3iA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TLDXQ__vyr0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69JUthZVlX0
JBA axle backs and offroad h pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=TLDXQ__vyr0
JBA axle backs, offroad H pipe, and JBA long tube headers:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=PfdAgVbh83A
JBA axle backs, catted x pipe:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/8...f1009b0339.htm
Mac:
Mac is one of the more popular brand choices for the s197 mustang. Their company makes 2 variations of axle backs: the most popular, and their “boom tubes.” The regular axle backs are a chambered type, and make the car significantly louder; as well as being deep. The sound is unique; it maintains all the definition of the engine sound while adding a genuine deepness that you can feel. They sound flat out mean. With an offroad h pipe, the sound level increases, and they become very loud. They are very rumbly and muscle car-like, however, they will not scream at higher RPM’s like an x or prochamber will. With a catted x pipe, the sound is acceptable, louder, but very aggressive. With an offroad x pipe, the sound becomes very aggressive, and absolutely fantastic at wide open throttle. However, with this combination, there is some crackling and tin-canny sound at certain rpm’s. If you can deal with that, this combination is worth it. I recommend an offroad prochamber, as a nice compromise between the two. Drone is moderate to excessive with this muffler; but a pair of resonators installed before the axle will help this. However, with resonators, as always, the sound is toned down, not as aggressive.
The Mac’s Boom tubes are an axle back system that is much like the SLP loudmouths (muffler delete), but with some packing material inside to lessen the raspy sound. They sound excellent with almost any midpipe. Drone is minimal, but the exhaust is somewhat loud and filters into the cabin.
Mac Axle back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3lw0WciqyP8
http://youtube.com/watch?v=vjlnmWOiayY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=_lw55ACupF0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BmwkuBP_jhY
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DHCnm0uNClw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=noi1jMGCmTs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CJSL1fUtB88
Mac axle back with offroad H pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4GWvANQLO...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2Bj-Z3B_n...elated&search=
Mac Axleback with catted x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lcOc2OXAq3s
Mac Axleback with catted x pipe and shorties:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=I_A1VR2VCMA
Mac Axleback with offroad x pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zNV5F7PsbO4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSmU-zrNhRU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxoDIMoZZSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX9ect6mlfI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjvQs-bKIiA
Mac’s boom tube, JBA headers, catted x pipe
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZzZjvHxmIhk
Mac’s Boom Tube axle back
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t7bT2XEMMNg
Magnaflow:
Magnaflow is a system that’s been around for a long time. They have 2 basic systems for the s197: their regular magnaflow system, and the “magnapacks” which are cannister shaped and slightly more aggressive. The regular axle backs are very quiet, and slightly deeper than stock. The magna packs are slightly more aggressive. They are a bullet style muffler. The sound is not too aggressive, very under control, but deep. I would not recommend an H pipe with this setup. An offroad x pipe or a catted x pipe would work best.
Magnaflow axle backs:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t4g5XWFrG2w
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wv8zFM5v4iw
Kooks longtubes, offroad x pipe, magna packs
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ukoZt09SZ6w
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9_51BaVEYlQ
Catted x to magna packs:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0CfOagAN3...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=0CfOagAN3mo
New Magnaflow 3 inch system:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=d-J7oJ41V_s
MBRP exhaust:
MBRP produces 2 axle back systems for the s197 Mustang GT: One is similar to borla in almost every way, the other is a muffler delete that basically replaces the mufflers with a section of straight piping. It is loud, it will be a little raspy, but it will be very deep. Very similar to the SLP Loudmouths. Works better with a catted x pipe, can also be paired with an offroad h pipe but will be obnoxiously loud.
The Mufflered version tones the car down much more with a Borla. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SLEEPER EXHAUST, HERE IT IS. even with an offroad x pipe, it is still very quiet compared to most setups, and will flow extremely well.
MBRP mufflered axleback with offroad x pipe:
http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x...t=c4f29bb2.flv
http://www.mbrp.com/products.php?typ...&Submit=Submit
SLP:
SLP makes 2 variations of the axle back muffler. The first is the SLP power flow, which is a bullet style muffler, aggressive, loud and very deep. Similar to most other bullet style mufflers. Can be paired with any midpipe. Drone is moderate.
And of course, the wildly popular SLP Loudmouths. Merely a simple muffler delete, these axle backs consist of just piping, with the appropriate hangars, and nice tips. Very aggressive, obviously loud. Can be paired with an offroad h pipe or x pipe to be ridiculously loud, but recommended is a catted x pipe. Drone is minimal, almost non-existant.
SLP Loudmouth Axleback:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eqhXU_54o7I
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ymIDjvt7l...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=8QyAIDP1I...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z4YycMl1k...elated&search=
http://youtube.com/watch?v=53A07L1LFlA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=xSRzf_5VjwE
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DXHv9QoGYCo
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/f...2200f7b2d4.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/1...7c11148957.htm
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/4...d7c9652d46.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xy_rwC_VfLc (THANKS ARWING!)
SLP Loudmouths, offroad X pipe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN0IM6QbbqM&NR=1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=K-FNMGJgLy4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mncDpcvDpZM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Tn8EB2nRQ
Long Tube headers, catted H pipe, SLP Loudmouths:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=X8U5jXJmwzc
SLP Loudmouths, offroad H pipe:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RKbHj-AEHwg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1fCP...elated&search=
SLP Loudmouths, catted x pipe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8MUS...elated&search=
Long tube headers, catted x, SLP loudmouths:
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/9...29003f51fe.htm
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9RZ8bKr0ptU
Offroad Prochamber, SLP loudmouths:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=hg82nTBqv1Q
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IAcKgXzNV...elated&search=
Pypes:
Pypes is another brand that has been around for a long time. Up until recently, they made only 2 variations: a pro street axle back, and a violator axle back. The pro street is a subtle improvement over stock, while the violators are much more aggressive, loud, and very deep. They are comparable to Mac’s, and the same rules apply regarding midpipes: anything but an offroad x. personally, I recommend an offroad prochamber. Drone is mild to moderate.
However, Pypes has broken the mold and introduced the first “mid-muffler” system for the s197 mustang. It includes their M-80 Bullet race mufflers mounted before the axle. The reason this works is because the M80 mufflers are very narrow and long, and are probably only a half-inch in diameter wider than the pipes themselves. Judging from the sound clips, id say they did very well. This catback (yes, a true catback) can be paired with any midpipe. For this, I actually recommend an offroad x pipe. That will give you the closest to that 2v/4v new edge sound that is so hotly pursued. An offroad h will work well, and a prochamber is a nice compromise as always.
Pypes pro street:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fV_-3ZFLnxQ
Pypes Pro street with offroad x pipe:
http://www.brenspeed.com/info/media/2005gtpypesx.wmv
Pypes Violator axle back:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pVqoO0EfPTA
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HRxnbV398EQ
Pypes offroad H pipe and Violator axle back:
http://www.brenspeed.com/info/media/HWITHVIOLATOR.wmv
Pypes Mid Muffler system:
http://pysales.com/movies/05mustang-out-pypes-midmuffler01.MPG (offroad x)
http://pysales.com/movies/05mustang-out-pypes-midmuffler02.MPG (offroad x)
http://pysales.com/movies/05mustang-...midmuffler.MPG (catted x)
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