Sorry, but another exhaust question over here.
 

I've said it before.. I know jack about cars. You want some proof? It finally dawned on me that the SLP Loudmouth Axle-back Exhaust http://www.mustangtuning.com/axexlmo20mug.html
wasn't actually the exhaust system. That there were more pieces involved. See? Told ya.

Anyways, I was thinking of doing a complete exhaust upgrade, but I'm some what confused as to exactly what I need.

I do know that I would like the SLP Loudmouth Axle-back Exhaust included. But do I need a "Shorty X-Pipe" and if so, what's the difference between "Catted 2005" and "Off-Road 2005"? Do I need SLP Coated Long Tube Headers along with, or instead of, an X-Pipe?

And as I was shopping around, I noticed that Mustang Tuning has it's own X-Pipe, at a significantly lower price than SLP's, but does that come reduction in quality too?

Well you have a few options.

First off if you get an X pipe I would suggest going with the power flo axle back as it will be VERY loud if you go with the loudmouth.

As for off road and catted. If the X pipe is off-road it removes all of the stock catalytic convertors. This is bad for the environment but also if your state inspects or smog tests you will not pass testing and could face fines if caught on the road. A Catted X pipe has two cats on it. Technically it is also illegal because you cannot remove a working cat from a car so its illegal to switch mid pipes anyway, but no one really says anything.

As for the long tube headers, they are definatly a good performance gain, but are not only expensive to buy but are very difficult to install and if you pay someone it will be expensive. Another negative to the Long Tubes is when your clutch or trans needs services you have to remove them to get the tranny out. So not only are you paying for a clutch replacement you are also paying for removal and reinstall of Long Tubes. So probably double the cost of a clutch replacement

As for the mustang tuning X vs SLP X. They are both good quality, but the SLP is stainless steel which wont rust and the mustang tuning one is aluminized and would rust over several years if you drive in salty conditions such as snow.

That being said according to MT site you cannot get an SLP pipe to use with the stock headers, if you want to keep your stock headers you will have to buy the mustang tuning X pipe.

There are also alot of other brands that give you more choices. You said in your last thread about Midas installing this stuff. Midas or any other chain store will not install anything that replaces an OEM catalytic convertor. You will most likely have to go to a performance shop, have a buddy do it, or pay some local shop under the table to get that done.

Dude, you make me feel smark - j/k

The 2005's react VERY differently to exhaust upgrades then do the 99+ cars. It would seem that the gains on the 2005 are less in hp then from we have seen on the 99-04's. The 2005's seem to have a better design from the factory.

If I were you, this is what I would do:

1 - Buy a tunner and a CAI! This is a great mod on the 2005's. You will net 20 - 25 hp. Cost is about $700.

2 - Get an Axle Back such as that from SLP. You will net a few ponies, but the sound will change drastically.

3 - Get an SLP or similar X pipe.

4 - Keep your stock headers. Why? You will need to spend about $1500 for parts and labor for minimal gains. Unless you have major engine upgrades planned, the stock headers are more then adequate.

The CAI, tuner, axle back, adn x pipe should all run you about $1200 (I am not sure) and you will see about 30+ hp and sound mean as hell!

All items sold on this site are the same in quality as anyother place.

You beat me to the punch with this post. I think we were tying at the same time.

From my experience, national chains do not install parts not bought from them too.

Here are some other options for you to consider that give you more brand choices.

http://www.partshopper.com/shop/2005...xhaust-25.html


Personally I would go with the Magnaflow Catted X pipe and the Magnaflow Cat-Back. I am really not an SLP fan.

Another option if you are looking for the traditional muscle car rumble would be flowmaster or MAC cat-back and a MAC Prochamber. You can call and see if they offer a catted version of the Prochamber.

www.brenspeed.com also has good prices and sells different brand than MT.

At brenspeed you can get a Pypes violator axle back for 250 with free shipping and a pypes X pipe for 180 shipped.

Exhaust
 

Mac makes great exhaust products that have an awesome sound.

My car:

2005 Mustang GT
Fire Red with red leather

Mods: Mac long tube headers, Mac Pro-chamber H-Pipe, Mac HiPo cats, Mac axle back exhaust, Steeda Cold Air induction kit, Steeda lowering springs, Hurst Competion Plus shifter, SCT tuner, professionally dyno tuned by Murillo Motorsports in San Antonio, Tx. All work has been performed by Mike Handwerger at Texas Motorsports in Austin, Tx.

The car is making 306 rwhp, runs strong and sounds awesome.

Supercharger down the road.

306 rwhp? sounds high for your mods..

Damn, you caught me lying! It is what it is Floppy. No two cars are same. Murillo has a guy that works for him that has basically the same mods as me, but his car made 298 rwhp compared to mine a 306, and he was pissed. You can call Mike Murillo and discuss your concerns with him if you would like.

http://www.murillomotorsports.com

dont get your panties in a wad. if that's what it puts out then those are good numbers. they just sound high.

lol. I'm not getting my panities in a wad. We were all real surprised to see those numbers. I just wanted to put in my two cents for the Mac products. I know they have had a bad rep in the past, but they are putting out some really good stuff now, and I'm very happy with them. The cold air kit, SCT xcalibrator and professional tune added a lot as well.

Take it easy.

why are those not accurate numbers for the 2005? it's rated at 300 by ford. I dunno in what unites...but still...with mods...why not?