This is my first Stang - something I've always wanted since I was a kid (I'm 47). I'm digging in here learning what I can, but am stumped with all the exhaust choices/differences. I've tried to read up on it, but there's soooo much to learn!
All I want is a louder sound than my stock exhaust. I don't want it so loud that my neighbors complain, but I want to be able to hear it better or at least have it loud enough that when I pull up in the driveway my kids know I'm home! I know there is a topic here where I can listen to the sounds but don't know what I can just stick on.
Here are my questions:
1. Do I have an installer put it on or is it something that a mechanically challenged person can do with regular tools?
2. Am I changing the muffler out or is it an "addon?"
3. Do I need to get it retuned afterwards?
4. Do I have to think ahead and get something that will be compatible with future mods (I want CAI next).
5. Can it hurt my performance?

PLEASE be patient with me, I'm just learning!

Thanks,
Joe

 

1. Removing the stock exhaust will be the hardest part, theres not that much room under there. But, the entire project can be done by while the car sits on the ground. As long as you know how to loosen and tighten a bolt ... you should be fine.

2. Out with old, in with new muffler.

3. ?

4. Yeah should take this into account. if you ever plan on changing the midpipes out the sound may vary depending on your exhaust.

5. with any axle back system there will be a very small increase/decrease in performance. I would base my descision mostly on sound.


As far as which system, I chose SLP, mostly because at the time they were the best buy for the money, and second I wanted it to be LOUD. Sounds like you want something that stands out but not overwhelming loud. If the SLP's are too loud for you I would try Borla.

 

Thanks for the reply! I know it's a hassle responding to newbies.
For #3 I was wondering if I needed to get it tuned again once I had it on there.
As far as the near future I am thinking to put a JLT Series II CAI/ SCT Tuner as my next mod after that.
As an example for the confusion I'm having, I was thinking SLP - but when I go there I see words like "crossover pipe", "with Cats" , "X pipe" , and "short assembly." Now I know how the teachers feel at my school when I teach Photoshop and Digital Video - tech talk GALORE (I teach teachers how to use technology)!!
Also I just realized that since I'm in California there may be emission restrictions too!!

Joe

 

Since your just going to change the mufflers first ... You can retune if you'd like, but I don't think it would make much of a difference.

"crossover pipe", "with Cats" , "X pipe" , and "short assembly." Are all things I was refering to as "mid-pipe" pieces. The SLP's are just "Mufflers." Here is a link to where I bought mine, you might be able find them cheaper else where.

http://www.lmperformance.com/5535/73.html

This is a really good thread about the SLP's w/ pics and videos
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index....opic=21627&hl=

You might want to take a look at the Exhaust Thread to see more about different types of system out there and what they sound like.


As far as emissions, any system shouldn't be a problem as long as you don't mess w/ the cats. Mufflers control sound tone and volume.

 

Not much to it!

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=43031

This link is the CORE upgrade for a bone-stock car -- CAI & retune & new Axleback exhaust. The FRPP/Borla exhaust flows 40% higher than the stock exhaust so IMHO getting duals on a bone-stock V6 car won't eek out much more performance over a high quality axleback. Also, the Borla sounds awsome and is never intrusively loud. It needs a couple-hundred break-in miles to smooth out its voice. But after that its
. I LOVE my Borla/FRPP. Not sure which model you have. If you have a GT then you already have duals & I'd recommend the Borla dual axlebacks.




Bottomline: For about $800+ (1000 if you have GT for the dual muffler kit. The XCAL2 and CAI cost the same for the V6 as the GT) in parts and 90 minutes of free time w/ some basic tools, youll have a whole new car again!!! Hope this thread answers your questions. Its not that bad.

 

Joe:

With the Steeda CAI & Xcal2 & Borla Axlebacks, you won't be violating any Emissions Regs IMHO. If you are THAT concerned about it, it would be a 15 minute job to take out the Steeda CAI and drop back in your factory airbox and then plug in your XCAL2 to reflash your car back to stock configuration before you go in for your annual sniff-test.

Also, The Communist Peoples Republik of Kalifornia now has drive-by noise regulations which negates a lot of the more exotic exhaust upgrades being suggested here. :bang: Things like long-tube headers, SLP loudmouth, etc. may put you in violationof the ever-elitest state of Kalifornia. . The Borla/Ford Racing Axleback mufflers like the type I put in my car are 50-state-drive-by noise legal, including California (Sorry but I don't consider California state but a 'Peoples Republik' ). They are still aggressive and flow up to 40% better than stock, but they don't violate any noise laws. I'd recommend saving the $$$ and get the Ford Racing Mufflers as they are the exact same as the Borla mufflers and they sell for less money.

 

Since you have a 2006 model, you won't need to even have a smog check until the year 2012 (6 years away). This is the law here in the "Communist Peoples Republik of Kalifornia" (as esorense calls it). :scratch:

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Bo...eck/doineed.htm

 

Thanks for the reply. What really makes me refer to that is the drive-by noise regs. For example, Borla (and now FRPP) has GT exhausts that they label as '50 state legal' and other exhausts they refer to as 'aggressive' and are only 49 state legal. The one state they cannot legally offer the more 'aggressive' exhaust -- you guest it... "Communist Peoples Republik of Kalifornia". I swear the US Border ends in Nevada. I'm sure SLP and other 'aggressive' aftermarket exhaust manufacturers now have to deal with the same headaches in their business. They now have to be careful to not offer for sale certain products in California which only is an unecessary burden on completely lawful enterprise and free trade & civil rights. :usa: Hence, the nickname.

 

Thanks for the info. Just chimming in. I'm another newbie and just learning about all the exhaust choices. I have the magnaflow axle-backs that came with my roush. Wanting to change to ford racing.

 

I just finshed installing my SLP Loudmouths. I'm kind of handy but very rarely do things with my car. Took me about an hour to do and the hardest part was getting the hanger bolt off from above the muffler. Didn't even have to put the car on jackstands (I'm 6'2" and weigh 250)
Highly recomend these.