I have a 07 GT that currently has the non-CA emissions cats and the FR500S/GT500KR mufflers, and the stock H-pipe. It sounds great, but I have always wondered what I could do to increase the sound levels and improve/retain the quality of sound. Should I go with an Off-road H or X pipe? I understand the difference between the "muscle" rumble and "Raspiness". I am more interested in sound levels... will I get a quieter exhaust with an off-road X-pipe? I do not currently have any drone above 1000 RPM, which is beautiful! So I don't want to change this characteristic.

What brand of Off-road X/H should I get for maximum durability and proper fit? I don't mind spending more for something that I don't have to worry about custom fitting.

 

You've done your homework and know about the "rumble" VS the "raspiness" issue associated with the H and Y pipes. I'm not sure there is a lot of volume difference between the 2...more the difference in sound. I can't comment on the drone or brand as I'm still running the factory H in my 07 GT as well....though I think drone usually comes more from what you have downstream of the H or X for mufflers. I had put the Roush/Ford Racing/Borla off road mufflers on at first and loved the sound, but had a terrible drone zone in the cabin when cruising between 60 - 65 mph in 5th. I then put the Roush Extreme system on and got even better sound, with no drone at all. Hope this info helps in some small way.

 

I think it does. The more X vs H videos I listened to, the more I want to stay with H because it just sounds "nasty" in a good way. I also wonder how much sound the cats attenuate... I'd rather do my part and keep the environment clean, but I'm still curious.

 

I'm and "H" pipe guy. I love the sound.
Long tube headers to increase power and sound.
I also have Cherry Bomb#545-55506

 

Instead of going through many mufflers, like I have on past Stangs, with my 07 GT I just put on H-pipe. Loud and proud. Loved the sound, until I sold it. The exhaust fumes smelled a bit, but well worth it.
Cheap way to get great sound, loud on acceleration and awesome always.

 

Get rid of the cats if you want more volume. But once you change up the exhaust you change the harmonics of the system and you will develop different sound characteristics. Maybe you get drone, maybe not. Maybe you get really bad trumpeting, maybe not.

The only way to get that old school rumble with these cars is to put some pipe between the mufflers and the tips.

My set up is completely obnoxious, headers, no cats and Outlaws. When I jump on it it is stupid loud.

 

I was all for an X pipe until I learned about rumble vs raspiness. I decided to stay with the H pipe because I love the good ol' American V-8 rumble.