What is the next step up from the GT500 axle backs?
Thread Starter
GT Member
Joined: October 8, 2004
Posts: 185
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What is the next step up from the GT500 axle backs?
So I've had the GT500 axle backs on my car for about 2 years now but I have recently found myself looking for a little more sound. To me the GT500's sound good at low rpm but at higher rpm all I really hear is engine noise and not exhaust. Can anyone recommend what the next step up on loudness would be over these? I don't want anything super loud and I don't want any drone either. I also like how under normal driving conditions the GT500's quiet right down.
Thanks
Thanks
I Have No Life
Joined: September 24, 2011
Posts: 10,141
Likes: 172
Welcome to myself last year 
at least you lasted 2 years. I lasted 1/2 a year. Loved them at first, then got borla s type axlebacks. That lasted a year then got borla s catbacks. Now I'm proper and happy.
Given that, go borla s type axlebacks FTW. Perhaps catback later on.
at least you lasted 2 years. I lasted 1/2 a year. Loved them at first, then got borla s type axlebacks. That lasted a year then got borla s catbacks. Now I'm proper and happy.Given that, go borla s type axlebacks FTW. Perhaps catback later on.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: April 14, 2013
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 111
From: CT
Resonator removal with GT500 mufflers seems to add some volume. But a full catback will probably be best. They get a little pricey but are excellent. Could always go all out with headers and full exhaust...
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 28, 2011
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Buckeye, AZ
Before you swap out the axle backs, ditch the resonators. It's cheap and easy and will add volume to your ride. If that's not loud enough for you, ditch the stock H pipe for a 3" H or X pipe and run 3" pipe to the over axle pipe and it will sound great when on throttle and quiet down at cruise like you want. This is what I did and I am very satisfied with the sound.
Bullitt Member
Joined: June 24, 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Milton, FL
I love my Roush exhaust and I really don't think the Roush exhaust is that loud. Frankly I think it's kind of quiet. That's not to say its the next step louder from GT500's but I don't find the Roush to be annoying or intrusive or a "cop magnet" at all. Then again I'm adding Longtubes and an off-road X this week but still. I know people think the Roush AB is obnoxious but I don't think it's loud at all and it's half the price of Borla's. Just my opinion though.
GT Member
Joined: April 28, 2012
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
So I've had the GT500 axle backs on my car for about 2 years now but I have recently found myself looking for a little more sound. To me the GT500's sound good at low rpm but at higher rpm all I really hear is engine noise and not exhaust. Can anyone recommend what the next step up on loudness would be over these? I don't want anything super loud and I don't want any drone either. I also like how under normal driving conditions the GT500's quiet right down.
Thanks
Thanks
V6 Member
Joined: October 21, 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I wouldn't understand changing the Axle-backs, but I can see getting a Magnaflow X-pipe. They should add a little bit of power and give it more sound w/o making it drone. Maybe remove the resonator too. That's my plan for mine!
GT Member
Joined: December 13, 2012
Posts: 128
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Welcome to myself last year at least you lasted 2 years. I lasted 1/2 a year. Loved them at first, then got borla s type axlebacks. That lasted a year then got borla s catbacks. Now I'm proper and happy.
Given that, go borla s type axlebacks FTW. Perhaps catback later on.
at least you lasted 2 years. I lasted 1/2 a year. Loved them at first, then got borla s type axlebacks. That lasted a year then got borla s catbacks. Now I'm proper and happy.Given that, go borla s type axlebacks FTW. Perhaps catback later on.
I Have No Life
Joined: September 24, 2011
Posts: 10,141
Likes: 172
Borla catback = 8.5
Gt500 axleback = 3
As far as catback vs axleback for borla, the x pipe and over axles make the difference. It's throatier. More "wide open" sounding and outright mean sounding if you will. Gnarlier. Has a more distinct burble and brapappapp sound when downshifting. I absolutely love it.
Power gains if any, not much. But that's not why I got it. I could care less if it's the same. However, it does feel like it revs up freer and quicker, and butt dyno says more "oomph" up top in the rev range. (I also have an airraid CAI)
GT Member
Joined: October 7, 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Before you swap out the axle backs, ditch the resonators. It's cheap and easy and will add volume to your ride. If that's not loud enough for you, ditch the stock H pipe for a 3" H or X pipe and run 3" pipe to the over axle pipe and it will sound great when on throttle and quiet down at cruise like you want. This is what I did and I am very satisfied with the sound.
I've heard this combination and its the best sounding system. It has the DEEP mustang rumble. Borla S-type is my second choice.
GT Member
Joined: October 7, 2012
Posts: 194
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GT Member
Joined: December 13, 2012
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Borla axleback = 6.5
Borla catback = 8.5
Gt500 axleback = 3
As far as catback vs axleback for borla, the x pipe and over axles make the difference. It's throatier. More "wide open" sounding and outright mean sounding if you will. Gnarlier. Has a more distinct burble and brapappapp sound when downshifting. I absolutely love it.
Power gains if any, not much. But that's not why I got it. I could care less if it's the same. However, it does feel like it revs up freer and quicker, and butt dyno says more "oomph" up top in the rev range. (I also have an airraid CAI)
I Have No Life
Joined: September 24, 2011
Posts: 10,141
Likes: 172
At the time that I had the Borla S Axlebacks, I narrowed down my "upgrade" to two options: Borla S full catbacks, or the Boss H pipe.
After numerous and countless videos (despite the fact that they never truly represent reality in audio), and after many PM's and discussions with owners and members who had each setup, I decided that the Borla full catback was the way to go. Other than the sound (which is obviously a personal preference), I also had reservations of the Boss H due to some prior owners that have quality issues with fitment. On the other hand, Borla has always been touted with high quality and great customer service. To that end, Borla has never disappointed me in any or either.
Good luck with your decision. You can probably tell which way I desire you to sway
Last edited by FromZto5; Aug 5, 2013 at 08:25 PM.
