Joeywhat

Probably a long shot, but I'm seriously considering an off road H pipe, or possibly an X pipe. Worried about how it sounds, especially overall noise levels and drone. Anyone have corsa sport axlebacks and an aftermarket H/X pipe (and nothing else)?

I'm also curious to know about sound differences between high flow cats and stock cats. I'm not sure if there's even going to be a sound difference between the two.

Any help?

laserred38

Not apples to oranges, but I have Solo Performance high flow cats and catback. Compared to buddies in my club that have longtubes, off-road H and Corsa catbacks, theirs are still quite a bit louder. They all claim absolutely no drone.

If I were you, I'd go with high flows. The V6 gets very raspy when cat less. The high flows take a lot of that extra edge or bite off the exhaust that catless cars have.

Joeywhat

The other issue with a chatted H or X is just how much louder can I expect it? Would hate to drop $6-700 on one for just a small bump in noise. Don't want too much either, but off road units are significantly less expensive.

laserred38

When I went to my HF cats, my car became significantly louder. I'd say it's the perfect volume for me. As much as I want the loudness of off-road pipes, they're just obnoxious to me. My car is borderline obnoxious, but if I stay off the "loud" pedal, it'll stay decently quiet. No one will ever mistake it for stock though.

Joeywhat

That's what I want. I don't care to wake the neighbors, but I do want more sound when burying the pedal. I guess I'll stick with a catted mid pipe. Still not entirely sure on X vs H, I know I'll like the H, but I'm still not sure whether the X will be too raspy or give it a super mean roar without too much rasp. I've heard some that sound just awesome and some just awful.

laserred38

Hey Joey, also to note, when we swapped my cats out, my car picked up 12hp and 25ft/lb to the wheels, without tuning. That was when I already had the catback installed, so only change was the HF cats. I'd expect a similar increase for your car, since the mid pipe would probably be bigger too (I think the stock V6 piping in that area is only 2.25").

Joeywhat

Nice, that's another consideration of X vs H, where to get the power gain. Not sure which I'll find more useful, I have no issue running to redline on the street.

laserred38

For the V8, the X always makes a little more power, but then you get a raspier more exotic sound. I'd say the h-pipe would be worth it even if you give up a couple hp. I have a local buddy with a 2015 V6...he added a Lethal h-pipe (stock cats) and flowmaster outlaw catback, which is almost straight pipe. I'd say volume wise, you'd be close with your HF cats because the outlaws are comparable to Corsa Extremes as far as volume (the outlaws drone though). His car sounds awesome!!! So deep and throaty. I'd do the catted H...

Joeywhat

From what I've seen the X pipe does seem to produce more desirable results power wise...still unsure if it's what I want sound wise, though. I've heard some videos where it sounds BADASS and others not so much. Just not sure what it'll sound like with my setup. Yeah the H ends up being the safer choice and I don't mind it's sound...but I do prefer the sound of a good X pipe, I think. Primary issue is that it's an expensive fix if I don't like the X pipe...

Joeywhat

Might also call up MRT since they are local and see what they have to say regarding the two. I'm also wondering about sound differences between their performance and race H pipes. Maybe they'll have a few on vehicles I can listen to.

laserred38

If you're local to MRT, absolutely go there. Their stuff is top notch and they used to offer a choice of X or H on their exhausts. If Scott Hoag is still the owner, you probably know his name and what he means to Mustangs...

Joeywhat

Yeah I live about 20 minutes from their facility. Of course the key now is finding time to go, working 7 days weeks for the foreseeable future.