Magnaflow Unleashes xMOD Exhaust for the 18+ Mustang GT. Good for 16-18 RWHP and 15-16 ft.-lbs. of Torque!
The Magnaflow xMOD exhaust costs a pretty penny, but sounds great and works with both standard and active-exhaust Mustang GTs.
Fun news for 2018+ Mustang GT owners. Magnaflow recently unveiled their latest xMOD catback system for all 2018 and newer Mustang GTs, claiming 16-18 RWHP gains along with and 15-16 ft.-lbs. of torque. The system, which is available now over at Magnaflow’s website retails for a hefty $3,000, but includes a lifetime warranty, is easier to install than the OEM exhaust, includes no-drone technology, and is customizable for both active-exhaust and standard exhaust Mustang GTs.
Let’s break down everything we know.
Easy Installation
One of the most annoying things about modifying an S550 Mustang exhaust is how the entire catback system is one giant piece, from resonator to mufflers. (Previously generations come apart in a few clamped sections.) The Magnaflow xMOD series exhaust can’t fix the OEM components, but, as a replacement setup, the xMOD system is a noticeable upgrade over stock. Numerous V-band clamps make assembly, adjustments, and future swap-outs a breeze. And Magnalow appears to have paid extra attention to the system’s mounts, making everything rigid and stout.
Choice of Mid-Pipe
The first choice to make in setting up your Magnaflow xMOD cutback system is to figure out what you want to do in the mid-pipe area. Deleting Ford’s restrictive resonator is a popular modification. But, if you don’t want the loudest possible option, Magnaflow offers a straight-through TRU-X core design with a 4″ x 9” oval by 14″ long muffler to act as a resonator. There’s no performance loss, but it settles down the overall tone and loudness.
However, if you want your Mustang GT to scream like a race car, opt for the xMOD TRU-X xTreme Delete, which is a straight-through x-pipe. It’s worth noting that the XTreme Delete is emissions legal, but if you’re running the muffler wide open too, you might want to be careful of your local noise regulations (#ForTrackUseOnly).
No-Drone Technology
Before we get to the xMOD quad-tip mufflers themselves, Magnaflow makes a special point of highlighting the xMOD systems’ No Drone Technology (NDT) resonators. Visually, they’re capped-off pipes that extend off the back of the muffler (attached with v-bands, naturally), wrapping into the empty space under the spare wheel well. The NDT resonators are “designed to cancel specifically tuned frequencies.”
Xtreme Bypass Modules
When looking at the xMOD series quad-tip mufflers, you’ll not that only one tip actually runs through the xMOD Muffler Modules. The other, outside pipe features no muffling at all and works with active-exhaust equipped Mustang exhaust actuators. In this scenario, your Magnaflow xMOD exhaust will enjoy all four factory modes, from Quiet and Normal to Sport and Track. However, if your Mustang GT wasn’t so equipped, you can pick up the Mustang GT xMOD xTreme Bypass Valve Delete. This valve delete is the same size as the actuated one, but you can choose to manually slip in and out a block-off plate to muffle or unleash your Mustang GT’s beastly tunes as needed.
For what it’s worth, every possible configuration in this system performs within two ponies of each other so whether or not you’re running in the quietest configuration or making enemies of your neighbors, you’re making very similar, if not indistinguishable power.
MustangForums First Impressions
Overall, we’re very impressed with the 2018+ Mustang GT xMOD exhaust system. From the quality materials to the customization, there’s a lot to like about this system. Our only two questions are about pricing — $3,000 is a LOT to spend on a cutback system — and whether or not the xMOD xTreme Bypass Valve Delete is going to be worth it for the average buyer. Naturally, we suspect that most Mustang GT owners, who don’t have an active exhaust, will just never install the block-off plate. As a Boss 302 owner with OEM side-pipes that featured a similar setup, that’s what most Boss owners did. Most Mustang owners, it seems, just want to hear all the ponies at all times.
However, I think it would be fun if Magnaflow offers up an aftermarket version of the active valve exhaust for those who don’t have the factory setup. That’s what I did with my Boss 302. I added a QTP electric cutout to the side-pipes so I can uncork the monsters or cruise with the family as needed. In this case, I’d love to see Magnaflow offer their own actuator motor that, with a wireless remote or app, could open and close the bypass valve so users could further customize their xMOD exhaust.
Here’s a full video from Magnaflow with sample exhaust clips:
Photos: Magnaflow
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