Im sure this has been answered before.... But why do the 05+ GTs have axelbacks instead of catbacks like all the other mustangs?

And what exactly makes the 05+ Mustangs sound so much different than all the previous ones? The 2v and 4v sound very similar but then you hear a 3v and it is just a COMPLETE different tone! Is it just the odd number of valves that make these mustangs sound different? Or isit the fact that they use axelbacks instead of the usual catback?


Just trying to learn about these bad boys

Thanks,
Adam

 

Axleback= sound coming from the back of the car
04 and down= Sound coming from under the car


Get pypes new mid muffler system and o/r H pipefor the 05+ and youll have your beloved sound your looking for. That will be my set-up within the next couple of months.

 

Ok well s2K answered your first question and I heard great great things about the Pypes system as well. Makes me wish I went that route instead.

 

I have NEVER heard an H setup that i liked... LOL

So why did they even do this axel back idea? Just for a change?

 

Im sure you will be happy with your stingers

 

I love my stingers with the o/r h pipe from pypes....i also would like to hear the new muffler setup with the o/r h pipe....i would maybe change.....it would have to be amazing though..

Dont know why we got axlebacks really....never thought about it

 

I believe they did it for the same reason that they made the cutouts in the rear fascia so much bigger than the factory tailpipes...they knew people would be swapping out their mufflers and wanted to make it as easy as possible...just a theory...
actually I've read that Ford put a hell of a lot of work into the s197 exhaust system, and I must say it's one of the better sounding factory setups...yeah, I said "wow, it sounds good", then I ordered my flo's lol...

 

I think it does sound good for a stock exhaust....like most....stock anything isnt good enough for me.

 

All mustangs have catback exhaust systems. Axleback refers to the muffler itself, while catback is the whole exhaust system (starting at the headers all the way to the exhaust tips and everything inbetween). The reason why you hear axlebacks more with the 05+ is because ford placed the mufflers right at the very end of the car just before the bumper (for unknown reasons but one would assume to make it easier for the average joe to change his mufflers) while your new edge has its muffler directly underneath the car, making it a royal PITA to change just the muffler, so most change their catback system aswell <------ educated guess on that one.

 

One reason is because the exhaust system is 2 1/2 in diameter from the factory. Kenne Bell says the stock system is good for at least 600 hp, for example.

Cat back exhaust, then, are pretty much a waste of money. If you're staying legal (i.e. keeping you catalytic convertors), then the only reason to change your exhuast is really for sound, otherwise, there is little or no gain there. That's why many of us only have axle backs.

I have seen some cat back systems for 05+ Mustangs, but I doubt they sell well.