fright88

Ok so here is the short story. I just traded in my Perf Red 01 GT got a Silver 01GT the change is because of a physical handicap that makes driving a 5spd very difficult.

Anyways here is th question. My new 01 is completely stock. Like an idiot I didn't pull the Steeda pullies or Tri ax out of the old car so I am wanting advice on my first set of mods. Granted this may be my only round for some time so I would like to get best bang for the buck. I want to do something with the exhaust for better sound. And I would like my MPG to stay close to stock. A gain or loss for a few mpg is ok but don't want to loose too much. I called around and found a local exhaust shop willing to make a custom cat back with Velocity I believe brand mufflers for around 400. Dur to no drive way I can't do too much at home in the way of working under the car. Please let me know what you all think would be the best way to spend 1500-2k thanks.

Acer2428

Catback, Gears, K&N filter.

Done.

Maybe a set of 275/40/17 tires for the rear.

TeeStang

+1 couldnt have said it better

rbstang

x pipe + gears + drag radials

SOHCtimes2

What he said...plus a catback.

fright88

What kind of X pipe also should I buy the custom cat back or buy one from someone like magnaflow or flowmaster

Acer2428

Custom ones are USUALLy non-mandrel bent. Just get a pre-made catback like you mentioned. Get an SLP LM 1 catback an leave your stock midpipe...it'll give you the sound you're after without having to spend the extra cash, unless you really want the extra 10hp.

fright88

Will a mid pipe and catrback without headers gain any hp worth mentioning?

meebix

Nope. Unfortunately not... Maybe 6-7 to the wheels overall. You get all your power from long tube headers, mixing with midpipe and catback to produce around 20 rwhp.

If you want an exhaust like you said, just get an exhaust. LT's, midpipe and catback. Its going to blow your $1500 in one shot which sucks... I wish I could have grabbed a bunch of mods with the $1700 I spend on my full exhaust, I know it sucks because you feel like you can get so much more for that kind of money. But honestly, performance cars need a full exhaust eventually, and it will make the car sound 500% better, and you will grab about 20 rwhp, and even better response with some additional mods.

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Oh yea, and definitely DONT go with a custom catback. Get a pre-bent catback, like magnaflows, stay away from those slowmasters, but don't get anything "custom" its just not worth it. Get all the premade parts. VRS makes great X pipes, I know Code and I are very happy with ours. A Magnaflow catback is going to be VERY quiet, FYI, however, with a full exhaust, if your not looking for something loud, magnaflows would be a good way to go. I say LM2's for people who want a loud car without it being too loud. LM1's if your crazy like me.

BBond007

I just had my exhaust completed with a custom catback.

I say completed because I'm not going to do headers. The only thing I may do is have them weld-in some cats into my o/r x-pipe (before I leave) if I end up moving to a place with emissions.

Anyway, they used mandrel bent 2.5" tube and the workmanship is simply awsome.

They charged me $260 for this and reused my existing dynomax mufflers.

My car does not sound much different than stock under 3K RPMS. That is how I wanted it

So anyway, the custom stuff is worth looking at if you know the right shop.

The day I took the stang in they were also bending a custom exhaust mod for one of these http://t-rexusa.com/

and an exhaust system for a custom Range Rover that was trailered in.