nick2191165

I know that there is an abundance of threads just like this but I just like having one specific to my exact question. I'm sorry in advance to the people that get annoyed by these types of posts but I'm stuck. I have a stock 2009 GT and I want to upgrade it a little bit. First of all I want to start off with the exhaust. I don't want to know what you have but more or less I'd like to know the difference between a cat back and axle back? And also can an axle back exhaust become a cat back exhaust just by adding an h or x pipe at a later date? Sorry I'm very new to the whole animal of mustang mods and I have a lot to learn I hope this thread will help me out! Thanks

TheDutchTexan

Cat back: from the catalytic converter back will be new piping
Axle back: from the axle back will be new piping, or rather, just replace your rear mufflers for something less baffled, thus creating a deeper tone. And this does not free up much power.

Search the forums, there are a lot of threads here on the subject.

nick2191165

Ok, where is the catalytic converter located? Right after the headers come off the engine right?

lawrencecar1

1- manifold or headers
3- cats / h-pipe
6- axle back

nick2191165

That's a nice picture! Thanks Lawrence, so this mean if I got borla s-type axle back tomorrow and a month late I got an x pipe I would then have a full cat back exhaust or is there something in between?

808muscle

Go to YouTube and listen with headphones to different setups then make your choice. Some axle backs sound better with h pipes vs x pipes. Longtube headers change everything.

bakerjd

They are part of the mid-pipe.

tx_zstang

You mainly want to upgrade 'axle back', hence, just the mufflers. No need to replace your perfectly-good piping up to the mufflers.
When you go to off-road or cat-less, you can replace just the catted h-pipe section, keeping the rest.
The exhaust is very modular

Young_Gun

Well I'd say first get a tuner...

mayo

I would go with an axelback of choice first as it requires no retune to enjoy. Next get an intake/tuner combo of choice from AM or Brenspeed. With the tuner you will then be ready for further exhaust modification. Hope this helps