After building my custom CAI, I'm looking into exhaust next. Now please keep in mind I'm running a '04 V6 stock right now. Soon to have the CAI connected. Now I was just informed that in the state of PA, as long as you have a CAT you do not need mufflers. Being told this I've come to think that I can fix something up personnaly.

Question: Do I "NEED" an h-pipe or x-pipe on my car for duel exhaust?

What I'm thinking about doing, if not needing an x or h-pipe, is running one straight pipe out to the side (in front of rear tire) of the car and placing some type of tip on it to control some of the sound, and one out the other side mimicking (sp?). If my thinking is close to correct, any back pressure I need would be caught in the CAT right? I can't see the muffler and exhaust pipe being all that important in keeping backpressure.... Right? Lemme know what you all think or say

 

if im correct...you dont necesarily need a x or h-pipe...there are two kinds of cat-back systems...there is complete bolt-on which bolts on to the y-pipe and then there is a true dual system, a true dual system needs some kind of x or h-pipe since both headers run separately instead of the headers joining into one pipe...my suggestion is to get a x or h-pipe cuz it benefits ur car more than hurt it...you could also put that side exit system on and both of the pipes would work instead of just one...but of course...its up to you...if ya really dont want the performance gain from a x or h-pipe then just do ur lil thing...its ur car..do w/e ya want with it...

 

so your saying I can't just run straight pipes from the CATS out?

 

don't run straight pipes. i heard a 6er with cutouts and it sounded like a tractor, not in a good way. the GT i heard with cutouts sounded worse. you wouldn't be too far off with straight pipes. you can buy a stock H from a 99+ GT for pretty cheap if you look on ebay and in classifieds on stang sites. same with catback. the takeoff catback won't be that loud though, so you'd probably want something like flowmaster or magnaflow. just my .02

 

You don't need an X or H pipe on a V6. It will not give you any performance benifit. As far as running straight pipes, Nanaki said it best, it will sound like a tracktor, I've heard it first hand. A muffler actually resonates sound and gives you that wonderful bassy racey sound. One muff is nice and two is twice as good. Just take a look at bolt up kits if your looking to save money. http://www.v6mustangstuff.com/exhaust.htm

Listen to my exhaust. Mine is the first Stang (silver vert) and also listen to the third one down (black 97) click>>>> https://mustangforums.com/m_471610/tm.htm

 

Seeing you build your intake from scratch why don’t you try that with your exhaust?
Run down to your local building center and grab some 1"copper piping and some solder,, hmm dont know what else you will need but im sure you can do it,[sm=alcoholic.gif] just think of all the money you will save!!!

 

copper pipe, I don't think so. But it is my next mod that I'm gonna try. Worse comes to worse I'll be saving the stock stuff in case I screw up or don't like it. So far my plans show me that it'll only be about $70.00 depending on length of piping I need. I know most are lauing at me cause I'm cheap, but why not try it and gimme some credit for being a Newbie to cars and stuff. I don't know crap about cars other than what most of you all have posted and suggested. So I'm cheap, but if it works as good if not better, then why not?

 

naw man dont take that the wrong way, i was just being stupid[sm=headbang.gif]. do what you wish it is your car. i just would never make my own stuff for it in fear that i would wreck it[:@]. so the best of luck man!!hope it works.

 

well, after thinking about it for a minute, maybe I will put cherrybomb glasspacks on instead of straight pipes. I'm gonna have to start selling some crack if I'm going to have to pay for glasspacks...LOL!

 

hope you aren't expecting a deep throaty sound.