Advice on Exhaust

[SSgt Dan]

So I'm looking at upgrading my exhaust, namely my headers and mid-pipe (already have a Flowmaster catback), and was just looking on advice/recommendations on what to get. I'm thinking I wanna go with long tube headers and some form of x-pipe, but I'm not entirely certain as to what the benefits/drawbacks of having long tube vs short tube headers, and h-pipes vs x-pipes are. Also, how important is it to have your headers and midpipe "matched"? (I read somewhere that ideally, you want said parts to be manufactured by the same company. Something to do with fitment issues or whatnot.)

Last question. How big of a difference would you notice from having an off-road midpipe over a catted one? Vehicles are not emissions controlled in my state (I kid you not, our inspections consist of: check headlights, check tail lights, check turn signals, pay money), but if its not that much of a difference, I think I'd like to keep my car emissions-friendly. Just a CYA thing in case i move to another state. Lol.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

Dan

[19Delta]

Remember with long tubes, the headers will hang down below the bottom of the car. If I were you, I'd go with a Mid-length if you can find them. Longtubes however make a deeper sound than shorties or mid lengths do. I do know that the MAC lt's I have (they're for a v6 though) have to have a MAC midpipe with them or they won't bolt up. I'm not 100% sure that other companies are this way.

[SSgt Dan]

Well you just sold me on the long tubes lol. One of my goals for my car is to have a VERY deep/low sound to it. But one other question i forgot to ask in my OP; how much does the finish of the tubes come into play? (i.e. ceramic, stainless steel, etc.) And what do people generally recommend regarding the finish?

[99 SVT Cobra]

I like and use Bassani X-pipes. But you have to use shorty headers. Its a really nice sound and you can get the one that comes with cats along with the cat delete kit so you can switch back and forth for whatever reason like emissions. What do you have? GT, Cobra, V6, or what?

[SSgt Dan]

Sorry, it's a 2004 GT. Lol.

[19Delta]

Ceramic is nice, but they're more expensive, by a lot. I would go with Stainless if I were you. Stay away from chrome, because they rust really fast.

[99 SVT Cobra]

I would also go with stainless unless you have the extra cash for ceramic.

[SSgt Dan]

Gotcha. But what exactly is the benefit of ceramic? Is it something like better heat dissipation, or what?

[99 SVT Cobra]

Ceramic headers just keep the temperature down a little.

[19Delta]

For the money, Stainless headers can't be beat IMHO.

[99 SVT Cobra]

I agree, stainless is the way to go.

[SSgt Dan]

As far as manufacturers, are there any in particular that I should steer towards/away from? I've heard Bassani's name thrown around a few times as a reputable manufacturer, but what about companies like BBK and SLP? (The particular setup I'm looking at right now is made by SLP)

[19Delta]

96-04 Headers, Mid Length, 1 5/8", 4.6L, 2V at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

There's you a set of stainless Mid length Bassani Headers.

[sonicpony03]

I've always been partial to long tubes and an o/r h-pipe. I heard an 04 GT with Longtubes, an o/r h, and magnapacks...and it was sick! The sound was deep and low, but remained crisp and clear, it didn't drone like some do.

If your really wanting a deep tone, I'd definitely consider an h-pipe, either o/r or catted to go along with the long tubes.

[SpectorV]

if your car is lowered or will be long tubes can get in the way as they hang down very low

[19Delta]

yes yes, that's why I told him to get mid length headers.

[SSgt Dan]

With these mid-length headers, what length midpipe would I have to get? Is there a dedicated "mid-length midpipe" or would you just use the standard or shorty length midpipe? Prolly a stupid question, but I seem to be having problems locating anything even remotely resembling a mid length midpipe. Lol.

[19Delta]

A standard/shorty midpipe will be fine.

[chris098]

Quote: Originally Posted by SSgt Dan With these mid-length headers, what length midpipe would I have to get? Is there a dedicated "mid-length midpipe" or would you just use the standard or shorty length midpipe? Prolly a stupid question, but I seem to be having problems locating anything even remotely resembling a mid length midpipe. Lol.

I have bassani mid length headers. Unless you custom fab a midpipe, you'll have to get the bassani 5 piece xpipe.

[SSgt Dan]

Awesome. I very well may go with the bassani mid-length header + modular x-pipe setup. Does anyone have a sound clip of a car with that exhaust?

Also, I'm relatively certain that a midpipe swap is a more-or-less straightforward task, but what about the headers? Is that something that can be done at home, or should it be left to the pros?

[saleenman]

bassani off road x pipe sounds amazing a little loud at times

[99 SVT Cobra]

It is a little loud but it sounds really nice. Sounds better than most others.

[SSgt Dan]

Bassani SS Catalytic X-pipe 5 Spd. 1999-04 Mustang GT, Mach1 - 46993

and

Bassani SS Off-road X-pipe 5 Spd. 1999-04 Mustang GT, Mach1 - 46992

are the same thing, minus one having cats and one not, correct? Reason I'm asking is that on that particular site, the catted version specifically states it's compatible with the mid-length headers, while the off-road version doesn't.

Also, if you look at AM's reviews for the off-road x-pipe (Bassani Off-Road X-pipe (99-04 GT Manual) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!), both reviews state that it has a "raspy" sound. Anyone else notice anything like this?

[99 SVT Cobra]

I have the the Bassani Catted Off Road X-pipe. You can take the cats off and put the cat delete kit in and switch back and forth for emissions testing and whatever. That is the only difference between the two. But on AM is specifically says you need shorty headers. check this link.

Bassani Catted X-pipe (99-04 GT Manual) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

Thats the catted version and the non catted version is:

Bassani Off-Road X-pipe (99-04 GT Manual) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

[Cobra GT]

if you want the best money can buy i would consider Kooks check my pics of the BBKs

[OsirisGuy]

I also suggest Kooks LTH

[SSgt Dan]

So I've finally made my decision. I'm going to go with the Bassani headers (ceramic coated) and the Bassani off-road x-pipe. Going to be placing the order either today or tomorrow.

Bassani Headers 1996-04 Mustang GT - 4602VC

Bassani X-pipe 1999-04 Mustang GT - 46992

So now my question is, what all am I going to need as far as accessories go? I know I'm going to need the O2 extensions and a MIL eliminator, but what else is there? This particular site keeps "suggesting" header and midpipe gaskets, but shouldn't they be part of the package? (The page for the headers specifically states it comes with all installation hardware)

One last thing. I was reading the write-up that Bassani made for the header installation, and one of the steps is unbolting the engine mounts and raising the engine a tad, making it a perfect time to swap engine mount brackets (or whatever the hell they're called lol), but is that really worth it? And if it is, what would you all recommend as a replacement?

[SSgt Dan]

I don't mean to keep this thread alive, but I wanted to give you all an update on my absolutely AMAZING sounding exhaust. All in all, the install went very smoothly, even considering it took over twenty hours for me and my dad to complete. As a matter of fact, there were only two things that I would even call "hiccups" to the install. The first was one of the "cat delete pipes" was about 3-4" too long for some reason. Easily fixed with a hacksaw. The other was a rather large "Oops" moment on my part. Apparently I forgot to tighten one of the header bolts on the passenger side, and when I started her up for the first time, I fried the gasket on that side. Oops. $300 fix. (I was too frustrated to fix it myself, so I had to take it to a shop. Lol.)

All things said, tho, I am VERY pleased with my setup now. I want to extend my thanks to all of you that gave me input, and led me to these absolute beasts of a pipe!

Dan

P.S. Piece of advice to anyone else considering putting these particular headers on. Invest in a set of quality header gaskets. The gaskets that come with these pipes are junk. I know the fried gasket on the passenger side was my fault, but I still have a leak on the driver's side that I know for a fact was thru no fault of my own. It's not so bad that the car's undrivable, but it's definately more than enough to piss me off. Lol.

[outlawfrog]

Congratz on getting a set-up that YOU like! I bet it's a head turner, huh?

[SSgt Dan]

OMG yes! Lol. What I really like about it tho is that, while it is DEFINITELY loud, it's not so loud that its obnoxious and overbearing. That and it also has a higher pitched resonating tone to go with the VERY deep rumble, which makes it sound both sporty/classy and straight-up "I will melt your face off!" Best of both worlds lol!