Need advice on pipes from those who have been there

propellerhead · 06-11-2004, 10:48 AM

After lots and lots of reading, I think I want the Spintech chambered mufflers installed on my stock 04 GT. I plan on getting an aftermarket catted mid-pipe later but that will have to wait. For now...

1) Should I get the whole cat-back (everything behind the stock H-pipe) replaced? Or would welding in the Spintech mufflers be enough? Will it be like a difference between a 9 and a 10, with the 9 being just the mufflers and the 10 being the mufflers and tailpipes? Or will replacing the mufflers and tailpipes be 100x better than just the mufflers?

2) Do I just order the mufflers online then take them to a muffler shop? Any muffler shop? Is there any place in San Antonio or Fort Worth that you recommend?

It's my daily driver that I don't plan on racing it (yet). Small differences in performance gains are not a big concern at this point. I do want a bassy rumble, not the raspy blaaap. I'm not going for the loudest exhaust. Just the low to medium level will be fine.

Thanks.

Hammered · 06-11-2004, 11:27 AM

Here comes Tims plug for Martinez....

I say do a whole cat back...that way you get bigger chrome tips...

Firemanz · 06-11-2004, 03:46 PM

I would say to get a whole catback done. Looks better, although having them welded will pretty much sound the same....

2k4mk1 · 06-11-2004, 06:15 PM

Spintechs will be more than low to med loud ecpecially if you change the mid pipe later. I would reccomend the cat back sys. most are 2 1/2 in vs 2 1/4 stk. plus nicer tips. Just my .02

propellerhead · 06-12-2004, 01:37 PM

Here's the breakdown as I found out:

headers: goes from each cylinder and collects into a point (1 per side)
mid-pipe: bolts to the headers, H or X, with or without catalytic converters (cats)
flow tubes: bolts to the the X or H-pipe and connects to the mufflers
mufflers: big can thing that has the most effect on the tone
tailpipe: goes after the mufflers
tips: the shiny things sticking out the back, right under the bumper

How much did it cost you to have the entire tailpipe section replaced (everything behind the H-pipe)?

When someone says "cat-back", do they mean the items from the flow tubes to the tips? Or does that include the mid-pipe?

dcm4136 · 06-12-2004, 08:11 PM

Cat backs refer to flowtubes mufflers tailpipes and tips. They are normally sold as kits in that form. I would get a catback and got with 2.5 inch tubing. Stock is 2.25. Then later when you get your midpipe you will have 2.5 all the way back.

Nighthawk · 06-13-2004, 12:02 AM

get a full catback

propellerhead · 06-14-2004, 12:19 AM

So, is $500 reasonable for getting a cat-back installed?

dcm4136 · 06-14-2004, 02:34 AM

Cat-backs are incredibly easy to install. There is no need to pay someelse to do it.

propellerhead · 06-14-2004, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcm4136

Cat-backs are incredibly easy to install. There is no need to pay someelse to do it.

Cut the mufflers off then bolt everything in?

I don't have a Sawzall or lift or ramps or jackstands. I have a garage and a few wrenches. I have no experience doing exhausts, but I've swapped out brake pads, shocks, spark plugs, wires, etc. The easy stuff.

Is there a place in SA to buy the flowtubes, Spintech mufflers, tailpipes and tips?

EDIT: I've been reading more on the Spintechs. I'm afraid they might be too loud for my liking. I'm back to favoring the Mac cat-backs for now, and the catted Mac Prochamber H later.

Thanks for the help, everyone.

propellerhead · 06-14-2004, 07:29 PM

Ok, I did it. If I didn't quit looking and reading, I wouldn't quit changing my mind on which one I wanted.

I scheduled an appointment with shop for this Friday and paid for half already. They quoted me $380 for the Mac cat-back system (flowtubes, Flowpath mufflers, tailpipes, tips) installed. I'm sure it would be easy to install, but it was going to cost me that much to buy it online. This way, if something is wrong, I can always take it back to the shop. If I did it myself, I wouldn't have anyone to blame.

Hopefully they can get the parts in this Friday. If not, I'll have to wait until the following weekend.

My first real mod...

larry03gt · 06-14-2004, 10:34 PM

good for you!!!! Now the modding will never stop!!! Next O/R prochamber mid pipes.

propellerhead · 06-19-2004, 01:42 AM

I called the shop and they said the pipes didn't come in. Maybe Monday or Tuesday. No big deal.

But what do I do with the old tailpipes? Toss them? Leave them there? Is there any use for them? Any V6'rs want them?

larry03gt · 06-19-2004, 06:24 PM

I keep most of my old parts. This way if you ever want to trade your car in you can put all the stock parts in and sell the mods and get some of your money back.

timpryor · 06-19-2004, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propellerhead

I called the shop and they said the pipes didn't come in. Maybe Monday or Tuesday. No big deal.

But what do I do with the old tailpipes? Toss them? Leave them there? Is there any use for them? Any V6'rs want them?

i could use a set of tailpipes mine had to be modified to fit my flows and i getting rid of the flows here in a little while so if you dont mind parting with them i'll take em

propellerhead · 06-19-2004, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timpryor

i could use a set of tailpipes mine had to be modified to fit my flows and i getting rid of the flows here in a little while so if you dont mind parting with them i'll take em

I can ask the shop to put the old pipes in the trunk. You'd have to come get them pretty quick. I don't want to run around town with those in the trunk for a long time.

The shop is probably gonna cut the tailpipes to get them out. Would that still be of use to you?

timpryor · 06-20-2004, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propellerhead

I can ask the shop to put the old pipes in the trunk. You'd have to come get them pretty quick. I don't want to run around town with those in the trunk for a long time.

The shop is probably gonna cut the tailpipes to get them out. Would that still be of use to you?

my flows are center outlet and my takeoff tailpipes were modified and im getting some offset mufflers so i'm gonna need some stock tailpipes so pm me with some info where i can pick up your tailpipes as long as thier cut right after the mufflers

VENOMM · 06-20-2004, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propellerhead

I called the shop and they said the pipes didn't come in. Maybe Monday or Tuesday. No big deal.

But what do I do with the old tailpipes? Toss them? Leave them there? Is there any use for them? Any V6'rs want them?

hear mine....LIKE IT??

propellerhead · 06-20-2004, 08:42 AM

UntouchableGt: What setup do you have on your car?

timpryor: Which section(s) do you need? I'll ask the shop to save them. Flowtubes? Mufflers? Tailpipes? Tips?

VENOMM · 06-20-2004, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propellerhead

UntouchableGt: What setup do you have on your car?

timpryor: Which section(s) do you need? I'll ask the shop to save them. Flowtubes? Mufflers? Tailpipes? Tips?

i have the factory hpipe and took the the cats off...and flowmaster mufflers 40 series...does it sound good..i have never heard it when your in the car ITS SOOOOO QUITE

06-11-2004, 10:48 AM	#1
propellerhead The token Asian guy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Before The Lock Posts: 1,453 Trader Rating: (0)	Need advice on pipes from those who have been there After lots and lots of reading, I think I want the Spintech chambered mufflers installed on my stock 04 GT. I plan on getting an aftermarket catted mid-pipe later but that will have to wait. For now... 1) Should I get the whole cat-back (everything behind the stock H-pipe) replaced? Or would welding in the Spintech mufflers be enough? Will it be like a difference between a 9 and a 10, with the 9 being just the mufflers and the 10 being the mufflers and tailpipes? Or will replacing the mufflers and tailpipes be 100x better than just the mufflers? 2) Do I just order the mufflers online then take them to a muffler shop? Any muffler shop? Is there any place in San Antonio or Fort Worth that you recommend? It's my daily driver that I don't plan on racing it (yet). Small differences in performance gains are not a big concern at this point. I do want a bassy rumble, not the raspy blaaap. I'm not going for the loudest exhaust. Just the low to medium level will be fine. Thanks. __________________ 2004 Mustang GT

06-11-2004, 11:27 AM	#2
Hammered "The Hitman" Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Leavekawkbref! Posts: 3,421 Trader Rating: (0)	Here comes Tims plug for Martinez.... I say do a whole cat back...that way you get bigger chrome tips... __________________ Racing in a honda is a lot like the Special Olympics Even if you win, you're still retarded

06-11-2004, 03:46 PM	#3
Firemanz Swimming in a sea of anxiety... Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: S.A., TX Posts: 6,277 Trader Rating: (0)	I would say to get a whole catback done. Looks better, although having them welded will pretty much sound the same.... __________________ 2003 Redfire Roush Stage II #6395 377.5hp/ 372.9tq@ 8psi Small vid of blower <----Click for mods....

06-11-2004, 06:15 PM	#4
2k4mk1 DONT HATE ME CUZ YOU AINT ME!!!! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: SanAntonio Posts: 6,376 Trader Rating: (2)	Spintechs will be more than low to med loud ecpecially if you change the mid pipe later. I would reccomend the cat back sys. most are 2 1/2 in vs 2 1/4 stk. plus nicer tips. Just my .02 __________________ 04 Oxford White MACH1,5 SPD with IUP,K&NAircharger Borla Stingers,SLP Catted X pipe,Tri-ax,SCT Flashtune,Max Mtr Spt 4 bolt adj C/C plates, Drilled/Slotted rotors all 4 corners 281 rwhp on Mustang Dyno,306 rwhp on a Dynojet 94 Black Lightning Daily Driver&85GT FACH1 Project under construction

06-12-2004, 01:37 PM	#5
propellerhead The token Asian guy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Before The Lock Posts: 1,453 Trader Rating: (0)	Here's the breakdown as I found out: headers: goes from each cylinder and collects into a point (1 per side) mid-pipe: bolts to the headers, H or X, with or without catalytic converters (cats) flow tubes: bolts to the the X or H-pipe and connects to the mufflers mufflers: big can thing that has the most effect on the tone tailpipe: goes after the mufflers tips: the shiny things sticking out the back, right under the bumper How much did it cost you to have the entire tailpipe section replaced (everything behind the H-pipe)? When someone says "cat-back", do they mean the items from the flow tubes to the tips? Or does that include the mid-pipe? __________________ 2004 Mustang GT Last edited by propellerhead; 06-12-2004 at 01:45 PM.

06-12-2004, 08:11 PM	#6
dcm4136 Ooh-Rah Marine Corps Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,166 Trader Rating: (0)	Cat backs refer to flowtubes mufflers tailpipes and tips. They are normally sold as kits in that form. I would get a catback and got with 2.5 inch tubing. Stock is 2.25. Then later when you get your midpipe you will have 2.5 all the way back. __________________ 88 vert Be polite and professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

06-13-2004, 12:02 AM	#7
Nighthawk technology > displacement Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio Posts: 4,669 Trader Rating: (6)	get a full catback __________________ My Garage

06-14-2004, 12:19 AM	#8
propellerhead The token Asian guy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Before The Lock Posts: 1,453 Trader Rating: (0)	So, is $500 reasonable for getting a cat-back installed? __________________ 2004 Mustang GT

06-14-2004, 02:34 AM	#9
dcm4136 Ooh-Rah Marine Corps Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 1,166 Trader Rating: (0)	Cat-backs are incredibly easy to install. There is no need to pay someelse to do it. __________________ 88 vert Be polite and professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

06-14-2004, 07:29 PM	#11
propellerhead The token Asian guy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Before The Lock Posts: 1,453 Trader Rating: (0)	Ok, I did it. If I didn't quit looking and reading, I wouldn't quit changing my mind on which one I wanted. I scheduled an appointment with shop for this Friday and paid for half already. They quoted me $380 for the Mac cat-back system (flowtubes, Flowpath mufflers, tailpipes, tips) installed. I'm sure it would be easy to install, but it was going to cost me that much to buy it online. This way, if something is wrong, I can always take it back to the shop. If I did it myself, I wouldn't have anyone to blame. Hopefully they can get the parts in this Friday. If not, I'll have to wait until the following weekend. My first real mod... __________________ 2004 Mustang GT

06-14-2004, 10:34 PM	#12
larry03gt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,798 Trader Rating: (0)	good for you!!!! Now the modding will never stop!!! Next O/R prochamber mid pipes. __________________ :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt

06-19-2004, 01:42 AM	#13
propellerhead The token Asian guy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Before The Lock Posts: 1,453 Trader Rating: (0)	I called the shop and they said the pipes didn't come in. Maybe Monday or Tuesday. No big deal. But what do I do with the old tailpipes? Toss them? Leave them there? Is there any use for them? Any V6'rs want them? __________________ 2004 Mustang GT

06-19-2004, 06:24 PM	#14
larry03gt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,798 Trader Rating: (0)	I keep most of my old parts. This way if you ever want to trade your car in you can put all the stock parts in and sell the mods and get some of your money back. __________________ :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt :larry03gt

06-20-2004, 08:42 AM	#19
propellerhead The token Asian guy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: In Before The Lock Posts: 1,453 Trader Rating: (0)	UntouchableGt: What setup do you have on your car? timpryor: Which section(s) do you need? I'll ask the shop to save them. Flowtubes? Mufflers? Tailpipes? Tips? __________________ 2004 Mustang GT

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