exhaust questions

[2kSVT]

Guys, if I may, I would like some input from you on exhaust options. I have a 2001 Saleen S281 N/A with 4.6 2v motor. It has a Borla cat back on it from the Saleen factory. I would like to do headers and a off road X or H pipe. The factory mid pipe has 4 cat. converters in it! I want to open up some performance and sound. I'm looking for a good throaty sound to compliment the Borla. The questions..which headers, shorties or long tube?? Will one fit better than the other?? Is one type better than the other (sound/hp gain)?
Is there any real difference between an H pipe and X pipe in both sound or hp gain? Thanks in advance for any input! Also i'm in the market if anyone has headers or pipes lying around.

Thanks
Rod

[306Power]

Shortys will fit a lot better, BUT long tubes is where its at for best HP gain, your not going to get a whole lot out of shortys compared to long tubes in performance. Long tubes are just a bigger pain to install but totally worth it in the end. The biggest difference in mid pipes are that X pipes sounds a little bit more raspy and an H pipe sounds a little more deeper. X pipes flow a little better up high and an H pipes flow a little better down low. Not a real noticable difference though IMO. Honestly the best brand I've used for both headers and mid pipes have been BBK. I know Mac makes a nice pro chamber mid pipe also.

[SpoonyGT]

Long tubes are the biggest PITA to install lol but they will give u a nice sound/gain. I prefer H pipes to x pipees but that's just me because its less raspy and more of a deep sound.

[nsaniti]

if you're going to do headers, shortys are pointless as far as gains are concerned.. LTs are a PITA but do give a decent gain, and the only headers worth putting on it. I also prefer H-pipes, always check around on craigslist for exhaust parts .. pretty easy to find some used ones for cheap

[SpoonyGT]

I bought my heddman LTs new for 275 my pypes H for 110 from summit.

[2kSVT]

Awesome info guys, Thanks so much. I had an old neighbor in East Dayton that had a 96' Cobra with a BBK system on it and it sounded badass.
Spoony, how does your setup sound?


Thanks again
Rod

[vypastang]

yep, longtubes were a pain but well worth it in my opinion, had x-pipe as well and it was a deep throaty sound, not raspy at all. loved every minute of my exhaust :)

listened AND bought my exhaust from here. have fun :) http://www.mustangexhaust.com/

[SpoonyGT]

I have a header leak so the sound of my car is pointless haha fixing it in the upcoming weeks.

[2kSVT]

Update, I found a Magnaflow Stainless Steel hi-flow catted X-pipe for $100 on Craigslist. I had originally called the guy to purchase a BBK chrome cold air intake. Tha CAI has a huge K&N filter on it. I got the pair for $185.00!! I checked on the X-pipe and found it is like $499! So, I know it may not be as good but for the price I couldn't pass it up.
Anyone have some shorty headers lying around? Not much on Craigslist.


Thanks again for all the input!
I'm ready for spring!

Rod

[Orodi]

I would puch out the cats if
I were you "high flow" doesn't really mean much in performance gains. I am with everyone else you should have gone with Long tubes but if its a budget thing then you are in the right place. I would go with something along the lines of BBK of MAC for shortys. They are pretty cheap.

[SpoonyGT]

Long tubes or don't do it not worth it trust me.

[nsaniti]

Long tubes or don't do it not worth it trust me.

x1000000 ;)

[bobtsgt]

do some long tubes and either buy a mid pipe to fit or have that shorty style one cut to fit. Long tubes are not that bad to do. Worse part is dropping the K member to ease install. The BBKs fit pretty well. Haven't installed any other so I can't help there. Plus if you ever supercharge you will be glad you did the long tubes in the first place

[2kSVT]

I bought these because I got a good deal on them, and I had heard here and other forums that the LT were a PITA, as far as install/changing clutch etc because the K member had to be removed. I have found a Saleen supercharger and plan on installing it in the next few months. I was thinking anything was better than the factory midpipe with 4 cats and the factory manifolds. I want it to flow better, and sound better. I have no plans to make it a 600 hp track monster. My goal is to make it faster and sound good, without spending a fortune. Thanks for all the input. I appreciate all the honest answers!

Rod