03 Cobra vs 99 Cobra exhaust

[Venmus]

Ok guys. Im debating which exhaust to put on my 03. Horsepower gain is not as important to me as the sound. Being a convertible I want the sound level to not be to high, but want it to be heard. I listented to a 03 with a full magnaflow set up last night with catted x pipe and it wasnt to loud, but wasnt the deep sound im looking for. I also have a 99 vert with a post fix exhaust, and I love the sound of that car. More of a deep rumble, then get a little more "noticable" at wot. Anybody know what is on the post fix 99? Ive also heard the borla set up and think the noise is a little too high pitched, similar to the Magnaflow. As it was explained to me it sounds like a Viper on steriods. (i also think vipers sound ugly) I may lean towards the FRP500 but then I learn that the exhaust tips are 2 1/2 instead of 3" like we have now (just cant get it all) Tell me what you guys think.

Thanks for the help.

[rachrse]

Venmus the 99 cobra was fitted with flowmaster cat back exhaust. Also if sound is allyou are looking for the 99 exhaust system will fit perfect on the 03.Rachrse

[Venmus]

Flowmaster? wow, that kinda suprises me. I always thought Flowmaster was way loud. Thanks for the input, Ill look into it.

[SVTCobraTx]

Not sure who Ford had make the "Fix" exhaust system,but I am sure it wasn't Flowmaster........
Try Magnaflow cat back for a deep, Throaty, Authorative sound, with out sharp abrasive tones ( Like Flowmaster). Tones at cruise speed are where you can converse at normal levels and also listen to stero at normal volumes. High Flow Cats and X pipe will be louder..... with only Magnaflow cat back and K & N Filter, customers car dyno'd 401 RWHP :D

[rachrse]

I don't know where you got your information but I had a 99 Cobra from the day it was new till I traded it for my 03 and was at the dealership the day they did the fix, and they installed a flowmaster exhaust on the car. Mayby they ran out of the magnaflow that day and ran out and bought my system from a local parts store. Rachrse

[SVTCobraTx]

My Information comes from being the SVT Co-Ordinator for the Dealership that performed more of the "Fixes" than any SVT Dealer in the nation. And from having reconfirmed my information with FORD SVT.

I can't speak to what may have been put on "YOUR" Cobra, by "YOUR" Dealer, but the exhaust system that was sent out with the "Fix" package of componets was NOT " Flowmaster". It was a Ford "Speced" system built by an exhaust vendor ( Probably Walker).

My referance to Magnaflow was for the current 03 Cobra specifically and for any of the Cobras in general and is based in having had many systems done for extremely satisfied 03 Cobra Customers. ( I had 20, 03 Cobras sold before the first one was built and 80% of them have the Magnaflow system I described, with all of the owners loving the system)

I hope you understand that your experience is just 1 instance and not necessairly "The Rule".


:) "Drive Safe and Have Fun":)

[Jhendrix]

I am looking for cat back system.......

1. Do I replace the "H" pipe with Magnaflow "X"?
2. Do I replace system with Magnaflow..and which type...they make two...one "regular"....one "Magnapack"...

I have not heard any aftermarket systems on this car but want deep authoritative tone....when punched...but don't want the darn drone at 2000 rpm..............Whadda think?

By the way....warranty coverage is a must!

Thanks:)

[rachrse]

Originally posted by SVTCobraTx
Not sure who Ford had make the "Fix" exhaust system,but I am sure it wasn't Flowmaster........
Try Magnaflow cat back for a deep, Throaty, Authorative sound, with out sharp abrasive tones ( Like Flowmaster). Tones at cruise speed are where you can converse at normal levels and also listen to stero at normal volumes. High Flow Cats and X pipe will be louder..... with only Magnaflow cat back and K & N Filter, customers car dyno'd 401 RWHP :D I did not realize who you were, now that I know that you have such an impressive title and work for the dealership that did more of the upgrades than any dealership in the nation, and with your post starting out I'm not sure, I would think after doing all those upgrades you would know for sure who made the system. I just know what was put on my 99 and several others of my friends cars. As for the magnaflow system it is a good system,but it is loud, and I can give you several hundred satisfied customers of all kinds of exhaust systems. I'm 53 years old and have been driving mustangs since I was 16 so I do know a little about them and do not by any means clame to be the authotrity on anything. Just like you I stated my opinion. I don't sell cars for a living so I'm sure your knowledge far exceeds mine.Rachrse

[Jhendrix]

You and I are in the "older folks" club! (I'm 52). My first car was a 65 Mustang....that I bought in 1969! Been a stang lover since then. What "cat back" system, shifter, intake, etc. did you buy?

Thanks, jsh

[rachrse]

Jsh I have a bassani x pipe and flowmaster cat back I did have the complete bassani system on the car but it was to loud when I drove the car on trips. I have Amazon Racing Cold air intake and a Pro 5.0 Shifter. I also have Amazon Racing 3.10 upper pulley and a diablo custom chip. All of these mod's have given me 430RWH and 426MT, I plan to add Bassani long tube headers as my budget allows. Hope this helps you on your exhaust system, I read an artical in 5.0 Mustangs and super fords on exhaust systems and there wasn't that much differance in any of them. Rachrse

[SVTCobraTx]

Jhendrix
I too am in the "older Folks Group" @ 61 and a 64 1/2 was my first Mustang..... That said, I double checked with Ford before my last post to be sure what I was saying was accurate..... " No Flowmaster from Ford "......
As far as your question re adding "x" Pipe, SVT Engineers tell me that "X" Pipe and/or High Flow cats will only benefit at the very top of the RPM Range and are in combo only going to add about 8 hp. Where the cat Back system will add 20-25 hp. They told me the Magnaflow Cat Back, using 2 1/2" pipe is close to perfect for 95% of owners ( other 5% being all out racers)
The sound is Deep, Throaty and authorative, with no drone at crusing speed. Ability to converse at normal levels and hear stero at normal volume.... Email me if you have more questions.....

[Jhendrix]

Can anyone give directions to a good price for the Magnaflow cat back exhaust in SS. Best I've seen is $385 at Huskers.........Thanks..:)

Just a side note...I took my 03 up to redline today and what an experience.....I've been babying this car and it's just turned 2,000 miles and thought it was time. It made my old twin turbo 300 ZX feel like a slug..........