OK, I have been doing a lot of reading on a bunch of forums and it seems like the Flowmasters are the more recommended brand, though I do understand it's a personal thing, the sound you like. However, I see that everyone's reccommending GT take-offs rather than the system made specifically for a V-6. When I called to set up at the Midas to do this, the service writer tried talking me out of the GT system. As we left it, he's going to call for parts availability and then "ask Flowmaster" what their thoughts are on putting a GT system on a V6. Made mention of the pipes being too wide and losing HP rather than gaining it (although from what I have read, if a GT system is used, the pipes should be no more than 2.5"?) And of course he commented on the fact that the GT system would require some pipe bending instead of bolt right up. He was nice about it, but seemed to think it was a waste of time and money to put a GT exhaust on a V6, that I would gain nothing from it. Will I? And what about cutting the Y-pipe, vs using an H-pipe? Can someone set me straight here? I don't profess to know much about exhaust parts, so your opinions are appreciated before I bite the bullet and do this. Thanks, Lynn.
The pipes on a GT takeoff are the same diameter (2 1/4") as your stock single exhaust pipe. 2.5" pipes don't make you lose horsepower, rather you lose a little bootom end torque. Using a GT takeoff, as well as any other aftermarket true dual exhaust catback, requires your stock midpipe be cut off behind the cats and replacing the "Y" connection with two individual sections of pipe. These sections are the ones which may have to be custom bent and welded in place.
Ok well if you have a 94-98 V6 Mustang your stock exhaust is 2in and if you have 99-04 its 2 1/4in and if you have 05+ you have 2 1/2in. As far as the GT-Takeoffs work, i have them set up on true dual on my stang and i love the sound and i get nice top end power from it. When you hear GT-Takeoffs they mean the stock exhaust that comes on GT's Preferably from 99-04 (Those look the best because of the big tips ) That exhaust is a good upgrade from the stock V6 Exhaust. Now you could either have it set up on true duals or you can go to mustangstuff.com or steeda or something and order the mid pipe adapter so that you could just bolt up any aftermarket GT exhaust system to your car. Hope this helped, any more questions just let me know ill let you know as much as I can.
We did this last year on my wife's '04 3.9L V6, and it sounds and performs great. One other thing to consider, also get a GT takeoff rear bumper cover, which has the correct cutouts for the dual exhaust tips. Some people hang them below the stock V6 bumper cover, which in my opinion doesn't look very good on '99-'04 models. As GTA_V6_Mustang posted, you can get a midpipe adapter that welds onto your stock midpipe after the cats to replace the existing "Y" connection, instead of having a muffler shop fabricate a true dual midpipe. Here's the end result:
OK, I think I'm missing something here. So "GT-Takeoffs" are literally a GT stock exhaust put on a V6? So what's the FlowMaster system that people keep reccommending then? A GT setup or a regular V6 setup? And which is likely to get me the best sound and increase in HP, the stock GT setup or the FlowMasters? LOL, I thought I knew what I wanted. Now I'm thoroughly confused again. Glad I asked.
You can get FlowMaster mufflers and have them welded in to replace the stock GT mufflers. Some GT owners do that for somewhat improved performance and a better sound. You can also get a complete FlowMaster catback for around $250 and up. I don't know which is the one that's being recommended, and I have no experience with either. Personally I found the stock GT catback performs and sounds fine when used for a dual conversion without modification, but that's just my opinion. Note that aftermarket catback system will generally all have 2 1/2" diameter pipes, as opposed to the 2 1/4" pipes used in the stock GT (and V6) exhaust. This is a link I often post regarding GT takeoffs, and some of the pics in it also why a GT takeoff bumper cover should also be used when doing a dual conversion with most catback systems. http://www.miracerros.com/mustang/pipes.htm
