glewis - You are correct. The JBA system with the headers would be the optimal set-up (as John has discovered so long as the catalytic converters remain in place
). But, sleeper has indicated he is pinched at the pocket and his GT designed muffler and cat-back system/pipe size should decrease the rasp/buzz and increase the deeper tones.
Unfortunatley, Ford signed onto the sound engineering/psychoacoustics bandwagon about a decade ago. In this they started to use customized sound quality software to design an engine and exhaust system on a computer as a cohesive unit before they ever build it.
Now, throw in a couple dozen after market companys competing for our business that have little thought put into the truncation or addition of a cohesive component, like a header or a muffler, and you have havoc.
As long winded and nerdy as the post below was in August 2006, it stands as a benchmark to my continual harping on people to design a
complete aftermarket exhaust system in lieu of ad hoc modification. Most of us (myself included) do not have the cash to outlay on an entire system, but in the end it will pay off.
http://forums.stangnet.com/showpost.php?p=6383859&postcount=2
John - I read the website blog last night. You have done a lot to Mistress. Since we do not drive around town in the mid-range band, I am sure some of the sound amplifications and rasp was something that was not noticible to many, except you and a few other Stangers. Most other folks probably just thought - That's Badazs!
It's nice to see the work you have done on the 6. You, Afixer and Rygen are always at the top of my list for props on your progressive modifications. My hat off to all you fellas!
Keep modifying and always fight the good fight.
I miss some of the other old-timers.
As for the material - I am a tech nerd/engineering fruit cake.
I could write a novel. Instead, I will simply link this article up and say - If not ceramic coated - go with a high grade (at least the 409) stainless steel for performance. Chrome plating is for show.
http://66.223.106.208/TechArticles/Stainless_article/stainless_article.html