MustangWorks.com - The Ford Mustang Power Source!

Go Back   MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums > Website Community > Blue Oval Lounge
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Notices


Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 10-10-2005, 09:45 PM   #1
MLMike25
Registered Member
 
MLMike25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 43
Default Dumb noob strikes AGAIN! This time, not as dumb...

I'm a car novice. How can I tell if my exhaust is "cat back" or not?
__________________
THIS crap Sucks!

Last edited by MLMike25; 10-14-2005 at 08:33 AM..
MLMike25 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-10-2005, 10:54 PM   #2
Orange97GTVert
Mustang Fanatic
 
Orange97GTVert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tyler, TX
Posts: 568
Default Re: Dumb noob question

"Catback" is a muffler and tailpipe system, it replaces the entire exhaust system from the flanges behind the catalytic converters. I can tell from the picture that the mufflers are not stock, but that is all. The stock tailpipes have a flattened area just behind the rear wheels. The aftermarket tailpipes are usually mandrel bent and are smooth all the way to the tips, or have stainless tips welded in.

Ford Polished tailpipes usually have a flat edge at the top of the tip, where the aftermarket ones are usually just cut at the angle. Hard to explain unless you really look. The aftermarket ones usually have more polished shine than the stock Ford tips.

You can usually tell if you have a catback if the tailpipes and mufflers look the same age. A lot of people just replace the mufflers at a muffler shop and keep the stock tailpipes.

Hope this helps! Welcome aboard
__________________
Harold Phillips
www.mustangsofeasttexas.org


1997 Mustang GT Convertible, 4.6L Auto, Autumn Orange w/Saddle Tan Top & Leather Interior, Styling Bar, 17 X 9 Polished Cobra R's on Nitto NT 555's, Ford Racing Bullitt Suspension package, Mac CAI, Steeda UDP's, Flowmaster 40 Series Catback, SCT X-Calibrator II, Zaino Shine, 7 time Show Winner, driven daily
Orange97GTVert is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2005, 02:27 PM   #3
Mr 5 0
Conservative Individualist
 
Mr 5 0's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 1997
Location: Wherever I need to be
Posts: 7,487
Smile Re: Dumb noob question

All 'cat-back' means is that the exhaust system has been replaced from the catalytic converters 'back', which would include the connector pipes (from the catalytic converter to the muffler), the mufflers and the tailpipes. In short, you replaced the exhaust system. Few people have to replace the catalytic converters and in fact, many Mustang owners remove them and replace them with a pipe that leads to the headers.

Your photo shows that you still have the catalytic converters, new connector pipes, new mufflers and, I would presume, new tailpipes. I presume this because the old tailpipes are usually rusted at the muffler connection and impossible to save. Besides, every knowledgable Mustang owner wants the bright, shiny exhaust tips that new stainless steel tailpipes offer.

I trust this explains the definition of 'cat-back' exhaust and reassures you that is exactly what you have.
__________________
5.0 Mustang Owner
1990 - 2005
Mr 5 0 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2005, 12:52 PM   #4
HoodStrype
Rearview Mirror Haze
 
HoodStrype's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Huntsville, Alabama...a.k.a. "HuntsVegas"
Posts: 387
Default Re: Dumb noob question

PS:

There's no such thing as a dumb newby question. We all started from the same place. The only dumb question is the one that goes as follows...

"I just put a fiberglass cowl hood on my mustang... how much horsepower do I have now?"

If you stay away from that you'll be good! Nice Mustang by the way, from what I can see no one has welded anything on it on the underside. That's rare. Mine has the O2 sensors welded into the exhaust!
__________________
93 lx Notch
01 GT

...the epitome of Murphy's Law
HoodStrype is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2005, 08:32 AM   #5
MLMike25
Registered Member
 
MLMike25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 43
Default Re: Dumb noob question

I bought this off-road Mac h-pipe on ebay. Based on the pic above, can anyone guess if I will need any welding done or if this should bolt right up? My exhaust system is stock with Flowmaster mufflers. Thanks.

__________________
THIS crap Sucks!
MLMike25 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2005, 06:18 PM   #6
RBatson
Registered Member
 
RBatson's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 1997
Posts: 3,028
Default Re: Dumb noob question

It should bolt right up. Do yourself a favor and buy the longest extension wrench you can find before you start.
__________________
Tis better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not.
RBatson is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
really dumb spare question DeltaMustang65 Classic Mustangs 10 06-29-2005 09:06 PM
Dumb Question -- Wipers hcadra Modular Madness 0 09-29-2003 01:57 PM
Quick Dumb HP question Nixon1 Windsor Power 6 02-09-2003 03:53 PM
95 Cobra Hood question, its dumb but i grew up with the old cars 96_4.6 Blue Oval Lounge 1 01-06-2003 03:37 PM
dumb ***** question. Poseidon Modular Madness 1 11-28-2002 09:34 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:47 AM.


SEARCH