H-Pipe or Cat-back!!!!!!????

COBRAon18s · 03-11-2002, 09:34 PM

I have a 1999 Mustang Cobra 4.6L DOHC...Advise needed.

I am looking into either getting a Flomaster American Thunder Cat-Back system or an H-pipe to eliminate all 4 cats. I can't do both so what would be more benificial. I am looking for a good sound and some gain in performance. I have heard many different things from different people.. please give me your feedback and ideas! THANKS!

mustang17 · 03-12-2002, 12:06 AM

Get rid of the cats it will make a much greater power gain. Maybe twice as much as a cat back system. The cat back may give you better sound. I'd go for the power.

COBRAon18s · 03-12-2002, 12:46 AM

if i get the hpipe with my stock cat back, will it sound bad????

mustang17 · 03-12-2002, 01:36 AM

No, I think it will sound fine. It will be a heck of alot louder than stock. Get the h-pipe, power is better than sound anyway.

I don't see much debate in this subject, maybe some other people will chime in.

Good Luck!

91LX2Bfast · 03-12-2002, 09:06 AM

I'd buy the H-pipe first. The '99 Cobra's sound pretty mean stock, so the H-pipe will really make it sound killer, and add a nice chunk of power at the same time. If you had the fix done, I believe the stock mufflers are pretty decent already.
BTW, is the stock cobra catback 2.25" or 2.5" (just curious?)

COBRAon18s · 03-12-2002, 12:16 PM

I havent checked but from what i have heard, my stock cobra has a cat back thats 2 and a quarter. Im not one hundred percent sure but i am almost positive. By the way, thanks for all the feeback, i am gonna go with the hpipe and see how it works out, anyone recommend any particular hpipes??

SLOW 97 · 03-12-2002, 03:59 PM

Get an H-pipe with cats if you live in a state with emissions testing. The cats quiet the car a little but the sound change is from the cat back system. I like the Flowmaster cat back for sound. If you're looking for sound go with the cat back. The H-pipe won't change the sound very much. Bassani or MAC H-pipes are pretty good if you go with the h-pipe.

Rally · 03-12-2002, 04:14 PM

This brings me to a question I have as well. I'm running a stock 97 GT (vert). I believe the stock exhaust components are all 2 1/4" diameter. I too am looking to change the stock-h first. Most aftermarket performance exhaust components come with 2 1/2" diameter pipes. Wouyldn't it be too restrictive to go from the stock 2 1/4" headers to the performance 2 1/2" h or x-pipe then back to the stock 2 1/4" catback? This seems like it would be a bad idea, yet I know lots of people have stock catbacks with their new x-pipes.

blue00gt · 03-12-2002, 04:24 PM

An H-pipe with no cats will make alot more difference in the sound than the catback with a stock H-pipe will, so for both sound and power you should go with the H-pipe.

NOSstang08690 · 03-13-2002, 12:35 AM

You are much better off going with the H-Pipe, LONG AS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT INSPECTION, I have the H-Pipe on my 1997 mustang gt it sounds great, it has a very healthy sound to it, had a cat back system before the H-pipe did not do the car much justice, The car sounds mean with the H-Pipe! Alot better than the cat back system, with that it just sounded average. Do not wory about the car being to loud I drive my car everyday. Everyone loves the way it sounds.

Beavis · 03-13-2002, 12:45 AM

whats better... X-Pipe or H-Pipes? ... performance wise...

firemanmill · 03-13-2002, 01:00 AM

I had that same ? with my 96' GT. The only way to go is the H-pipe with no cats. The best sound and incredible power gain. It still wouldnt touch my new lightning.

Try Me · 03-13-2002, 12:48 PM

Get the Mac Prochamber.
'Nuff said. Out.

blue00gt · 03-13-2002, 01:20 PM

Performance wise, X-pipes make slightly more top end horsepower (by only a few hp) and work best with straight-thru muffler designs, while H-pipes make a little more low- and mid-range torque and work best with chambered mufflers.

COBRAon18s · 03-18-2002, 10:27 PM

I just put my mac h-pipe on my stock 99 cobra today, i gotta admit, you guys were all right, it sounds amazing, thanks for all your help.

03-11-2002, 09:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
COBRAon18s Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 36	H-Pipe or Cat-back!!!!!!???? I have a 1999 Mustang Cobra 4.6L DOHC...Advise needed. I am looking into either getting a Flomaster American Thunder Cat-Back system or an H-pipe to eliminate all 4 cats. I can't do both so what would be more benificial. I am looking for a good sound and some gain in performance. I have heard many different things from different people.. please give me your feedback and ideas! THANKS!

03-12-2002, 12:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
mustang17 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Concord, MA, USA Posts: 264	Get rid of the cats it will make a much greater power gain. Maybe twice as much as a cat back system. The cat back may give you better sound. I'd go for the power. __________________ 1995 GT Black- Edelbrock- 6037's,Intake, cam,70mm TB,75mm pro-m,Equal length headers,3.73's and all the bolt on's. SOLD 12/5/01 NEW! Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Red/Black. Kleemann boost increase on the way!

03-12-2002, 01:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
mustang17 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Concord, MA, USA Posts: 264	No, I think it will sound fine. It will be a heck of alot louder than stock. Get the h-pipe, power is better than sound anyway. I don't see much debate in this subject, maybe some other people will chime in. Good Luck! __________________ 1995 GT Black- Edelbrock- 6037's,Intake, cam,70mm TB,75mm pro-m,Equal length headers,3.73's and all the bolt on's. SOLD 12/5/01 NEW! Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Red/Black. Kleemann boost increase on the way!

03-12-2002, 09:06 AM	#5 (permalink)
91LX2Bfast Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Warrington, PA Posts: 694	I'd buy the H-pipe first. The '99 Cobra's sound pretty mean stock, so the H-pipe will really make it sound killer, and add a nice chunk of power at the same time. If you had the fix done, I believe the stock mufflers are pretty decent already. BTW, is the stock cobra catback 2.25" or 2.5" (just curious?) __________________ '97 T-bird LX 4.6L 2V, auto SVO heads/intake, Vortech T-trim, front mounted intercooler, blower cams, Cobra crank, Manley H-beam rods, JE pistons, Aeromotive fuel system w/ 42# injectors, and much more No times yet

03-12-2002, 03:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
SLOW 97 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Arlington Heights,IL Posts: 231	Get an H-pipe with cats if you live in a state with emissions testing. The cats quiet the car a little but the sound change is from the cat back system. I like the Flowmaster cat back for sound. If you're looking for sound go with the cat back. The H-pipe won't change the sound very much. Bassani or MAC H-pipes are pretty good if you go with the h-pipe. __________________ '97 Laser Red GT Coupe Stock 2V (Pulled Silencer) 4R70W Automatic Ripped off a BLISTERING 15.37@90MPH With a 2.21 60ft Just Installed- K&N Air Filter Coming Soon...... -4.10's -Flowmaster A/T or Magnapack Cat-Back

03-12-2002, 12:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
COBRAon18s Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 36	if i get the hpipe with my stock cat back, will it sound bad????

03-12-2002, 12:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
COBRAon18s Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 36	I havent checked but from what i have heard, my stock cobra has a cat back thats 2 and a quarter. Im not one hundred percent sure but i am almost positive. By the way, thanks for all the feeback, i am gonna go with the hpipe and see how it works out, anyone recommend any particular hpipes??

03-12-2002, 04:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rally Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 54	This brings me to a question I have as well. I'm running a stock 97 GT (vert). I believe the stock exhaust components are all 2 1/4" diameter. I too am looking to change the stock-h first. Most aftermarket performance exhaust components come with 2 1/2" diameter pipes. Wouyldn't it be too restrictive to go from the stock 2 1/4" headers to the performance 2 1/2" h or x-pipe then back to the stock 2 1/4" catback? This seems like it would be a bad idea, yet I know lots of people have stock catbacks with their new x-pipes. __________________ __________________ '97 GT Convertible, 5-sp. K&N...Tri-ax...Steeda pullies...

03-12-2002, 04:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
blue00gt Mustang Addict Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 1,294	An H-pipe with no cats will make alot more difference in the sound than the catback with a stock H-pipe will, so for both sound and power you should go with the H-pipe. __________________ Strike down the unroadworthy! 2000 GT Atl. Blue: '03 Cobra motor - 465rwhp/473rwtq, T-56 6-speed, full MM TA/PH & tubular K-member suspension, Saleen body, 17" Torq-Thrust II's, M/T ET Street radials, and lots more '94 Rio Red Cobra: All the bolt-ons, 3.73s

03-13-2002, 12:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
NOSstang08690 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hamilton, NJ Posts: 46	You are much better off going with the H-Pipe, LONG AS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT INSPECTION, I have the H-Pipe on my 1997 mustang gt it sounds great, it has a very healthy sound to it, had a cat back system before the H-pipe did not do the car much justice, The car sounds mean with the H-Pipe! Alot better than the cat back system, with that it just sounded average. Do not wory about the car being to loud I drive my car everyday. Everyone loves the way it sounds.

03-13-2002, 12:45 AM	#11 (permalink)
Beavis Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: California Posts: 68	whats better... X-Pipe or H-Pipes? ... performance wise... __________________ 92 LX Coupe 5.0- under construction 89 GT 5.0- wrecked on 7/03 3.08 gears, Saleen Suspension, MSD Ignition, Underdrive pulleys, Flowmaster force II Cat-Back exhuast, Flex-a-Lite Black Magic Elec. Fan.

03-13-2002, 01:00 AM	#12 (permalink)
firemanmill Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 11	I had that same ? with my 96' GT. The only way to go is the H-pipe with no cats. The best sound and incredible power gain. It still wouldnt touch my new lightning.

03-13-2002, 12:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
Try Me Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 465	Get the Mac Prochamber. 'Nuff said. Out.

03-13-2002, 01:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
blue00gt Mustang Addict Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: McKinney, TX Posts: 1,294	Performance wise, X-pipes make slightly more top end horsepower (by only a few hp) and work best with straight-thru muffler designs, while H-pipes make a little more low- and mid-range torque and work best with chambered mufflers. __________________ Strike down the unroadworthy! 2000 GT Atl. Blue: '03 Cobra motor - 465rwhp/473rwtq, T-56 6-speed, full MM TA/PH & tubular K-member suspension, Saleen body, 17" Torq-Thrust II's, M/T ET Street radials, and lots more '94 Rio Red Cobra: All the bolt-ons, 3.73s

03-18-2002, 10:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
COBRAon18s Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 36	I just put my mac h-pipe on my stock 99 cobra today, i gotta admit, you guys were all right, it sounds amazing, thanks for all your help.

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