H-Pipe Installed!

King Snake · 05-01-2001, 11:50 AM

Got my BBK H-pipe with high flow cats installed yesterday. The sound is just was I was wanting, louder than stock but not nearly as loud as an offroad pipe. It sounds awsome! No check engine light yet after 100 miles. The car definately pulls noticably stronger, feels like at least 10-15 HP to me. If anyone out there is thinking of a similar install it is definately a worthwhile mod! By the way, this took care of my hesitation at high RPMs. She runs like a raped ape!

------------------
'97 Cobra, Rio Red, MAC Cold Air Kit, 3.73s, NGK V-Power
BBK H-pipe w/cats

Stefan · 05-01-2001, 12:14 PM

Gotta love it when mods actually work! Hey is the BBK Hpipe you got the same application for the SOHC GT? A hiflow cat hpipe is going to be one of my next mods and I am leaning towards BBK. People I have talked to say the BBK has a great fit and finish. I'm glad it worked out for you.

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

King Snake · 05-02-2001, 06:38 AM

I think the SOHC version is slightly different but they are definately available. Mine is mandrel bent aluminized steel and was a two-piece unit designed to be clamped together at the crossmember. I had them weld instead of clamp it together. By the way, since it came as a two-piece unit I was able to access the inside of the crossmember where it attaches to the main pipe and smooth out the edges with my Dremmel tool. Probably not much of a gain but at least I know it is nice and smooth now! (it was pretty jagged) As far as the fit, it was perfect. Good luck!

Stefan · 05-02-2001, 08:09 AM

Thanks KingSnake. You gotta love the Dremmel. My wife and I are saving for a house but hopefully that will be a "soon to be had" mod.

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

vdaily89 · 05-05-2001, 06:26 PM

Mine should be delivered Tuesday or Wed. I am looking forward to getting it on the car. My 97 needs some wake-up.

Vince

------------------
1997 Mustang GT
auto tranny
3.55 gears
Flowmaster mufflers
K&N filter (silencer removed)

98'MustangGT · 05-05-2001, 10:22 PM

Well, since this is a subject on H-pipes, I have a question! I am gonna take my car into an exhaust shop to have them install my side exit exhaust next week, and am gonna ask them to cut four of the six cat's out. Will that work? Will I gain any HP? Will the check engine light come on? Thanks for any help!

------------------
1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

T_Bone · 05-05-2001, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 98'MustangGT:
Well, since this is a subject on H-pipes, I have a question! I am gonna take my car into an exhaust shop to have them install my side exit exhaust next week, and am gonna ask them to cut four of the six cat's out. Will that work? Will I gain any HP? Will the check engine light come on? Thanks for any help!

Chances are, unless you're tight with the mechanic, that they will not do it, since it is illegal to mess with the catalytic converters if they are in normal working condition.

But, to answer your questions. Yes, it will work. Yes, you will gain HP. I don't think you will get a CE light if you remove the four rear cats.

------------------
T-Bones 1997 Cobra#6342 born 6-11-97
Wht/blk, Pro 5.0,FRPP 4.56's, aluminum driveshaft, FRPP throttle body, C&L 80mm MAF, K&N, Steeda U/D pulleys, Steeda timing adjuster, Flowmasters, s/f connectors, FRPP pro springs, BBK caster/cambers.

My old 96GT

98'MustangGT · 05-06-2001, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by T_Bone:
Chances are, unless you're tight with the mechanic, that they will not do it, since it is illegal to mess with the catalytic converters if they are in normal working condition.

Well, maybe those 4 cats will mysteriously be broken !

I don't really want to buy a after market H-pipe w/ 2 cats for $400

But, if I have to, I have to!

------------------
1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

Stefan · 05-06-2001, 10:34 AM

98MustangGT, glad to hear you are getting your pipes put on! Honestly though, I would just save up for an aftermarket hpipe. It may be expensive but probably better in the long run for your car. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I would rather have a clean install than a bunch of little cuts and welds (or clamps for that matter). It just seems like more chance for turbulance and restricted flow. But if they do it a lot cheaper I guess you could try it.

Good luck.

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

aurilius_maximus · 05-06-2001, 01:20 PM

I think I would definately spend the money and buy another H-Pipe. Save your stock one so you can just swap them if and when you need to deal with smog... Just my opinion though.

98'MustangGT · 05-06-2001, 02:27 PM

Yeah, I guess you guys are right, I should just buy an aftermarket H-pipe. What kind do any of you recommend? MAC? BBK? So many mod's I wanna do, so little $$$

------------------
1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

Stefan · 05-06-2001, 02:57 PM

As with KingSnake I want to go with BBK. I've heard tons of good things about the fit and finish and the price seems to reflect that. Most times you get what you pay for so I don't mind spending a tad more. The "good deals" always seem appealing (and sometimes they're fine) but sometimes you just have to spend a little more for your baby. Just don't get impatient and you'll make the right decision.

I want pics of the pipes when you get 'em on - painted or unpainted!

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

98'MustangGT · 05-06-2001, 03:45 PM

Yeah, I think I might go with BBK, like you said , others have said they are nice! Oh yeah, there will be plenty of pics and a sound file within the next two weeks!

------------------
1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

King Snake · 05-07-2001, 08:08 AM

98'MustangGT: Does your car have 6 cats? Mine only had 4 - 2 smaller ones near the exhaust manifolds and 2 larger ones downstream from those. I have heard others mention having 6 also however I have never seen a car with 6. Cutting out all but 2 of your cats will definately reduce backpressure and give you a few extra horses (and more sound). But remember that an aftermarket performance pipe will be 2.5" versus the stock 2.25". And fitting a piece of pipe in place of the small front cats in your stock pipe might be a little tricky to say the least due to the bends.

Stefan · 05-07-2001, 09:00 AM

If the 98's are like the 96-97's then it does have 6 cats. I'm all for emissions control but that kind of seems like overkill to me.

------------------
66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe
Laser Red 96GT Ragtop
30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

T_Bone · 05-07-2001, 09:49 AM

96-2001 GT's have 6 cats...96-2001 Cobra's have 4 cats...

T_Bone · 05-07-2001, 09:51 AM

BTW, I just won a BBK hi-flow catalytic H-pipe on ebay. woohoo!! It should go nicely with my Borla's.

King Snake · 05-07-2001, 10:58 AM

Congrats T-Bone!!

Why does Ford put two more cats on the GTs?

T_Bone · 05-08-2001, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by King Snake:
Congrats T-Bone!!
Why does Ford put two more cats on the GTs?

Thanks!
who knows...to slow them down, maybe...

05-01-2001, 11:50 AM	#1
King Snake Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Warner Robins, GA, USA Posts: 210	H-Pipe Installed! Got my BBK H-pipe with high flow cats installed yesterday. The sound is just was I was wanting, louder than stock but not nearly as loud as an offroad pipe. It sounds awsome! No check engine light yet after 100 miles. The car definately pulls noticably stronger, feels like at least 10-15 HP to me. If anyone out there is thinking of a similar install it is definately a worthwhile mod! By the way, this took care of my hesitation at high RPMs. She runs like a raped ape! ------------------ '97 Cobra, Rio Red, MAC Cold Air Kit, 3.73s, NGK V-Power BBK H-pipe w/cats

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05-01-2001, 12:14 PM	#2
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	Gotta love it when mods actually work! Hey is the BBK Hpipe you got the same application for the SOHC GT? A hiflow cat hpipe is going to be one of my next mods and I am leaning towards BBK. People I have talked to say the BBK has a great fit and finish. I'm glad it worked out for you. ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop 30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

05-02-2001, 06:38 AM	#3
King Snake Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Warner Robins, GA, USA Posts: 210	I think the SOHC version is slightly different but they are definately available. Mine is mandrel bent aluminized steel and was a two-piece unit designed to be clamped together at the crossmember. I had them weld instead of clamp it together. By the way, since it came as a two-piece unit I was able to access the inside of the crossmember where it attaches to the main pipe and smooth out the edges with my Dremmel tool. Probably not much of a gain but at least I know it is nice and smooth now! (it was pretty jagged) As far as the fit, it was perfect. Good luck!

05-02-2001, 08:09 AM	#4
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	Thanks KingSnake. You gotta love the Dremmel. My wife and I are saving for a house but hopefully that will be a "soon to be had" mod. ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop 30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

05-05-2001, 06:26 PM	#5
vdaily89 Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Floyd Knobs, IN , USA Posts: 2	Mine should be delivered Tuesday or Wed. I am looking forward to getting it on the car. My 97 needs some wake-up. Vince ------------------ 1997 Mustang GT auto tranny 3.55 gears Flowmaster mufflers K&N filter (silencer removed)

05-05-2001, 10:22 PM	#6
98'MustangGT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Raymond, MN Posts: 240	Well, since this is a subject on H-pipes, I have a question! I am gonna take my car into an exhaust shop to have them install my side exit exhaust next week, and am gonna ask them to cut four of the six cat's out. Will that work? Will I gain any HP? Will the check engine light come on? Thanks for any help! ------------------ 1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

05-06-2001, 10:34 AM	#9
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	98MustangGT, glad to hear you are getting your pipes put on! Honestly though, I would just save up for an aftermarket hpipe. It may be expensive but probably better in the long run for your car. Maybe I'm just paranoid but I would rather have a clean install than a bunch of little cuts and welds (or clamps for that matter). It just seems like more chance for turbulance and restricted flow. But if they do it a lot cheaper I guess you could try it. Good luck. ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop 30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

05-06-2001, 01:20 PM	#10
aurilius_maximus Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Mt. Shasta, California, 96067 Posts: 77	I think I would definately spend the money and buy another H-Pipe. Save your stock one so you can just swap them if and when you need to deal with smog... Just my opinion though.

05-06-2001, 02:27 PM	#11
98'MustangGT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Raymond, MN Posts: 240	Yeah, I guess you guys are right, I should just buy an aftermarket H-pipe. What kind do any of you recommend? MAC? BBK? So many mod's I wanna do, so little $$$ ------------------ 1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

05-06-2001, 02:57 PM	#12
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	As with KingSnake I want to go with BBK. I've heard tons of good things about the fit and finish and the price seems to reflect that. Most times you get what you pay for so I don't mind spending a tad more. The "good deals" always seem appealing (and sometimes they're fine) but sometimes you just have to spend a little more for your baby. Just don't get impatient and you'll make the right decision. I want pics of the pipes when you get 'em on - painted or unpainted! ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop 30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

05-06-2001, 03:45 PM	#13
98'MustangGT Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Raymond, MN Posts: 240	Yeah, I think I might go with BBK, like you said , others have said they are nice! Oh yeah, there will be plenty of pics and a sound file within the next two weeks! ------------------ 1998 Mustang GT with a 4.6 liter V8, Black

05-07-2001, 08:08 AM	#14
King Snake Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Warner Robins, GA, USA Posts: 210	98'MustangGT: Does your car have 6 cats? Mine only had 4 - 2 smaller ones near the exhaust manifolds and 2 larger ones downstream from those. I have heard others mention having 6 also however I have never seen a car with 6. Cutting out all but 2 of your cats will definately reduce backpressure and give you a few extra horses (and more sound). But remember that an aftermarket performance pipe will be 2.5" versus the stock 2.25". And fitting a piece of pipe in place of the small front cats in your stock pipe might be a little tricky to say the least due to the bends.

05-07-2001, 09:00 AM	#15
Stefan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Manhattan, KS 66502 Posts: 599	If the 98's are like the 96-97's then it does have 6 cats. I'm all for emissions control but that kind of seems like overkill to me. ------------------ 66 Tahoe Turquoise Coupe Laser Red 96GT Ragtop 30 Years & 30 inches apart in the driveway!

05-07-2001, 09:49 AM	#16
T_Bone Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 207	96-2001 GT's have 6 cats...96-2001 Cobra's have 4 cats...

05-07-2001, 09:51 AM	#17
T_Bone Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 207	BTW, I just won a BBK hi-flow catalytic H-pipe on ebay. woohoo!! It should go nicely with my Borla's.

05-07-2001, 10:58 AM	#18
King Snake Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Warner Robins, GA, USA Posts: 210	Congrats T-Bone!! Why does Ford put two more cats on the GTs?