[postie]

Yes, me...the ignorant! Looking for order of things vs consequences.

With long headers, what parts go from there? headers, pipes, mufflers, more pipes...lol???

What are the consequences of staying "legal" as opposed to doing away with cats? I do drive my car almost daily. I do live in rural TN so it's doubtful our street police would have a clue what is legal and what is not...they worry more about speed and seat belts...lol

Not concerned with any warranties at this point, so would true dual exhaust eliminate the cats and what is the advantage? Are there advantages to leaving the cats.

Best brand of aftermarket exhaust? I like the flowmaster sound, but read it is not true dual...don't know. Just kinda wondering what to buy and what to instruct the shop to install without sounding stupid.

When headers are installed...shorty vs long header opinions?

Prices associated with different types of exhaust choices? And which exhaust choices give the best bang for the buck?

Sorry so many questions...I'm just getting started and going to do all that I can by myself. I just don't want to do the same things over and over because I've made wrong beginning choices!!!!

Thanks

[Ninjawafers!]

the exhaust system goes as follows: headers (long or short tubes), mid pipe (h-pipe, x-pipe, or y-pipe all with or without cats), then cat-back system. a stock mystang v6 comes with a catted y-pipe. for true dual exhaust you would have to get a h-pipe or an x-pipe. you can get either with or without cats. for better power and sound then get one with no cats. if you have to be legal and do emissions tests then get a mid-pipe with cats. as for the cat back system it bolts onto your mid pipe. it contains pipes that connect to the mufflers then more pipes out the back or the side of the car, depending if you have rear-exit or side-exit exhaust. you can get true dual flowmaster systems as well as any other system, you just have to get the system for a gt. you would also need to get the mid-pipe so you can bolt it all together. to have a full true dual exhaust system you would need the headers, h or x-pipe and the dual cat-back system. myself personally would go for flowmaster. mac is also highly recommended on these forums.. hope that helps!

[Cricket]

You also forgot about true duals. No midpipe, just from the headers to the catback. Nothing intersects in the middle to make it a x, h, or y. Now also these different setups will wield different amounts of hp you put out.

using the y-pipe you already have or true duals with no midpipe really arent recommended since they both prove to be more restrictive to other setups.

Now the most recommended setup is
Long tube headers
Shorty off road h-pipe (no cats, if you have emissions this is illegal)
and a catback of your choice

Now the setup I am going with is 100% legal
JBA Shorty Headers
MAC Catted h-pipe
MAC Cat back

Now with this setup I won't lose some torque like many LT header users have mentioned, but one thing I won't gain is more hp up top. If your not looking for the most powerful exhaust setup, but one to make you happy go with what your budget allows, as time allows.

But if you have the misfortune of owning a 98...in order to get long tubes you will have to notch or replace your k member since there will be clearance issues. I own a 98 and frankly am not gonna go through that trouble. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[postie]

Yes....VERY MUCH help...at least now I know what pieces and parts to look for!!! Thanks a ton. No car testing around here...no inspections, nothing. So, "legal" shouldn't be a issue around here, other than finding someone to do an "illegal" mod...lol Might have to gather up some friends :wink

[Cricket]

If your good with building stuff then do it yourself. Working on your car is as nowhere near as hard as some people make it seem. When it's a bolt on mod...thats what it is...a bolt on. Couple turns of the wrench here and there and it's on.

[GreenFaleen]

Your yearly inspection test emissions if you have emissions standards in your State, but they pretty much covered it.