The wait is finally over for Aussie muscle car fans. The seventh-gen Mustang is here, with a turbo four-pot and a growling 5-litre V8, reviving buried memories of pure rubber-burning pleasure. Drivers get a manual transmission for a more engaging ride, or a 10-speed auto for effortless gear changes to make the best of all the torque and power, regardless of which engine you choose. And the good news keeps coming with a growing range of aftermarket accessories and parts should you find that a few horses might be missing.
For sheer performance, an aftermarket Ford Mustang exhaust does both engines a favour. The wider and straighter piping made to a higher standard lets both powerplants breathe, lasts longer when pushing the car to redlines, and with better materials and designs, pairs seamlessly with the improved exterior car styling. These though are just a few reasons why Mustang exhausts should be your first performance mod when making the car your own.
Bring Out the Ponies
The Mustang isn’t lacking power in any guise. The sub 5 second 0-100km/h times are a testament to how fast the car is. But there’s always the question of whether you can do better. A performance exhaust brings out more ponies from under the hood for a tangible push against the seats when working the pedal. Go with aftermarket Ford Mustang exhaust systems if you’re looking for:
- Horsepower and torque gains – the stock system is fine, but adequate at most. Going half an inch wider along the whole length lets the piping in aftermarket exhausts push out spent gases faster. There are fewer bends and restrictions, lower instances of possible backpressure, and an engine that combusts air and fuel faster and more efficiently. This is the main recipe for increased power and low to mid-end torque, meaning faster acceleration, and higher top speeds.
- Improved exhaust note – let’s be honest – the stock system turns heads even with the engine at idle and the subtle roaring tune. But for a louder, deeper exhaust note with more substance, aftermarket systems can’t be beat. This is down to the improved layout and the combination of bespoke parts like mufflers, resonators and straight pipes that change how fast gases leave the car, and hence the sound.
- Durability – mandrel-bent stainless steel is much tougher than crush-bent mild steel in factory systems. It can handle higher temperatures, won’t kink or rupture in impact with speed bumps, potholes and road debris, and being corrosion-resistant keeps its good looks longer.
- Customisation – if you’re using your Mustang solely on a track, then track-only systems with cat-deletes and straight-pipe mufflers work around stricter road emission laws. Airflow is improved, the sound is meatier and the car more responsive. Buyers can also choose different parts, considering the modular design, and get an exhaust to meet individual needs.
- Lower fuel use – while you won’t be glaring at the fuel gauge all that often, the higher combustion efficiency that comes with aftermarket systems means engines aren’t as stressed and consequently won’t use as much fuel.
Choosing Mustang Exhaust Upgrades
To reap all the benefits, ensure that your Ford Mustang exhaust is compatible with the engine, is built to a high standard and with quality materials, meets ADR rules for street use and requires minimal installation times. Compatible Mustang exhausts can differ for the different engine displacements, with piping in varying widths and in single or dual layouts depending on cylinder count. Parts and systems are provided with matching hardware to ensure a leak-free fit, and to minimise possible vibrations that can spoil the ride with droning noise creeping inside.
For materials, start with high-grade stainless steel that has been heat-treated and coated. The material has high tensile strength to withstand impact and vibrations, aptly handles immense heat (and shields adjacent parts) at higher engine speeds, and resists rust even during longer exposure to moisture and water. There are no leaks, staining or ruptures that can negatively impact airflow and performance. Another benefit is that a full stainless system sheds a few kilos, so can knock hundredths off lap times.
If you’re serious about racing, track-specific systems go with a mixture of materials, starting with Inconel in the headers and down/mid-pipes, high-flow catalytic converters or cat deletes, and abundant use of carbon fibre in the tips. This helps with better heat cycling, significantly reduces weight, and raises longevity. For street use, Mustang owners can choose from the axle-, cat- and turbo-back trios with varying price points, different sound profiles, and performance gains to suit. Or just just mufflers and resonators for added sound.
Lastly, ensure that what you’re buying meets strict ADR compliance in terms of noise and emissions. Here high-flow cats are some of the underrated parts that significantly reduce pollutant levels while also increasing airflow and exhaust velocity. The same regulations also warrant that other Mustang upgrades, such as new brakes or coilovers ensure maximum safety and pass quality control tests. And with the purchase complete, find a professional to have the exhaust installed.
