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2011 Mustang GT 5.0 Flowmaster Hushpower Axle-Back Exhaust Install

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Back when the 1987-93 5.0 Mustangs were ruling the streets, if you weren't running Flowmasters, you weren't cool. 2 chamber "Flows" with an offroad h-pipe or x-pipe produced the sound that inspired 5.0 owners and put fear in hearts of those driving an anemic TPI Camaro.

It's only fitting that Flowmaster offer axle-back kits for the new 2011 5.0.

I had the rare opportunity to install one of the first Flowmaster axlebacks on my 2011 GT 5.0.  In addition to the legendary American Thunder axleback system for the 2011 5.0, Flowmaster offers the Hushpower axleback system.  The Hushpower is a lightweight, compact muffler that offers a deep, rich tone with minimal interior noise and drone (you know, that 2000rpm drone that's was a complaint in past Flowmaster systems).  The exterior sound is mellow and muscular.  Missing is the pickup-truck pop apparent in so many aftermarket mufflers.

Installation is a snap.  Fit is OEM quality, and no cutting or welding of your factory exhaust system is required.  In addition to the sound and power produced by the Hushpower system, is the added benefit of reduced weight.  The factory axle back weighs in at 42 pounds.  The Hushpower mufflers weigh only 24 pounds.  That's an astonishing 18 pound weight savings!

4" stainless rolled tips with the Flowmaster logo round out the great looking and sounding system.

 

Follow along as I install the 2011 Mustang GT Hushpower axleback on my 5.0, and check out the video.  This is simply the best-sounding system for the 2011 Mustang that I've heard to date.  For you V6 owners, Flowmaster offers the force 2 axle back for the 2011 Mustang 3.7 V6 as well.  For about $400, and a few minutes of your time, you can get the signature Flowmaster sound for your new Mustang.  The Camaro and Challenger guys won't love you for it! 

Installing an axle back on a 2011 Mustang GT is a breeze.  There is a ball and socket connector at the front, secured by one clamp with a 13mm bolt.  The muffler hangs by three steel rod hangers in insulated mounts.

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I found that releasing the hanger from the rear insulated mount, and removing the clamp from the ball and socket flange allowed me to slide the muffler forward and off of its front hangers.

The Flowmaster axleback re-uses the front clamp for the ball-and-socket connection.  The clamp is secured to the factory axle back by a thin metal strap that has to be cut off.  We used a cut off wheel to cut the strap and remove the clamp.

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Re-installation of the axle back simply consists of sliding the two front hangers in their mounts, re-connecting the ball and socket flange, then sliding the rear hanger in its insulator.

The final installation step is to have a buddy center the tip in the rear valance while you tighten the clamp for the ball and socket connector.

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When you're done, your Flowmaster hushpower axleback should look and sound like this:

 

If you would like a set for your 2011 you can find them here.

2011 Mustang Gt 5.0L Flowmaster American Thunder Axle-Back Exhaust System - $374.99

2011 Mustang Gt 5.0L Flowmaster Hushpower Axle-Back Exhaust System - $434.99

2011 Mustang 3.7L V6 Flowmaster Force 2 Axle-Back Exhaust System - $449.99

Comments

 

JB said:

Thanks for the video! I've been patient and waiting for Flowmasters to come out with their exhaust system for the 2011 5.0. And it's finally here!

So I ordered it yesterday. :-)

Sounds really, really great!  Thanks!

July 30, 2010 9:01 AM
 

Rick said:

Sounds great.  18lbs less weight is also a bonus. Any idea of the HP gain?

August 2, 2010 8:18 AM
 

scott s said:

I haven't dyno'ed the car.  Seat-of-the-pants power has definitely improved, but that may be just because I can hear the car now.  The Flowmaster Hushpower axle back is worth every penny in just sound quality and weight reduction.

August 2, 2010 9:15 AM
 

Rick said:

Did you consider the magnaflow cat-back which I understand also sounds great and adds 8 RWHP?

If not, then why not?

August 3, 2010 5:30 PM
 

Larry said:

I noticed your front end is similar to the C/S model with the fog lights at the bottom. Did you do this or does Ford offer the GT w/o the grille mounted fog lamps. Looks & sounds good!

August 10, 2010 7:53 AM
 

Timmer58 said:

Sounds pretty good, add a nice set of headers and would even sound deeper.  A lot of my friends always say Flowmaster doesn't flow well, but I always loved their exhaust tone.  I can't see it being much less horsepower than the other brands of exhausts out there.

August 12, 2010 6:17 AM
 

keith said:

Do you have a problem with Drone with this system.

August 12, 2010 8:22 AM
 

Darren said:

Just put mine on yesterday. They sound great! No drone at all. Thanks LRS.

August 15, 2010 1:33 AM
 

John R said:

Got them from you guys - ultra fast shipping, saved on taxes and installed them in 30 minutes. Thanks for the great service - I posted a positive review on AFM forums. Love the sound too!

August 26, 2010 11:29 PM
 

jarrod said:

Thanks for the feed back John. Glad your are enjoying your new exhaust!

August 27, 2010 8:01 AM
 

bigskippy said:

They offer a few extra ponies too. dyno info from flowmaster site:

www.flowmastermufflers.com/.../819109_Dyno.pdf

I love the way these sound. I've been waiting for EVERYBODY to come out with their stuff before I made my final decision as to what to go with... but these are reasonably priced and sound really good so I think Im going to get them.

The only thing I'm reserved about is that Pypes is in development of a mid muffler setup that should sound more like the old pushrod 5.0L that we all love. Decisions decisions!!!

August 29, 2010 12:56 PM
 

Mike S said:

What's the difference between the American Thunder and the Hushpower, besides the name, price, and the shape? I'm ready for an axle back for my 11 GT, way to quiet!

September 23, 2010 8:52 AM
 

2011 California Special said:

So I was wondering if any check engine lights came on and how it affected the interior noise.   I have bought aftermarket exhaust before and it made my interior panels vibrate and rattle?

October 11, 2010 9:10 PM
 

jarrod said:

No check engine light will come on with just the install of an axle back. The axle back will not make any panels vibrate or rattle.

October 12, 2010 10:00 AM