It's been a few months and a few thousand miles since I installed my Stainless Works long tube headers with offroad exhaust extensions, and my Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers.
Time has come and gone for another exhaust upgrade. I really enjoyed the Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers on my stock exhaust. Once I installed my headers and catless lead off pipes, though, they got REALLY loud, and very raspy. In addition to the booming sound, the car's (illegal) exhaust was emitting extra fumes from the lack of catalytic converters. I also speculated that there was power lost through the car's factory 2 3/4" catback and factory resonators.
I discovered in my search for exhaust systems, though, that not all systems fit together properly. The Coyote's stock exhaust system allows for multiple placements and configurations of x pipes, and various options for the connection point of the catback system. Some manufacturers are installing the x in the cat-back, others in the conventional location behind the headers. Cat-backs from various manufacturers connect in different locations. This works if you're installing a stock catback to an aftermarket x or vice versa, but install an aftermarket header system from one manufacturer to a cat-back from another manufacturer, and you may find yourself at the exhaust shop.
Because of this, I looked to the source of my headers for a solution to my experimental, hodge-podge exhaust system. Anthony at Stainless Works exhaust abliged with a 3" x-pipe with high flow cats, and their Retro Chambered 3" exhaust system. He guaranteed me that the system would sound great, fit great, and mate to my Stainless Works longtube headers without customization or a tow to the local pipe bender.
I have to admit, I was skeptical when I saw the exhaust system. Back in the day, chambered mufflers sounded raspy and they popped. This is not the case with the Stainless Works system. 2 pairs of stainless, 3" chambered mufflers work to muffle the Coyote's howl, while minimizing rasp and droan. The car sounds amazing. It's quieter than the offroad/Flowmaster combination, the exhaust smell is virtually gone, and fit and finish is superb.
Listen to the before and after clips. If you're looking for a complete header-back system, the Stainless Works setup is one of the best, and shouldn't be overlooked.
2011-2012 Mustang GT 3" Dual Catback Exhaust With Retro-Chambered Mufflers $849.99
2011-2012 Mustang GT Headers With 1 7/8" Primaries and Catted 3" x-pipe $1549.99
Before. Stainless Works headers, no cats, Flowmaster Hushpower axle back:
After. Stainless Works headers, high-flow cat x-pipe, Stainless Works Retro-Chambered catback: