Will an active exhaust work on a non-active vehicle?

[LulPuma]

As the post reads I’m just looking for some clarification. I have a 2024 GT with non-active (I know, I know. But it was the only manual in my area and didn’t have time to order due to past vehicle problems) and I was wondering if an active exhaust would work on it. I know I’d have to modify the valance and I won’t have the active features. I’m fine with that, I just want to know if leaving the valves out since I don’t have any would hinder its function in any way? Browsed through and didn’t see anything on this, just how to fit a quad tip. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

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[agreywolfe]

can it be done, sure. Should you do it, no. Plenty of offerings out there for quad tips non AE systems that'll save you a few hundred dollars. This borla system for example is $500 less than it's AE counterpart. You'll need the valence change to go from singe to quad so might as well save where you can.

 

[Skye]

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/introduce-yourself-to-mustang7g.156050/

Welcome to the Forums.

I know I’d have to modify the valance and I won’t have the active features. I’m fine with that, I just want to know if leaving the valves out since I don’t have any would hinder its function in any way?

So...can you clarify your objective to us? Are you going for a look? A sound?

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/how-does-the-active-exhaust-work.181432/

^ This thread is older, but highlights the valves and exhaust. I'm also attaching some photos.

It'd take a lot of effort to end up with something with an undetermined sound. To me, it'd lean heavily towards Track Mode, too loud for most communities and ordinances.

As @agreywolfe mentioned, I'd look at an aftermarket setup, something designed (and tuned) for the car.

 

[LulPuma]

can it be done, sure. Should you do it, no. Plenty of offerings out there for quad tips non AE systems that'll save you a few hundred dollars. This borla system for example is $500 less than it's AE counterpart. You'll need the valence change to go from singe to quad so might as well save where you can.

I appreciate the feedback! I saw a few out there but most are x pipe. Looking for an H personally. May have to do something like that and just swap from an x to an H. Was looking at the stainless works catback. Guess I just need to do a bit more research. Thank you!

 

[Skye]

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/th...d-active-exhaust-to-my-non-active-car.189193/

Some deeper insight, with an S550 as an example.

 

[LulPuma]

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/introduce-yourself-to-mustang7g.156050/

Welcome to the Forums.



So...can you clarify your objective to us? Are you going for a look? A sound?

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/how-does-the-active-exhaust-work.181432/

^ This thread is older, but highlights the valves and exhaust. I'm also attaching some photos.

It'd take a lot of effort to end up with something with an undetermined sound. To me, it'd lean heavily towards Track Mode, too loud for most communities and ordinances.

As @agreywolfe mentioned, I'd look at an aftermarket setup, something designed (and tuned) for the car.

Sound is definitely the end goal here. Though having a quad tip for the looks would be a huge bonus. I want the low growl an H pipe gives and there aren’t a ton of options for catback alones. Might look into getting just an H pipe and an axel back

 

[agreywolfe]

This AWE kit has an H pipe if that's more your style. Not muffled though so it will be loud.

 

[Skye]

Sound is definitely the end goal here. T

Ya, I highly recommend deep reading and listening to what people (S650 Owners) have done, in-person if possible.

A lot of people mean well. Unfortunately, it seems about 75% end up with an exhaust note that just isn't right, often too loud. A second change or mod often brings about what they were looking for.

Sound can be very subjective.

YMMV.

 

[LulPuma]

Defi

This AWE kit has an H pipe if that's more your style. Not muffled though so it will be loud.

Definitely gonna look into that one! Seems like what I’m looking for! Thank you again for the help!

 

[DarkMatterGrey]

To answer the original question directly, the active exhaust will fit a non-active car (with valence mod or replacement), but the management system in the car that manages the valves won’t work (even with wiring harness updates) since the computer is basically locked down. So you’ll need an aftermarket way of managing the valves.

I opted for just axle back (Roush dual black tips) and it sounds great with the stock resonator. I have an X Pipe, but chose not to install it (don’t want the extra noise). If anything I’d get a resonated X pipe, for more HP with not much more noise, but Steeda posted a video where the S650’s don’t make that much more power with an H or X compared to the S550. They did this experiment with an active car, which may have a different resonator (doubtful but I’d still like to see the insides to compare).

Note that the stock resonator isn’t “restrictive” as some claim as It’s basically two straight pipes with multiple chambers. However since there’s no crossover, it doesn’t provide for equalization/scavenging, which can provide more power.

 

[LulPuma]

To answer the original question directly, the active exhaust will fit a non-active car (with valence mod or replacement), but the management system in the car that manages the valves won’t work (even with wiring harness updates) since the computer is basically locked down. So you’ll need an aftermarket way of managing the valves.

I opted for just axle back (Roush dual black tips) and it sounds great with the stock resonator. I have an X Pipe, but chose not to install it (don’t want the extra noise). If anything I’d get a resonated X pipe, for more HP with not much more noise, but Steeda posted a video where the S650’s don’t make that much more power with an H or X compared to the S550. They did this experiment with an active car, which may have a different resonator (doubtful but I’d still like to see the insides to compare).

Note that the stock resonator isn’t “restrictive” as some claim as It’s basically two straight pipes with multiple chambers. However since there’s no crossover, it doesn’t provide for equalization/scavenging, which can provide more power.

A lot of great info there thank you! Never was really interested in adding the AE. I know that would be far too much work for my schedule right now. Was just down to finding one that sounds how I want. I appreciate all your help!

 

[MAT1955]

@LulPuma ..... several companies make aftermarket selectable exhausts. For those who have Ford factory active exhaust - 4 settings for sound/loudness - already (not you) I would question why an owner would replace that factory option because in many of the videos I have seen of owners who have done this it just makes the sound louder and raspier but not IMO better than the original active exhaust deep Mustang growl. For those who don't have Ford factory active exhaust (you) there are several manufacturers who make aftermarket "switchable" exhausts. I have used these (Corsa for example) on high performance go-fast boats. For cars the concept is basically the same - there are valves that are either air actuated or electric actuated to open/close. That is, closed or open by selecting .... muffled through one part of the muffler or open into a non-muffled chamber. I have seen many variations used on cars but found them just loud and raspy. That of course just is my opinion. IMO if you want a slightly louder sound while retaining the "Mustang growl" remove the factory installed "resonator box" and install a good quality H pipe.

 

[DarkMatterGrey]

A lot of great info there thank you! Never was really interested in adding the AE. I know that would be far too much work for my schedule right now. Was just down to finding one that sounds how I want. I appreciate all your help!

Understood. I went with the classic Roush axle back dual tip bought new/used (bought/never installed for a S550) from OfferUp for less than $500. Easy install with a sawzall and Rhino ramps. I also opted for black tips, looks stealthy. Such a deep rich V8 burble sound, sounds great. I believe I’m within the 80 db/95 db drive by noise limit. Only confirmed with cell phone db app meter. Theoretically you can opt for the quad tips and cut or replace the dual tip valance. But that’s all for show. And no resonator change.

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