Need Some Assistance WIth My Exhaust Conundrum.

[ST Tom]

I recently purchased a 2023 ST online and drove a few hours to pick it up. When I arrived and test drove it all seemed fine except for the exhaust. The Ford dealership marketed the vehicle as if was in factory condition and although the exhaust did seem loud, I had nothing to compare to know otherwise. A day or two later, i really started getting to the my new wheels and I come to realize that the exhaust is actually aftermarket and with a little research, it turns out to be an MBRP Armor Pro cat back system. Now for some people this might be a huge win. For me, I am annoyed that the dealership did not disclose this information and while I like the idea of the 2.5" exhaust upgrade, the sound is just not for me and the Mrs.

To me, the sound doesn't match the vehicle. I like the lower tone when idling but when you rev up even into relatively low RPM's, it gets a higher tone BRRRRR sound with some popping in higher RPM's that just doesn't sound right. I have a bit of a hill on the way up into my development and when I'm doing 35 it sounds like I am doing 60. That, and I generally do not like to draw attention especially when I'm doing 25 over the limit and don't want the cop to hear me coming! I would not mind a lower tone rumble like a muscle car if that's possible kinda like you get from some the others like Gibson, Thermal, and Borla.

I am just trying get an Idea of what would be the best approach to resolve this problem. I have done a lot of reading on here and research elsewhere and have a few options to choose form, some being better than others.

Go back to a full OEM system.... I would rather not because it would kind of be a step backwards.
Completely change out system to a new Borla for Gibson... Looking for a simpler/cheaper fix as I paid cash for the ST.
Change out the MRBP axle back to a different axle back like a Gibson (I don't see axle back only on Borla's Website).... This is preferred based on cost and simplicity but can it be done? I don't know if the pipes from two different aftermarket brands will fit together and hang properly so the tips line up.

Any other options?

Thanks in advance,
ST Tom

 

[Cdubya]

You mention both catback and axleback. They are two different things. Also axlebacks may not cut the stock pipe in exactly the same spot so you may not be able to swap one axleback with anither. If I were you, go with a full catback system.

 

[2020STAWD]

There are Different setups - If you have a MBRP axle back kit you will need to probably buy a Full exhaust to replace it. If you have the Cat back with X pipe that is why it is so loud, no middle muffler anymore. Personally I prefer Thermal or AWE full exhaust kits. I am running a Full Thermal 2.5"

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I recently purchased a 2023 ST online and drove a few hours to pick it up. When I arrived and test drove it all seemed fine except for the exhaust. The Ford dealership marketed the vehicle as if was in factory condition and although the exhaust did seem loud, I had nothing to compare to know otherwise. A day or two later, i really started getting to the my new wheels and I come to realize that the exhaust is actually aftermarket and with a little research, it turns out to be an MBRP Armor Pro cat back system. Now for some people this might be a huge win. For me, I am annoyed that the dealership did not disclose this information and while I like the idea of the 2.5" exhaust upgrade, the sound is just not for me and the Mrs.

To me, the sound doesn't match the vehicle. I like the lower tone when idling but when you rev up even into relatively low RPM's, it gets a higher tone BRRRRR sound with some popping in higher RPM's that just doesn't sound right. I have a bit of a hill on the way up into my development and when I'm doing 35 it sounds like I am doing 60. That, and I generally do not like to draw attention especially when I'm doing 25 over the limit and don't want the cop to hear me coming! I would not mind a lower tone rumble like a muscle car if that's possible kinda like you get from some the others like Gibson, Thermal, and Borla.

I am just trying get an Idea of what would be the best approach to resolve this problem. I have done a lot of reading on here and research elsewhere and have a few options to choose form, some being better than others.

Go back to a full OEM system.... I would rather not because it would kind of be a step backwards.
Completely change out system to a new Borla for Gibson... Looking for a simpler/cheaper fix as I paid cash for the ST.
Change out the MRBP axle back to a different axle back like a Gibson (I don't see axle back only on Borla's Website).... This is preferred based on cost and simplicity but can it be done? I don't know if the pipes from two different aftermarket brands will fit together and hang properly so the tips line up.

Any other options?

Thanks in advance,
ST Tom

The MBRP is just a fancy muffler delete, so I agree with you it doesn’t belong on these vehicles. I’d never go with Borla, because the flex pipes aren’t replaced on most of their systems, plus they will drone. I’d say either go back to stock (not a great option but one nonetheless), most people give away their stock exhaust after getting an aftermarket one so that would be no cost to you, or go to a full Thermal system.

 

[ST Tom]

You mention both catback and axleback. They are two different things. Also axlebacks may not cut the stock pipe in exactly the same spot so you may not be able to swap one axleback with anither. If I were you, go with a full catback system.

Yeah, the current system is a cat back MBRP. I was wondering if it would be possible to just replace the axle back part with another mfg. My concern is just what you eluded to, that different aftermarkets brands may not have joints in the same location. I was trying to avoid replacing the whole system because I just paid cash for it a week ago and need some time for the bank account to bounce back.

 

[ST Tom]

The MBRP is just a fancy muffler delete, so I agree with you it doesn’t belong on these vehicles. I’d never go with Borla, because the flex pipes aren’t replaced on most of their systems, plus they will drone. I’d say either go back to stock (not a great option but one nonetheless), most people give away their stock exhaust after getting an aftermarket one so that would be no cost to you, or go to a full Thermal system.

I am not well versed on the in's and out's of exhaust systems. I was under the impression that most of the sound/tone came from the rear most mufflers that the tips are attached to. Are you implying that the resonator has a bigger effect than the rear mufflers? Would it be possible to cut out the X pipe and have a new 2.5" resonator put in or would that be blasphemy, lol?

 

[Cruising68]

I am not well versed on the in's and out's of exhaust systems. I was under the impression that most of the sound/tone came from the rear most mufflers that the tips are attached to. Are you implying that the resonator has a bigger effect than the rear mufflers? Would it be possible to cut out the X pipe and have a new 2.5" resonator put in or would that be blasphemy, lol?

Nothing wrong with putting something like small Vibrant or similar resonators. Exhaust is so subjective, get what you want done. The oem flex pipe sucks though so you might want to update that too if you are cutting to put in a set of resonators.

Easiest might be a complete cat back that you like. I went with Thermal and love it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Cdubya]

Yeah, the current system is a cat back MBRP. I was wondering if it would be possible to just replace the axle back part with another mfg. My concern is just what you eluded to, that different aftermarkets brands may not have joints in the same location. I was trying to avoid replacing the whole system because I just paid cash for it a week ago and need some time for the bank account to bounce back.

No you cannot. All the axlebacks out there are made to attach to the stock exhaust. Aftermarket catbacks are free to run their own piping path--safe to say, none of them will follow the stock piping path exactly. That said, an exhaust shop could make it work--just doubt it would be worth it when there are fully capable cat backs out there. Also, the end result would be unpredictable.

 

[northof60expST]

The dealership was well aware that the pervious owners mods would not be for everyone, thus limiting the possible customers for that ST. Sales manager to his staff "Don't tell them about the sound of the exhaust unless they ask about it."
I hope you get it sorted out.

 

[ARC]

Thermal Exhaust is the way to go! It Sounds great and lasts, I have over 35k on mine with no problems. It sounds good with some burble but no rice burner type sound. I get compliments on the exhaust all the time. Full cat back with new flex sections is the way to go! I think it was around 1500.00 or so. Call them and ask if any discounts out there, especially cause you are dumping a competitor for them.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I am not well versed on the in's and out's of exhaust systems. I was under the impression that most of the sound/tone came from the rear most mufflers that the tips are attached to. Are you implying that the resonator has a bigger effect than the rear mufflers? Would it be possible to cut out the X pipe and have a new 2.5" resonator put in or would that be blasphemy, lol?

No I was saying the MBRP is just a muffler delete, hence why it drones so much. You’re correct the mufflers muffle the most, res takes away all the bad frequencies and some sound. The MBRP is simply an axle back so the stock resonator is still there, don’t know what x pipe your referring too.

 

[ST Tom]

Thanks for all the good information guys, I really appreciate it. Looks like my options are very limited.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

No I was saying the MBRP is just a muffler delete, hence why it drones so much. You’re correct the mufflers muffle the most, res takes away all the bad frequencies and some sound. The MBRP is simply an axle back so the stock resonator is still there, don’t know what x pipe your referring too.

I think he was refering to post #3 that mentions the cat-back with an X-pipe.

 

[GomerPyleST]

If the dealer told ya it was in factory condition and it says something to that on your paperwork then have the dealer put a stock exhaust back on as that is what they marketed it to ya as having. Although the proof they told ya that would probably have to be somewhere on your paperwork.