That Ford Sound - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

TorinoSpeed · 08-29-2006, 20:19

I have noticed that nicely tuned fords have a really distinct sound. Much smoother than any dodge or chevy I have ever heard. Especially on the new 4.6 mustangs. Is this because it has factory header like manifolds with a crosspipe? I want to run some nice sounding exhaust on my torino and would like this signature sound.

**Big Block Ford** · 08-30-2006, 00:40

Ford's Modular engine such as the 4.6 Mustang is a very nice sounding engine. Ford engines such as the 5.0 windsor and the 351C are also sweet. I don't really know the reason but firing order would be one and possibly head design.

Dr. Disque · 09-02-2006, 23:11

I think the 4.6 thing is mostly because they're OHC engines while most "muscle" V8's are still pushrod engines.

Freshmeat · 09-11-2006, 18:03

Header selection, catalytic converter and muffler designs, and pipe size all play a big role in the tone of the exhaust. Headers with individual primaries (as opposed to stock manifolds, also referred to as "logs", which collect all the gases together as soon as it exits the head) will enhance the "pulsing" of the exhaust- you'll have more of a growl than a rumble, if that makes sense.

Catalytic converters (not gutted, of course) will tone down that growl (which can easily sound like a popping on too large of a pipe diameter) because they provide the resistance and give the exhaust gases a very brief moment to collect together.

Muffler design probably plays the most part in the tone, though. If you use a straight-through design, the gases will be able to come straight out and the pulsing of each cylinder firing will be significantly more noticeable. The baffled designs allow the exhaust gases to linger a moment, providing them an opportunity to blend together and reduce that pulsing sound while also providing improved backpressure/torque over a straight-through design.

I'm running shorty headers, gutted cats, and baffled mufflers (Flowmaster; don't waste your money on 'em). It's loud (no tailpipes), but it's very toned. I love it, but I do plan to have it redone with some mufflers that aren't crap. Once it's back on the road I'll get a video clip and post it up.

On a 351C, I'd recommend some good shorty headers, no cats, an X-pipe, and some sound baffled mufflers. I've heard great things about Edelbrock's new SDT designs. You may want to give them a try. They're a little pricey, but any good muffler will be. Again, do not waste your money on Flowmaster.

Pipe size ultimately depends on your power level. Most mild to moderate V8s will benefit most from a dual 2.5" system with a crossover. Blown and juiced cars often go with a larger exhaust, but you'll rarely see a street car running anything bigger than dual 2.5".

I hope that helps a little bit!

TorinoSpeed · 10-23-2006, 06:29

Well after I fired it up, it sounded alright. It still has the stock manifolds with 2in dual exhaust with glasspacks. Really nice at idle and ok when you rev it. I think a cross pipe and some shorties would be awesome.

Since it has a cam in it, it lopes and pops and sounds great. The motor is in great shape, immediate throttle response when you mash the gas. I love how a cammed motor revs up so freely.

ford_hick_5 · 12-07-2006, 11:31

My mustang has Turbo 400 glass packs on it and that car sounds great, and my truck i have it just running from the catalytic converters back and it sounds awesome to, both are super throaty.

TorinoSpeed · 01-12-2007, 21:00

Glasspacks are too loud.

Id rather something more mellow, like the flowmaster sound, with better performance.

My car is a 4speed and my headers didn't clear, so im running stock manifolds.

How about the manifolds, 2.25"pipe, h-pipe into dual chambered/baffled mufflers.

k2racer · 09-09-2008, 01:13

From what I've learned GM didn't have a correct firing order but the last few years. Enginebuilders has swapped this some years now on the 3-5 och 4-6 cylinder.Ford knew this since the 50's