Few things in the recent past equal the excitement of Ford's all-new yet retro '05-'07 Mustang. Sales have been quite healthy, with no drop in sight despite rising fuel prices. The message in 2006 is much the same as it was in 1964: We love Mustangs. So bring on the petrol and let's go cruising.
Ford has brought us one heck of a base Mustang for '05-'06 with its powerful 4.0L SOHC V-6 as standard equipment, borrowed from the Ranger and Explorer parts bin. The 4.0L Vulcan V-6 is based on the proven Mustang II pushrod V-6s from long ago. We can even trace it further back to Ford's '62 Mustang I concept car, which had a V-4 version of the Vulcan V-6. So within the new V-6 Mustang beats sits the original two-seat concept car. With all this spirit, it seems logical to add even more performance and image to '05-'07 V-6 Mustangs.
The American Thunder series...
The American Thunder series muffler is a bolt-on swap right out of the box, with the quality you expect from Flowmaster. Because the '05-'07 is the easiest Mustang to work on in years, the muffler swap takes about 30 minutes.
Because the Vulcan overhead cam V-6 has a rich, European tone right off the assembly line, you might be inclined to ask how it could sound any better. Flowmaster has always been interested in vehicle sound, not to mention performance. That's why its mufflers can be identified without actually seeing the vehicle, even by people who don't know automobiles.
Flowmaster's American Thunder series mufflers and exhaust systems are quick bolt-on solutions to both performance and sound. American Thunder systems are available for '65-'73 classic Mustangs as well as '79-'04 Fox-bodies, just in case you happen to be interested in a throaty bark at the tailpipes. Flowmaster continues its Mustang spirit with the American Thunder series systems for '05-'07 Mustangs. We ordered the American Thunder muffler designed specifically for new V-6 Mustangs (PN 17421) and were pleasantly surprised by the rich tone.
We stopped by LaBree Motor-sports in Southern California where Brent LeBree and his son, Greg, were installing a Flowmaster American Thunder muffler on an '06 Mustang coupe.
Right off the assembly line,...
Right off the assembly line, the '05-'06 Mustang V-6 has a nice European tone from its German-born-and-bred Ford V-6. We're going to put this muffler on the shelf for safekeeping.
1. Greg LeBree, of LaBree...
1. Greg LeBree, of LaBree Motorsports, loosens the exhaust pipe just ahead of the factory muffler. To disconnect it, loosen the clamp.
2. Working the stock muffler...
2. Working the stock muffler off its rubber mounts isn't always simple. You may have to remove the rear hanger.
3. Here's something you won't...
3. Here's something you won't see on V-8 Mustangs: vibration dampeners in two places. Because V-6 engines have inherent vibration issues, Ford dampens exhaust-system vibration with ballast weights. Don't remove these weights because they aren't included with the Flowmaster muffler.
3a. Try the Flowmaster without...
3a. Try the Flowmaster without the weights to see how it performs. If you experience exhaust harmonics, meaning vibration and hum, transfer the ballast weight.
4. Here you can see the three...
4. Here you can see the three muffler hangers. Sometimes it's necessary to remove the rear hanger to take off the original muffler and put on the new muffler.
5. Flowmaster supplies a...
5. Flowmaster supplies a clamp with its muffler kit, but LaBree Motorsports prefers to use a stainless steel clamp, either the original Ford clamp or similar. The advantage is better clamping and no corrosion.
6. Because our Flowmaster...
6. Because our Flowmaster muffler was an early production part, it needed some adjustments. Greg expands the inlet pipe for easier installation and improved fit.
7. Greg installs the Flowmaster...
7. Greg installs the Flowmaster muffler, then reinstalls the rear hanger. He installs the hanger before securing the clamp in front.
8. Greg made some modifications...
8. Greg made some modifications to the hanger because he wasn't satisfied with the fit. Though it would would have been satisfactory for most people, LaBree Motorsports saw a way to improve it.
9. Greg gets the fit spot...
9. Greg gets the fit spot on, with plenty of advice from his father, Brent. These gentlemen are perfectionists.
10. The exhaust pipe is loosened...
10. The exhaust pipe is loosened at the damper to provide adjustment room in back. Once Greg makes all the adjustments, he will tighten everything.
11. Greg tightens all the...
11. Greg tightens all the clamps and checks the fit.
Our completed installation,...
Our completed installation, with a Flowmaster tip, looks terrific.
At 3,000 rpm, the Flowmaster...
At 3,000 rpm, the Flowmaster American Thunder muffler sounds awesome at 87 decibels. Cabin resonance is good-and without the muffler ballast.