Active Exhaust - Meh?

[JAM486HP]

Why spec a $60K + build and skimp out of a major option, IMO, to save $1600? I had no plans for aftermarket exhaust so quad tips and 4 modes was an easy add... I love AE and would deeply regret had I not added it.

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[135Hoser]

my DH, if I put it into track mode, even with windows up it's obnoxiously loud, especially if you floor it above ~3k rpm.

Everyone for a few KM around knows you're up to no good with AE in track mode.

Quiet mode is still a hair louder than I'd like. Normal is pretty good for a muscle car, Sport is good if you're out somewhere.

Car in track mode + track exhaust mode = lmao, pop pop bang.

You get a couple HP more with the AE in free flowing mode, and you can be courteous to your neighbours by not deafening them on cold start.

Sure you could put a more expensive aftermarket exhaust on it, but it's gonna be loud as shit all the time, which really isn't needed.

Especially once you boost it and get rid of your cats. AE will save your bacon by keeping the car just ever so slightly under the cops radar.

 

[Skye]

Enclosed are some dB references of the S550 AE. I'd expect the S650 to be not far from these.

AE is available for manual and automatic transmissions.

Maintaining the same frequency, an increase of 3dB will generally double the power of the wave.

Reducing by 3dB will halve power.

An increase of 10 dB will raise power by 10X. Lessen by 10dB will cut power to 1/10th the original.

The above are general approximations, for back of the envelop calculations.

YouTube will have before and after videos of exhaust system changes, with dB readings.

Power or intensity is one characteristic of the sound.

Pitch, tone or frequency is another.

Driving around under partial throttle will bring about some differences in the sound of the exhaust, mostly in the tone. Greater differences will be seen higher in the RPM band, in both pitch and intensity: higher frequency, greater intensity.

For those interested in modifying the exhaust, I'd attend several car shows, see what other people are doing, if you like their setups.

Several change their exhaust and appreciate the difference. IMO, an equal number make a change and express one common concern: it's too loud.

I have AE. Out of courtesy to the neighbors, I start in normal mode, with the garage door closed. Cold start, normal mode, is pretty loud in the AM. It's not deafening, but people will know it's you.

I've enjoyed having the option. Ford has spent many years getting the exhaust and system to where it is now. I consider it one of the best factory setups.

https://www.cjponyparts.com/resourc...t_GX34SVfZN22BLDmuL9OmbtrgjO-kxyVMnmkqOSg-Y_N

https://www.northsidefordlincoln.co...rd-mustang-active-exhaust-decibel-ratings.htm

 

[Zig]

Normal, sport, and track are pretty close at idle and even some mild 1 - 6 rolling around, become more aggressive and it will become more apparent. Quiet mode is absolutely worth it. Come rolling into the neighborhood change the mode to quiet and the echo is reduced dramatically. Play around with the ricer in the next lane and then notice a blue light special, hit the quiet (nothing to see here officer ) mode and everyone wonders where’d he go.

 

[fishinrich]

I find it almost too loud. Guess I'm gettin' old.

 

[POHLHAMMER]

Test drove one without, bought one with it. Probably one of my favorite options on our 401A. Mustangs without it ,, meh... Unless you're planning on going aftermarket anyways. My wife likes quiet mode , I like sport or track. I like having both to keep us both happy.

 

[Alan Applegate]

I know I'm old at 85+! So consider that issue. I really don't think there is much difference between owning a Mustang with active exhaust set at its loudest mode, and any number of gangbangers riding around with their windows open with 500 watts of highly-distorted and blaring acid rock literally mocking local noise ordinances against such activity! I can't speak for your locality, but it is certainly prevalent in my neighborhood. To me, it is an activity which emphasizes your inanity, and apparent lack of audibility. For shame!

 

[samson]

AE is the one option I had to have. Would not buy a Mistang without it. The quiet mode comes in handy on a daily basis. It sounds terrific in sport mode which I use 90% of the time. Car looks great with quad exhaust tips. And you get a slight HP boost on top of it. I love it.

 

[Bikeman315]

I’m in the same boat as the other AE lovers. Can’t imagine my car without it. Just fyi, . it will get louder as you put miles on the car. Lastly, this is a regret feature. If you don’t get it, you will regret it.

 

[Stanzi]

I’m in the same boat as the other AE lovers. Can’t imagine my car without it. Just fyi, . it will get louder as you put miles on the car. Lastly, this is a regret feature. If you don’t get it, you will regret it.

Thanks for all the feedback.

I believe the two we are able to dealer trade for are 301A with PP and Active Exhaust, one is Race Red with Red Calipers as additional package and one is Black.

Leaning toward the red. I believe its paint will look nicer for longer.

 

[Farmer Fran]

The AE on my 2024 5.0 is louder than my 2020 2SS with AE and my 2023 ZL1

 

[Stanzi]

The AE on my 2024 5.0 is louder than my 2020 2SS with AE and my 2023 ZL1

Outside the car, or inside?

 

[Farmer Fran]

Outside the car, or inside?

Both but all 3 are convertibles, so moot.

 

[Upacurb]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I believe the two we are able to dealer trade for are 301A with PP and Active Exhaust, one is Race Red with Red Calipers as additional package and one is Black.

Leaning toward the red. I believe its paint will look nicer for longer.

As someone who loves black cars and has owned black cars......get the red lol I will never own a black car again as much as I love them ....just too hard to keep clean/ keep up (that being said I do love black so wouldnt be mad if you got the black lol)

 

[Starship Enterprise]

My hearing is fine, and cruising in Track Mode AE, it’s just a faint rumble underneath. I can hear the stereo just fine even at the lowest volume level, and conversation inside the car is easy. When I get on it, it’s a nice rumble, but not deafening inside the car. So I don’t get the articles that say driving for an hour causes hearing damage in Track Mode. Yeah maybe, if my ear was against the exhaust tip while driving, but that would be an awkward driving position.

There are many newer Mustangs around here that sound like the cats and mufflers are pulled. No tone to the sound, just BBBLLLAAAARRRGGGHHHH…lol.

I like Track Mode for the tone and better throttle response. I’m in a very rural area and even when I go up into town, so many people drive like their head is up their ass, I don’t care if they hear me coming. Maybe if they hear me, they won’t drift into my lane like they are the only ones driving.

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