You're a Mustang — Sound like one

By Al Vinikour  
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 3, 2010) You can have all the horsepower in the world but if your high-performance vehicle doesn’t have that old-time V8 deep-toned growl then you might as well have purchased a close-out Grand Marquis.

ROUSH Performance Products of Livonia, Mich., long associated with Mustang performance packages, has developed an exhaust kit for the 2011 Mustang with the new 5.0-liter engine.

The system gives the Mustang all the deep-burbling and menacing throaty bark one would expect from a muscle car. Drivers will experience the aggressive sound on acceleration yet during cruising speed or steady state the dreaded “drone” inside the vehicle dissipates.

Unlike the fiberglass mufflers of the original muscle car era the new system has an open-chambered design that will not deteriorate over time. There are two systems available — the difference being the shape of the tail pipe. The “Round Tips” fit the Ford or ROUSH Mustang rear valence and carry a suggested retail price of $399.

The ROUSH “Square Tip” design gives the car a totally different look but requires the use of the ROUSH rear valence ($175). Cost for this system is $440. While it may seem like a heavy cash outlay in addition to the vehicle, keep in mind that you’re basically driving a legend and not only do you consciously (or sub-consciously) want to be noticed, but the sweet tones of a high-performance exhaust will almost guarantee it.

Installation of the chrome flashing system is quick, easy and uses all factory hanger locations and pierce points. No modifications are required. All the ROUSH hangers are chromed for superior appearance and corrosion resistance. New, high-quality OE-spherical clamps are included in the kit. Best of all it doesn’t adversely affect any type of emission devices.

Sound off like you have a pair. To listen to several different sound clips of the ROUSH 2011 Exhaust Kit, including a comparison to the stock Ford exhaust, visit blog.roushperformance.com/blog/2010/08/new-roush-2011-mustang-50l-exhaust.html ROUSH is currently accepting pre-orders. Call the Customer Service Line at 800/59-ROUSH. Availability will be early-September.