Welcome to thunderbirdnest.com! TBN is the web's best site for enthusiasts of 2002, 2003, 2004
and 2005 Ford Thunderbirds (retrobirds). Discussion forums, technical forums, production
data, photos, modifications, performance enhancements, accessories and more.
Much of the content on TBN can only be accessed by registered
users who are logged in. You must also be logged in to post. There is no cost to join; it's
all free! If you don't have an account
register for one and
join the Retro T-Bird fun today!
2010 Explorer Limited Edition, tri color white, camel interior
2003 TBird black/saddle
1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL conv't turq/black
2004 Lincoln LS 8 Sport light tundra metallic/medium stone
I bought an '02 in 2006 that had Magnaflows already installed. I get many comments about the sound, as well as the look. The stock tips were reinstalled and protrude about 1.5 inches past the stock location.
I'd suggest attending a TBN event and seeing/hearing what others have done.
I have had a Borla system for 7yrs. I love the sound. I don't want my bird to sound like something its not. My car is a cruiser not a Corvette or big block mustang etc. My wife and I love the sound and the sound level. Give the Borla system another chance or I'm sure someone out there will be very happy take them off your hands.
Red Bird Dave
Motor is too small and the entire exhaust system set up with "quiet" in mind as much as performance but it's probably the design of the manifolds and cats that really quiets the engine most.
I think you're exactly right. It is what it is and it should sound that way too. By the time the borla system gets the spent gases the sound is already very sedate. Adding Borlas helps give the car a little more sound but nothing over-powering or inappropriate for the car.
Headers and big pipes really wake up a big V8 and the aggressive sound is perfectly in keeping with the whole idea of a sports car but sound awfully weak on a car that can't back up the sound with tire scorching performance and power.
The Retro-bird is more sedate and should sound that way too. I'm unaware of any manufacturer who makes headers for these cars anyway and the price of something custom probably wouldn't be worth the price vs the gains you'd see anyway.
The "Y-pipe" is the cat-back thing with the two pipes, it had to be tweaked! I don't know what went wrong, with the installation, but I was only relating my personal expierience. In the end it looked real good. Now If I re-install it. It should be trouble free. Still own the Borla System, and plan to keep it as long as I own the '05.
Comment