We are finally starting to get some reviews. So far so good. We are working in the middle of working on the GT sound. I'll let you guys know when it's finished and will be sending a few out to those that were promised them. Hopefully after that we'll start working on the older models. Anyways here we go...I'll add the 2 we have received so far.
I was asked to give a review of the PHRP GT500 H-pipe. This review is a non-bias review as I have no vested interest with PHRP. I was only asked to install the H-pipe and write a non-bias review of the sound of the H-pipe. The car only has the Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) cold air induction and the FRPP KR mufflers.
Once I received the H-pipe from PHRP, I had it installed. It took the installer less than 30 minutes to install. I did have to purchase a set of exhaust clamps from Ford that is the same clamps as the ones that connect the mid-pipe to the factory X-pipe. You pull off the factory installed clamps and move them back onto the mid-pipe. This frees up the mid- pipe from the X-pipe. Hold the H-pipe up next to the X-pipe and put a mark on the exhaust pipe where the H-pipe ends. Cut the X-pipe off at the mark. Place the new clamps on to the exhaust pipe and slide them toward the front of the car a little. Place the H-pipe at the end of the exhaust pipe and slide the clamps on to the H-pipe making sure the clamp is centered over the cut. Pull the mid-pipe up to the H-pipe and center the clamps where mid-pipe and H-pipe meet. Tighten all clamps tight and you’re done.
Once I picked up the car and I started it up for the first time, I did notice a little deeper sound on cold startup. The car doesn’t have any of the raspy sound at all. Taking off out of the shop down the road, I did notice that the sound is even deeper when you push the throttle down hard. This is where you can really tell the difference between the H-pipe and the X-pipe. The more the RPM rose fast, the better the car sounds.
Deceleration is even more fun. With the RPMs up around 3500-4000 RPMs, and you let up off the gas to have the engine brake the car, you hear a nice deep gurgling sound and no popping. Down shift makes it more fun and the mufflers sound great as the RPMs lower.
Cruising along makes you want to use a lower gear to keep the RPMs higher so you can hear the exhaust better. Adding the H-pipe did not create any drone to the car. This is like music to my ears but it is not over whelming in the car. I don’t have any dyno-mat or any other type of sound deadening installed in the car.
I had to make a stop to take some measurements and I left the car running. I was at the rear of the car the whole time and it just sounded great sitting there idling. It has the nice deep idling sound to it. I didn’t have anyone with me to rev up the car while I was outside but with it just sitting there idling, you can tell this car has muscle.
What is my overall impression of the PHRP H-pipe? It helped make the car sound like it has a deeper sound to it. It did not create any drone and when you open it up, it just sounds mean. I think PHRP did a great job on this H-pipe and I do recommend it if you are looking for a deeper sounding exhaust system without the raspy sound.
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Last edited by GT500Girl; 04-19-2009 at 10:53 AM..
I now have the H-Pipe installed on my car. It is very similar to the H-Pipe on the KR. I got it from Powerhouse Racing & Performance. What a quality piece.
I have the KR Mufflers (Ford racing) on my car as well. Now my car sounds Like a KR.
I know you guys want to hear it….so before I post pic’s and do a write up on the install I will give you the video / sound clips.
Here’s the KR mufflers and H-Pipe at idle and some revs.
The H-Pipe has very nice welds on it and is made out of SS and it fit very well. After I clamped it in, the exhaust system was very solid and could not move at all. The angles on the piece are right on the money. The piece is has a stamp in it that says “top” because the piece is slightly angled to line up with the exhaust. Very good engineering. Before I lowered my car down I started it up and went back under the car and looked and felt and listened for leaks. Tight as a drum and leak free.
The sound in the cabin of my coup is so cool. It is a little bit louder than just having the KR mufflers and the sound is now deeper. It has more bass to it. I noticed that the popping sound is now minimized a little bit more than when I had just the KR mufflers on. There is a totally different sound now when I get on this car. It’s hard to explain, but it is way different than just having the KR mufflers. The car seems to have an added growl to it. Kind of a rumble growl. It’s so cool. I love the sound.
I did the install in my garage in 45 minutes. I put the front and back of my car up in the air. First I backed the car up onto my Rhino ramps and then jacked the front up and placed jack stands under the car.
The piece comes packed very nicely with plenty of bubble wrap.
The quality shows in the craftsmanship.
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Last edited by GT500Girl; 04-19-2009 at 10:54 AM..
Then once the H-Pipe is all lined up with the marks, put a mark on the front where you have to make the cuts. My finger is pointing to where the marks go and that is where the cut will take place.
Then take some tape and put it all the way around the pipe to lay out your final cut.
Put a bungi chord on the back side of the X-pipe by the clamps to provide some temporary support because once you cut the pipes…they will dangle.
Heres what it looks like after you remove the X-pipe. You need to take a round bastard file and clean up the rough edges of the metal too.
The new H-Pipe has a stamp in it that says “TOP”. Make sure you put that facing up to the car or your angle will be off.
Slide the clamps onto the existing pipes and position the H-Pipe in place. Then tighten things up. You need to adjust your muffler tips as you tighten the bolts up. Use a torque wrench to put the bolts at 45. Check th bolts after you drive it and re-torque them. I did this and they were a little loose from the heat and cool down.
The finished installed product looks great. It looks very professional. In fact I would go so far to say that it has a “factory” look to it. It is very strong and does not move or leak at all. Here’s my final install pic’s.
I installed my H-pipe today and all I can say is WOW! It's hard to believe but this little H-Pipe woke up the KR mufflers. This is the most amazing sound I have ever heard from a car. It sounds aggressive and strong but not over bearing. Ford and Shelby engineers got this one right, The sound is perfect and absolutely NO DRONE. The install was simple, It took about 45 minutes. (Make sure You get the special clamps with the H-Pipe) I had about an hour ride home after the install and I was grinning the whole time. The KR Muffler & H-Pipe by far is my best mod. Thanks Wes, The fit was perfect.
Powerhouse H Pipe for GT500 Reviews
good write up....congrats on the success of the h-pipe
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