I want to make my '99 5.0 Explorer sound like a 5.0 Mustang.

[expo5.0]

you'd rather have it sound like a stang than have more hp?

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

Well, im in love with that sound, but as of right now, im not looking for more horsepower, just an exhaust set up that is reminiscent of a 5.0 mustang. Would aftermarket 5.0 Mustang cams fit my explorer's 5.0 (more horsepower + mustang sound)?

 

[dreamr]

Would that add horsepower, and most importantly, make it sound more like a mustang?

Lets just say if we were talking about a Mustang I would still tell you to order a custom ground Comp Cam

As to the sound, it'll sound like a pissed off Mustang
Of course that really depends on the lift and duration....So it could sound tame too...Just depends what you want. I really recommend calling them and telling them what you want and what you have. They will do the rest.


But you do realize that a cam swap is not exactly a bolt on mod right...

 

[dreamr]

And yes a Mustang Cam will fit your 5.0. In fact if you run a search on here I believe Section525 is running the E303 cam in his. And Expo5.0 here has a lot going on under his hood, but I have yet to find the details anywhere so He can advise you as he sees fit when it comes to modifying the Explorer 5.0

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

Now i have come to the conclusion that in order to get that mustang sound, besides exhaust, all i need is a mustang cam (or aftermarket mustang cam) to have that sound. And i should go with comp cams?

 

[Turdle]

I am assuming the tone you are after could be described as almost a note?
almost sounds like 2 notes, 1/2 step apart, played at same time on a pipe organ?

This is achieved by ford, thru much research by using different sized resonators or expansion chambers on each side kind of the same pricipal as a pipe organ in fact. My Taurus SHO actually had a resonator only on driver side, none on passenger side to achieve that note. My 84 dominator GT had a single into dual tips, but one tip was 2" longer

 

[dreamr]

Quite honestly I don't think you will ever quite achieve that sound, but the more you dress up that 5.0 the closer it will get to a modded mustang in sound. Besides I have heard a lot of 5.0 mustangs over the years and they all sound different

My 88 Notch sounded like a damn Nascar when you got on the throttle. And rumbled like a diesel when sitting at a light. 351, offroad pipes dumped behind the front seats

My 90 'vert is actually pretty tame sounding, and is close to Greenbeer's v-8 explorer in sound.. It all depends on how you build the engine....Stock Headers and H-pipe with Magnaflow mufflers

But to answer your question as it was phrased if you set up your engine like that in a 5.0 Mustang the sound will be similar.

What you should do is quit worrying about sounding like a Mustang and try to build your truck to outrun one. Then you may come out sounding like one or not, but at least yours will be faster.

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

I am assuming the tone you are after could be described as almost a note?
almost sounds like 2 notes, 1/2 step apart, played at same time on a pipe organ?

This is achieved by ford, thru much research by using different sized resonators or expansion chambers on each side kind of the same pricipal as a pipe organ in fact. My Taurus SHO actually had a resonator only on driver side, none on passenger side to achieve that note. My 84 dominator GT had a single into dual tips, but one tip was 2" longer

YES! That is exacty what a mechanic at work told me (i work in service at a chevrolet dealership, lol)!!!! I didn't really understand him, nor did i believe what he had to say because he's always hatin on Fords. So if this is true, how would i accomplish having this mustang "note" reproduced in my 5.0 Explorer? (i think were finally getting somewhere!)

 

[Turdle]

My mounty really does have that sound when cruising, due to the 6' longer tube on driver side. Your computer just can't reproduce it and I was kind of getting on it in the video. But, take my word, people in my town say it sounds like nothing else on the road. At 2000-2200 rpm's it sings like a fat lady. It will turn your head

edit ok 6' might be an overstatement, but the driver tube runs over to passenger side, than back across for split duals, so it is "substantially" longer

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

Quite honestly I don't think you will ever quite achieve that sound, but the more you dress up that 5.0 the closer it will get to a modded mustang in sound. Besides I have heard a lot of 5.0 mustangs over the years and they all sound different

My 88 Notch sounded like a damn Nascar when you got on the throttle. And rumbled like a diesel when sitting at a light. 351, offroad pipes dumped behind the front seats

My 90 'vert is actually pretty tame sounding, and is close to Greenbeer's v-8 explorer in sound.. It all depends on how you build the engine....Stock Headers and H-pipe with Magnaflow mufflers

But to answer your question as it was phrased if you set up your engine like that in a 5.0 Mustang the sound will be similar.


What you should do is quit worrying about sounding like a Mustang and try to build your truck to outrun one. Then you may come out sounding like one or not, but at least yours will be faster.

Well i would love to make it extremely fast but im trying to stay away from racing because i just hit 140,000 miles on my odometer...yet the thing still runs like a beast!

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

My mounty really does have that sound when cruising, due to the 6' longer tube on driver side. Your computer just can't reproduce it and I was kind of getting on it in the video. But, take my word, people in my town say it sounds like nothing else on the road. At 2000-2200 rpm's it sings like a fat lady. It will turn your head

edit ok 6' might be an overstatement, but the driver tube runs over to passenger side, than back across for split duals, so it is "substantially" longer

Well if it's only resonators or expansion chamber, as you said, how does the engines computer effect the way it sounds?

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

Im thinking that if i cut the resonators off of a mustang's exhaust (go to the junkyard) and had a true dual set up done on my explorer, then had the resonators welded into the system at the correct spots, it would produce the mustang sound i am looking for...am i wrong?

 

[Turdle]

I think you'll get close. The next step might be a cam swap. Explorers have a "High Torque" cam, which is kind of lumpy sounding. A stock or slightly agressive mustang profile might sound smoother. Anything more radical will lope, and get raspy sounding.
My X-.cam lopes quite a bit at 900 rpm idle with 16 inches vacuum. I have a friend with a f-cam mustang, it lopes pretty much also.

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

I think you'll get close. The next step might be a cam swap. Explorers have a "High Torque" cam, which is kind of lumpy sounding. A stock or slightly agressive mustang profile might sound smoother. Anything more radical will lope, and get raspy sounding.
My X-.cam lopes quite a bit at 900 rpm idle with 16 inches vacuum. I have a friend with a f-cam mustang, it lopes pretty much also.

Well firstly, is there any other way of getting a mustang resonator other than cutting one off of a used mustang exhaust? I couldn't buy just a resonator and have it installed could i? Secondly, which cam, specifically, do you have in mind?

 

[Turdle]

To keep it simple at first, try a 70 series flowmaster dual in- dual out and run duals. You'll end up with unequal pipe length. megaphone type tips make the tone a little louder. I feel the 50 series is louder than you are looking for.
My whole setup was 275 installed.( 50 series)
If the sound needs tuning, then add the resonator(s)
Of course, the first logical step is a set of Torquemonster headers.
The technology behind them is amazing.

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

That sounds like a plan. I think i will go with the 50 series or maybe even the 40 series because i really am looking for a kind-of-loud sound (i love yours). I have a MAC cold air intake that i just purchased being shipped to me right now, but i will start saving about 300 for the exhaust now. Im going to tell that mechanic at work about my plan for my exhaust and see what his thoughts are. I will update with any more info as i am still reasearching this.

 

[dreamr]

Of course, the first logical step is a set of Torquemonster headers.

I wish I could stuff a set of these under the Mustang hood just because they are so neat looking I know there are dozens of other options, but.......

 

[expo5.0]

there is no way that would be a remotely good idea...

 

[dreamr]

there is no way that would be a remotely good idea...

That was the idea

No realistically I already have my parts list I was just being a smart ass

 

[DixieOnMyMind59]

OK, today the mechanic at work said that the mustang's sound is achieved by the specialized bends in the exhaust system, or something like that. He did say that the resonators play a part but he told me my best bet would be to go to a local muffler shop and tell them what i want; they could most likely satisfy me. He also suggested i call Summit Racing and talk to one of their guys about what i want and they will know what i need. Any thoughts from you guys on any of this?
Thanks,
-Colton