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How to Install a Cat-Back Exhaust on Your S650 Mustang

How to Install a Cat-Back Exhaust on Your S650 Mustang

Last Updated May 7, 2024 | Nate Moonis

Cat-back exhaust systems have been an extremely popular modification on Mustangs for generations, and the S650 Mustang is no different. If you're looking to improve your 2024+ Mustang’s sound while gaining a few horsepower, a cat-back exhaust is exactly what you need.

If you don’t feel like reading, check out the video below for the full install process.

How to Install a Cat-Back Exhaust System on a 2024+ Ford Mustang

In this installation guide, we'll walk you through how to install a cat-back exhaust system in your 2024+ Ford Mustang. These aftermarket exhaust systems are great at allowing your Gen 4 Coyote engine to breathe. Plus, they're relatively cost-efficient and easy to install.

We're installing a MBRP cat-back exhaust onto our 2024 Mustang, but the process is largely the same with most aftermarket cat-back exhausts.

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Tools Needed

  • 3/8" Ratchet/Impact
  • 1/2" Ratchet/Impact
  • 11mm Socket
  • 13mm Socket
  • 15mm Socket
  • 16mm Socket

Step 1: Remove the Factory Exhaust

We no longer have the factory exhaust installed, so the process is slightly different if you still have the stock exhaust. Don’t worry though, installing an aftermarket cat-back exhaust is easy and the differences are minimal.

First, loosen the 15-millimeter bolts on the exhaust clamps. Then, move to the back of the car.

Mechanic loosening the exhaust clamp bolts with an impact wrench

Once you remove the factory shielding, you'll see two 13-millimeter bolts holding the exhaust hangers. Remove these bolts. Then, pull down on the front of the exhaust and slide it out from the hangers and pull the factory exhaust off the car.

Mechanic pointing at the exhaust hanger bolts that need to be removed

Step 2: Install the X-Pipe

Now, grab the included X-pipe in the MBRP kit and slide it into place over the stock exhaust piping.

Mechanic sliding the aftermarket x-pipe into place

Once you have the X-pipe secured, you can tighten down the clamps. Do not tighten them down all the way, but just enough to where the X-pipes won’t fall out.

Mechanic tightening the X-pipe down into place with an impact wrench

Step 3: Install the Factory Brackets and Exhaust Pipe

Before installing the next exhaust section, pull the factory mounting brackets off of the old exhaust.

Mechanic pulling off the factory exhaust mounting brackets to transfer over to the new exhaust

Now, grab your factory exhaust hangers and place them on the MBRP exhaust.

Then, take the supplied exhaust pipe and slide it over the MBRP X-pipe. Be sure to slide your exhaust clamp over the X-pipe first.

Mechanic sliding the aftermarket exhaust piping over the aftermarket x-pipe

Now, Tighten down the exhaust clamp. Leave it loose enough to adjust later.

Mechanic using an impact wrench to tighten down an exhaust clamp

Repeat this process on the other side.

Step 4: Remove the Factory Valve Actuator and Install the MBRP Muffler

Before we add the MBRP muffler, we have to remove the factory valve actuator and transfer it to the new exhaust system. Remove the three 10-millimeter nuts holding the factory valve actuator in place and set it aside.

Mechanic using an impact wrench to remove the factory valve actuator from the stock exhaust

Line up the three bolt holes on the new MBRP exhaust with the holes on the valve actuator. Then, connect the metal wire-looking material to the indents on the new exhaust.

Mechanic lining up the factory valve actuator with the corresponding holes on the aftermarket exhaust

Slide the supplied bolts up through the bottom of the valve actuator bracket holes and then tighten down the factory nuts.

Mechanic using an impact wrench to tighten down the bolts holding the valve actuator to the aftermarket exhaust

Step 5: Install the MBRP Muffler

Before sliding the muffler over the exhaust pipe, attach the MBRP muffler to the hanger.

Mechanic sliding the aftermarket muffler into the exhaust hanger

Now that your valve actuators are on, slide the exhaust clamp over the exhaust pipe and connect the MBRP muffler to the other end of the exhaust.

Mechanic sliding the aftermarket muffler over the aftermarket exhaust pipe

Then, tighten down the exhaust clamp while leaving it loose enough to adjust later.

Mechanic using an impact wrench to tighten the exhaust clamp holding the muffler in place

Repeat this process on the other side.

Step 6: Connect Wiring Harness and Install Tips

Plug your wiring harness in on either side to ensure your active valves continue to work properly.

Mechanic reconnecting the wiring harness for the active exhaust system

Then, slide the MBRP exhaust tips over the end of your exhaust pipes and adjust them how you like before tightening them into place.

Mechanic tightening the aftermarket exhaust tips into place on the new exhaust

Step 7: Final Tightening and Adjustments

After you’ve got everything installed and properly adjusted, go back and tighten everything down fully.

Congratulations, you’re all done!

Is a Cat-Back Exhaust Right For You?

Installing an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system on your 2024 Mustang is a great choice for any enthusiast looking to turn heads. Enjoy the upgraded sound and boost in horsepower you get from a cat-back exhaust the next time you take your S650 for a spin by installing this system from MBRP.

If the MBRP cat-back isn't for you, we have plenty of other 2024+ Mustang exhaust systems. Find the perfect setup for your build and give your S650 Mustang a refreshed exhaust note.


About the Author
Nate is a passionate writer and turbo four-cylinder fanatic. He uses his love for performance vehicles and automotive history to create content for experts and beginners alike.
This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about our editorial standards and guidelines.