When we first encountered the new Ford Mustang Boss 302, we called it “the best Mustang ever.” We also mentioned its unusual exhaust setup. It has a regular dual-exhaust system, including a set of catalytic converters immediately aft of the engine, another set toward the back, a pair of mufflers, and two tailpipes poking through the rear valance.
However, a second set of pipes branches off upstream of the second set of cats—also bypassing the mufflers—and exits below the sides of the car in front of the rear wheels. In normal operation, exhaust gases flow through both sets of pipes, although restrictor plates in the side-exhaust system mean most of the hot air flows through the second set of cats and the mufflers before being expelled at the back of the car. “Restrictor” is an apt description: these blocking plates sit in a pipe that is 2-3/16 inches in diameter, but the hole punched in them measures just 5/16 inch across.
Recently, with the Boss in our office for a couple of weeks, we had a chance to uncork this gnarly Mustang. Doing so involves removing and reinstalling six 15-mm bolts and takes all of five minutes. We put the car on a lift so we could take pictures of the process, but that isn’t necessary. It’s a very simple procedure. Step-by-step instructions below.
Disclaimer: Doing this may void your Boss Mustang’s warranty. It also may be in violation of local, state, and federal laws, as well as international fishing treaties. But it most definitely is awesome.
Step one: Remove two bolts at junction coupling.
Step two: Remove bolt at side-exhaust hanger.
Step three: Remove side-exhaust pipe.
Step four: Laugh at pinhole in restrictor.
Step five: Remove restrictor.
Step six: Reverse steps 3 through 1.
Step seven: Repeat steps 1 through six on other side of car.
Step eight: Live happily (and noisily) ever after.
In case you didn’t hear our recording of the Boss’s unplugged exhaust note, removing these restrictor plates is unquestionably worth it. Hear the result below. Best of all, despite the giggle-inducing sound, it doesn’t make the car so loud that your wife or girlfriend will be embarrassed to ride with you. Well, until you start driving around town at 4500 rpm in second gear. That’s as good a test of female compatibility as we know.
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