Installing Hooker Headers’ BlackHeart Cat-Back Exhaust for 1996-2004 Mustang GTs

Even though they’re getting pretty long in the tooth, 1996-2004 Mustangs are still some of the most popular cars to modify. Aftermarket firms, such as Hooker Headers, are still supporting this plentiful pony platform with new products. Updated designs, materials, and technology mean aftermarket offerings are constantly evolving.

For example, when the 4.6L 2V Mustang debuted, most performance exhaust systems were fashioned from aluminized steel, with stainless steel reserved for the most exotic of kits and well-heeled enthusiasts. But, as higher-grade materials became more widely available at lower costs, contemporary exhaust systems utilized corrosion-resistant 409 stainless or high-end 304 stainless steel more frequently.

Hooker’s latest cat-back in their BlackHeart exhaust category continues the modern trend of stainless cat-back systems featuring straight-through mufflers. It fits 1996-2004 Mustang GT’s via a unique rear hanger that accommodates both early and late models in the range. The kit’s 2.5-inch mandrel-bent tubing is offered in cost-effective 409 stainless steel or higher grade 304 stainless steel. The system’s small mufflers, 18-guage tubing, and minimal bends save weight over the stock exhaust system. Each side is finished off with a 3-inch tip and bolt-on hanger to make fine-tuning tip alignment a breeze. The polished, straight-through mufflers offer minimal restriction and an aggressive, full-throated tone.

To sample this latest offering from Hooker, the company sent us a kit for a 1997 Mustang GT project. While we used a lift for photo purposes, anyone can easily install this kit in their driveway with their car on jack stands or ramps. The result is a great kit that sounds as great as it fits.

1.Hooker’s Blackheart cat-back exhaust system for 1996-2004 Mustang GTs features 2.5-inch stainless steel tubing (choice of 409 or 304), 3-inch tips, straight-through mufflers, and adjustable tail pipe hangers.

2.The stock exhaust system on this 1997 Mustang GT didn’t give us the growl we wanted, so we looked to Hooker for a solution.

3.Our 21-year-old steed’s exhaust fasteners were so rusted they didn’t want to come apart. A little persuasion from a torch convinced the nuts to release their corrosive grip on the studs.

4.The easiest way to remove the factory exhaust is to cut the tubing right after the mufflers.

5.With the factory exhaust system removed, we compared it to the Hooker BlackHeart cat-back exhaust. It’s easy to see how the Hooker system flows more and weighs less.

6.The heavy factory mufflers (left) are a lot more restrictive than the straight-through mufflers in the Hooker system (right).

7.The Hooker BlackHeart system features 3-inch stainless steel tips that add an aggressive look to any 1996-2004 Mustang.

8.We began installing the BlackHeart cat-back system by threading each tailpipe over the axle.

9.Then, we inserted the hangers into the rubber isolators.

10.The Hooker BlackHeart cat-back exhaust system uses these bolt-on tail pipe hangers at the rear. They allow precise adjustment of the tailpipe alignment.

11.Different hangers are included to accommodate 1996-1998 cars as well as 1999-2004 Mustangs (shown).

12.Next, we connected the muffler pipes to the stock mid-pipe and inserted the muffler hangers into the isolators.

13.Before inserting the tailpipe into the mufflers, we slipped a band clamp over the joint.

14.Next, we connected the tailpipes to the mufflers.

15.We loosely installed the clamps at this time.

16.Then, we used the factory nuts to secure the muffler tubes to the factory mid-pipe.

17.While all the clamps were still lose, we fine-tuned the pipe alignment using the adjustable rear tailpipe hangers.

18.Once we were satisfied with the alignment, we tightened all the fasteners and clamps.

19.The Hooker BlackHeart cat-back system uses minimal bends to maximize flow and horsepower. Too bad the polished mufflers are hidden under the car.