Most factory exhaust systems are designed around three key factors: 1) Cost, 2) Emission Control, and 3) Noise Level.  Since this is the case, most cars' stock exhaust systems are either too restrictive, built with cheap materials, or even worse...BOTH.  

The exhaust system is a major factor in the performance level of any car and as such, the obvious problem is that an inadequate exhaust cuts the engine's performance short. Even autos that are considered "Sports Cars" are usually equipped with systems that are insufficient and therefore leave much to be desired in the way of performance.

Unfortunately, the Ford Probes are no exception to this rule.  As a matter of fact, it has been stated by many Probe GT owners, that the exhaust system is one of the largest bottlenecks on the car. Because of this, my recommendation is that the exhaust be one of the first upgrades that you do on your Probe.

Before we get to the different types of exhaust mods available for the Probes, a brief explanation of HOW the exhaust system effects the performance of the car is in order. The "high-flow", or low back-pressure system, will help to decrease the forces working against exhaust expulsion.  In effect, more exhaust is able to be removed faster, and subsequently, MORE air will be able to be ingested and at a slightly FASTER rate than with the factory setup!  In the most basic terms MORE AIR=MORE HP by reason of greater combustion.

As you can clearly see in the above paragraph, the intake will become the next bottleneck once the exhaust is freed up. The amount of the intake charge will be the limiting factor.  But that's another chapter.....

So is larger diameter piping always better?  Only on forced induction engines. Normally aspirated engines require a certain amount of back-pressure in order to run at full potential.  Should you install an exhaust that is too large, the rate at which the exhaust is expelled will actually slow down.  This will cause a DECREASE in performance.  Since no one wants that, I would just suggest not to use piping that is over 2-1/2" in diameter (OD) on the Probe GTs.

Finally getting to it...

So what are the choices of exhaust upgrades for the Probe?  Well, that actually depends on several factors; how much you want to spend, performance goals, noise considerations, looks, etc.  This page will hopefully give you enough information so that you may make an educated decision as to what you want when it becomes time to buy.

Below is a brief run down of exhaust mods and their various pro's and con's.  Just click on the corresponding button for more information on each one.

Type	Gains	Cost	Pro's	Con's
	8-10 HP	$110-$180	-Cost	-Cheaper materials -Effects high-rpm power only -Droning inside cabin -Tip at extra cost
	9-11 HP	$200-$400	-Quality Materials -Intergrated Tip(s)	-Effects high-rpm power only -Some droning inside cabin
	10-15 HP	$300-$650	-Quality Materials -Effects a wider powerband -Least amount of droning	-Cost

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