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How Can I Tell If Mustang Has Active Exhaust?

Created by Jay Walling / 4 min read
Date Created: 1/18/2022
Last Updated: 2/14/2023

At the flip of a switch, you can instantly change the exhaust sound, thanks to the built-in active exhaust straight from the factory.

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Beginning with the Shelby GT350 in 2015, Ford introduced a new exhaust technology that allowed Mustang owners to adjust the sound of their exhaust system. Jump to the 2018 model year, and now this highly sought-after option was available to the masses on the Mustang GT and then 2019 for the Mustang Ecoboost models.

The Active Exhaust found in the S550 is a simple yet effective design. A mechanical butterfly exhaust valve is incorporated within one of the muffler exhaust tips. The driver can open or close this valve through the steering wheel controls to allow a substantial audible difference in the exhaust note. All of this is done without sacrificing horsepower or voiding the factory warranty.

This active exhaust system was not a standard option and would add $895.00 for this upgrade. But in the long run, this is money well spent vs buying a major brand of aftermarket axle-back exhaust.

For many Ford Mustang owners, upgraded aftermarket exhaust kits or cat-back exhaust kits are usually one of the first modifications we choose to do on our rides. Ford changed the game by allowing consumers to click an option box for their build.

How To Tell If Your Mustang Has Active Exhaust

If you are not sure if your S550 came equipped with this exhaust, there are a few ways to tell whether you have it or not. The first is looking into the tip of your mufflers to check for the butterfly valve. Another will be the actuator motor on top of the exhaust tip and the electrical wiring associated with it. Next will be the options menu on your display screen for the “Exhaust Mode” setting. The last spot to check will be the window sticker if you still have this.

With noise ordinance laws heightening around the nation, this factory option was welcomed by aftermarket enthusiasts. When the butterfly valve is commanded, there are four different settings available. The photos below will illustrate the amount the valve will open under each setting.

QUIET MODE

S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work? - S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work?

NORMAL MODE

S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work? - S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work?

SPORT MODE

S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work? - S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work?

TRACK MODE

S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work? - S550 Active Exhaust- What is it, and How does it Work?

Switching through each of these settings will allow you to go from mild to wild on the sound your Mustang makes. When the valves open from the closed-off position, this allows a more free-flowing path for this to exit. The valves will also change between driving settings. For example, if you flip through the drive modes on your Mustang, the active exhaust will change to different settings between each mode.

One of the coolest features of owning a new Mustang that has Active Exhaust is the quiet start mode. This mode will allow you to set a timer to keep sound levels at bay. I know that many of you have had a neighbor or family member complain about your loud exhaust when you do a cold start-up at 5 am, me included. This timer will allow you to default the Active Exhaust to the quiet setting for whatever time you designate it at.



This Performance exhaust can always still be improved upon. The S550 platform is equipped with a factory resonator that helps tone down the OEM application. LMR has a full line of stainless steel resonator deletes in h-pipe or x-pipe configurations and other exhaust components like headers to make your Mustang sound even better!



About the Video

2018-2023 Mustang GT Factory Active Exhaust Modes - Sound Clips & Comparisons

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Published on 2019-03-08
Check out the various exhaust modes on the 2018-2023 Mustang GT's active exhaust and see just how loud each mode is. At the flip of a switch, you can instantly change the sound of your exhaust, thanks to the built-in active exhaust. Choose from Normal, Sport +, & Track exhaust modes to get the perfect tone for your taste.
Thumbnail image of the author of this article, Jay Walling.

About the Author

Jay has written content for Late Model Restoration for over 10 years, producing over 120 articles. Jay has an extensive 25-plus-year background in automotive and is a certified Ford Technician. Read more...