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The Stainless Works M24HCAT is a set of long-tube headers with high-flow catalytic converters built for the 2015-2026 Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L Coyote V8. Using 1-7/8-inch 304 stainless steel primary tubes and a 3-inch collector with integrated merge spike, the M24HCAT is the most popular Stainless Works header choice for naturally aspirated street builds. The factory connect outlet bolts directly to the OEM Ford cat-back exhaust at the stock 2-1/4-inch connection point with no cutting or modification required. This is the true bolt-on long-tube header for Mustang GT owners keeping their factory cat-back while upgrading to the most significant single exhaust modification available for the Coyote platform. Handmade to order in Streetsboro, Ohio and backed by a lifetime warranty.
What's Included
- Driver-side long-tube header
- Passenger-side long-tube header
- 2 high-flow catalytic converters
- 2 lead pipes
- 4 band clamps
- 4 O2 sensor extensions
- 16-piece bolt kit
- RTV sealant
- Installation instructions (covering 2015-2017, 2018-2023, and 2024 plus model years)
Long-Tube Headers: The Most Impactful Coyote Upgrade
The factory Mustang GT uses short cast iron manifolds that choke exhaust flow and limit scavenging efficiency. Long-tube headers replace the manifolds with equal-length stainless tubes that allow exhaust pulses from each cylinder to flow freely without interference, dramatically improving cylinder scavenging at every RPM. The result is a measurable gain in horsepower and torque across a wide RPM band, and the open, aggressive exhaust note that defines a properly built Coyote.
1-7/8-Inch Primaries: The Street Build Standard
The 1-7/8-inch primary tubes on the M24HCAT are sized for peak performance on naturally aspirated and mildly modified 5.0L Coyote builds. Smaller primaries maintain higher exhaust gas velocity at low and mid RPM, which translates directly to better throttle response and stronger torque in the RPM range used most on the street. For forced induction builds targeting maximum peak flow, the 2-inch M242HCAT is the correct choice.
Fitment for 2015-2026 Ford Mustang GT
The M24HCAT fits the 2015-2026 Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0L Coyote V8 only. Not compatible with the EcoBoost 2.3L or the Shelby GT500. An ECU retune is strongly recommended after installation.
| Year | Make | Model | Trim | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2016 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2017 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2018 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2019 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2020 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2021 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2022 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2023 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2024 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2025 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| 2026 | Ford | Mustang | GT | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | M24HCAT |
| UPC | 00887753443984 |
| Header Type | Long-Tube Headers with High-Flow Catalytic Converters |
| Primary Tube Diameter | 1-7/8 in. |
| Collector Diameter | 3 in. with Integrated Merge Spike |
| Flange Thickness | 3/8 in. |
| Material | 304 Stainless Steel, CNC Mandrel-Bent, TIG Welded |
| Connection Point | Factory Connect, 2-1/4 in. outlet (fits OEM cat-back, no cutting) |
| Catalytic Converters | High-Flow, 2 included |
| O2 Sensor Extensions | 4 included |
| Installation Type | Bolt-On, No Welding or Cutting Required |
| ECU Tune Recommended | Yes, strongly recommended after installation |
| Country of Origin | Made in USA (Streetsboro, Ohio) |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Build Time | Built to order, approximately 4 weeks |
Not Street Legal in California
The M24HCAT does not carry a CARB Executive Order number and is not legal for street use in California or other CARB-adopting states. It is intended for track use or street use in non-CARB states.
Warranty and Factory Coverage
Stainless Works backs the M24HCAT with a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, an aftermarket part cannot void your factory warranty unless the dealer proves the part directly caused the specific failure claimed.
Compare: Full Stainless Works S550 and S650 Mustang GT Header Family
| Part Number | Primary Tube | Connection Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| M24HCAT | 1-7/8 in. | Factory Connect (2-1/4 in.) | Street NA builds retaining OEM cat-back |
| M24H3CAT | 1-7/8 in. | Performance Connect (3 in.) | Stainless Works cat-back pairing |
| M24H3CATLG | 1-7/8 in. | Aftermarket Connect (3 in.) | Non-SW aftermarket cat-back (MBRP, Corsa, etc.) |
| M242HCAT | 2 in. | Factory Connect (2-1/4 in.) | Forced induction or max-flow NA, OEM cat-back retained |
| M242H3CAT | 2 in. | Performance Connect (3 in.) | Forced induction with Stainless Works cat-back |
| M242H3CATLG | 2 in. | Aftermarket Connect (3 in.) | Forced induction with non-SW aftermarket cat-back |
About Stainless Works
Stainless Works has been handcrafting performance exhaust systems in Streetsboro, Ohio since 1989. Every header set is built to order from 304 stainless steel using CNC mandrel bending and full TIG welding, and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M24HCAT bolt directly onto my stock Mustang GT cat-back exhaust?
Yes. The factory connect outlet is sized at 2-1/4 inches to slip directly onto the OEM Ford cat-back at the stock connection point. No cutting, welding, or modification to the existing exhaust is required.
What is the difference between the M24HCAT and the M24H3CATLG?
Both use 1-7/8-inch primary tubes. The M24HCAT has a 2-1/4-inch factory connect outlet for use with the OEM or factory-spec cat-back. The M24H3CATLG has a 3-inch aftermarket connect outlet for use with most aftermarket cat-back brands like MBRP, Corsa, and Borla.
Does the M24HCAT fit the 2024 and newer S650 Mustang GT?
Yes. Stainless Works lists this header through 2026 and includes separate installation instructions for the updated S650 platform.
Is a tune required after installing the M24HCAT?
An ECU retune is strongly recommended. Long-tube headers significantly change exhaust dynamics and O2 sensor readings. A tune maximizes power gains and eliminates check engine lights from the repositioned catalysts.
Will installing the M24HCAT void my Ford factory warranty?
Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your factory warranty simply because you installed aftermarket headers. They must prove the part directly caused the specific failure being claimed.
Is the M24HCAT legal in California?
No. It does not hold a CARB Executive Order number and is not street legal in California or other CARB-adopting states.
What is the difference between the M24HCAT and the M242HCAT?
The M24HCAT uses 1-7/8-inch primary tubes, optimized for naturally aspirated street builds and low-to-mid RPM torque. The M242HCAT uses 2-inch primaries for maximum peak flow, preferred on forced induction builds or high-RPM naturally aspirated race builds. Both use the factory connect outlet.
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