Late model performance vehicles come from the factory with bad-to-the-bone engines and worked suspensions, but the OE-installed exhaust leaves a bit to be desired.

In some cases, it leaves a lot to be desired, as the OE manufacturers need to limit sound output in the name of controlling NVH – and keeping the buyers happy that aren’t looking for the nasty sounds of their new engine to be unleashed. Of course, if you’re reading this, you’re not in that minority – and Hooker Headers is counting on you to check out their new lineup of Blackheart exhaust products.

The Blackheart lineup has been built to provide a sweet sound for those late-model vehicles. “The product line is built from stainless steel. We’ve got long-tube headers, shorty headers, cat-back systems, axle-back systems, and these are very high quality, well-constructed parts that make good horsepower and torque on these late-model high-output vehicles,” says Hooker’s Shane Weckerly.

“It’s classic Hooker on steroids. We cover the late-model Camaro, the late-model Challenger, late-model Mustang including the new 2015, and have more products coming in the near future.”

Working with SEMA’s Technology Transfer program, Hooker was able to develop the new products for the 2015 Mustang upon its debut, which simplifies the process of building new products as engineering drawings are made available to the company prior to the vehicle’s release.

For the 2011-14 Mustang, the Blackheart system includes available long-tube headers and two different axle-back exhaust systems – one with and one without mufflers.

The headers are built from 18-gauge 304 stainless steel, offer 3/8-inch-thick laser-cut flanges, and are available in various primary tube sizes depending upon the power a customer is looking to make with the product.

For example, the 2010-15 Camaro headers are available in 1 3/4-inch and 1 7/8-inch primary tube sizes. Each header design has been developed to provide maximum ground clearance – and to be easy to install. Who wants to deal with busted knuckles?