# 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 - Noise when above 2.8k RPM's **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** mustang, ford\ **Created:** [March 5, 2013, 12:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788 "2013-03-05T00:03:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MikeD26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3ab097/32.png) [@MikeD26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeD26)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 12:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/1 "2013-03-05T00:03:42Z")
Hello, I have a 2003 Mach 1 Mustang, ( 4.6 DOHC 32 Valve) When i start my car in the morning. Idling the car sounds normal and perfect with my SLP exhaust =) . But when I start to go on my merry way, when I’m in 1st and 2gear and I accelerate past about 2.8K rpm’s. I hear a really quite noticeable pingy/tingy sounds from my engine (Yes sounding like that annoying AMMCO commercial with people making noises). This will continue for a little while when i get into my normal running temperature, the sound isn’t as “Loud” so to say but still present. I can comfortably say that there is nothing loose within the engine compartment. My spark plugs are tightened to the proper amount. I experience no performance lost as well. This has just been a nuisance since I have purchased the car, it currently has almost 60k mileage and has followed the proper maintenance. Anyone have any past experiences or recommendations? Thank you, -Mike D ---
**Author:** ![ledhed75](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f6c823/32.png) [@ledhed75](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ledhed75)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 12:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/2 "2013-03-05T00:42:58Z")
You know, I used to have a 1997 GMC pickup with a similar problem. At highway speeds (and therefore consistent RPMs), there was a terrible metallic rattling noise from underneth the truck. Finally I figured out it was something loose in the muffler. I got a new muffler, and the problem was solved. I wonder if there might be something similar going on here with some component of your exhaust system. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![alust2013](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@alust2013](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alust2013)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/3 "2013-03-05T00:52:10Z")
It’s likely a piece in the exhaust system, probably a heat shield rattling. Have someone put it on a lift and tack anything that’s loose in place ---
**Author:** ![MikeD26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3ab097/32.png) [@MikeD26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeD26)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 1:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/4 "2013-03-05T01:20:05Z")
Last i knew my exhaust is secured very well, im pretty confident it is comming from engine. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 4:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/5 "2013-03-05T04:42:32Z")
These SLP “Loudmouth” (the manufacturer’s term, not mine) exhaust systems have a valve that opens to allow freer flow of exhaust gasses. Open pipes don’t sound smooth, much to the dismay of some who try them, and your exhaust system is opening up more than the engine was designed for. Lower backpressure significantly and you’ll get that “racy” sound. Apparently it isn’t to your liking. Even a small change, such as a ram air system, will alter the sound of your engine. That’s the price you pay. ---
**Author:** ![Stoveguyy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Stoveguyy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Stoveguyy)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 6:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/6 "2013-03-05T06:37:38Z")
Did u buy this car new? ---
**Author:** ![MikeD26](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3ab097/32.png) [@MikeD26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeD26)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 6:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/7 "2013-03-05T18:59:28Z")
No, i bought it used with 14k Miles ---
**Author:** ![Stoveguyy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Stoveguyy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Stoveguyy)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 8:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/8 "2013-03-05T20:08:16Z")
Wife’s friend has bullitt mustang. Think it’s same vintage. Do not know if it has stock exhaust or aftermarket. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2013, 10:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/9 "2013-03-05T22:00:41Z")
An SLP exhaust is an aftermarket product. ---
**Author:** ![TXSLEDS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d2c977/32.png) [@TXSLEDS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TXSLEDS)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2013, 11:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-ford-mustang-mach-1-noise-when-above-2-8k-rpms/77788/10 "2013-05-12T23:41:05Z")
The pinging from your engine is called piston slap, caused by you using the wrong grade of fuel. Wait until your fuel tank is near empty, then fill it with premium fuel that does not contain ethanol. Your engine requires 92 Octane or higher rated fuel.