My Ford Racing FR500 sysytem was only a little bit, more like teeny bit louder than stock, until 2800 and up but it did drown also, like at 64MPH in 6th so I had to use 5th around local hyw. I never did even short much less long trips. right between 1700-2100 is where it was agrivating. Ford doesn't even make them any more I hear.
I like my Flowmasters with the stock midpipe. No drown and all the REAL sound is out back. I prefer my JBA shorty headers with the Mac Off Rosad H pipe and the Flowmaster American Thunder 40 series cat back though, and I like that sound the best which IS loud, NOT Bassani's "Dual Fart Can", or "SLP's Camaro Cackle", or Magnaflows "Big Boat Motor"......Just a few yuks about different systems for ya.