bond007

So I recently got an '03 v6 convertible, 100K, I bought it knowing the noise due to the outstanding condition of engine, transmission and body in general. Looks to me like a manifold leak. No CELs in dash, just the noise. Is this common for these engines? Any idea what the local Ford dealer will quote? The interesting thing is that I only hear the exhaust leak when the car is started-up from being cold at mornings, then it quiets down as it warms up. Opinions, ideas appreciated...

Thanks

jwog666

the manifolds rust out, the egr tube rusts out, and the manifold studs/bolts break off due to corrosion. inspect and u will find one of the 3 or multiple are causing your leaks. good luck

bond007

Ok, will check this afternoon.

Thanks!

bond007

Looking to get a set of headers instead of factory manifolds for the car. My question is, will the headers, (looking to get BBKs), be too much airflow through the stock cats. than can trigger a CEL? Right now I have no check light, just the manifolds leaking on both sides. I was looking to get these, then eventually getting a catted mid-pipe and the catback exhaust after I do a bit more budget for it.

jwog666

there is no such thing as too much air flow through exhaust, the only thing that will trigger a cel is cat removal and o2 sensor placement

bond007

Ok got it, now another thing. These headers have provision for screwing the EGR tube on the passenger side, but how about for the two little vacuum ports that are on that side? Or would those plug-in to the actual EGR tube?

Thanks

petrock

The two vacuum hoses that come out of the EGR tube go to the DPFE sensor. Good luck...

mustangman02232

If you are going headers I would recommend doing long tubes with you choice of a mid pipe, if you just want to fix the leak then 94-98 manifolds are basically short tube headers

It seems all fords have issues with manifolds leaking, my old v6 did, which I personally put on long tubes, new gaskets/studs, new O2 sensors, a high flow catted H and a 2.5" fatback with flowmaster style chambered mufflers, I was very happy with that set up