Hello. This is my first post and I am new to this Mustang Forum. Quickly let me introduce myslef. My name is Don from Pittsburgh. I just purchased a 1993 LX 5.0 Convertible with 125000 miles. There are some things that need fixed on it, mainly the exhaust system. So this is where 'YOU' come in with your knowledge. I took it to a Ford Dealer for a 'general' overview. They said from the Cat Converters back (the back of the car) is in good shape. The Cat Converters to the front of the car appear to be original equipment. They stated that both manifolds, the H-pipe, and both Cats need replaced, as they are rusted out. They also stated that Ford has discontinued making parts for this year/make. So what are my options???? I was looking into Flowmaster 40 series, but what about the manifolds? Do you suggest headers? If so what kind?? Basically, when in 2nd or 3rd gear if I 'stomp on it' it just falls flat on its face and backfires. Ford said it is either the CATS are clogged or the O2 sensors in the mufflers are bad. Either way, replacing the entire sytems should fix the problem. The check engine light comes on as well, but no codes came up.

I am not very savvy or technical with cars, so if my ignorance shows then I apologize. Also, since parts will be hard to come by, if anyone has a website to orders things, please let me know. Thanks for any comments or suggestions you post. Feel free to email me. Here is a picture of my car.

[IMG]local://upfiles/9595/18088316F87340FE9C81C756171F1D4C.jpg[/IMG]

 

dont go with a new manifold, get headers. mac, bbk, etc. any of the big names are good. the o2's are around 50-75 each, you will need 2. thats an easy fix. as far as cats go, get some high flows. if you dont have to pass smog where you live, get a catless h-pipe. much, much cheaper and will add more horesepower. www.summitracing.com or www.jegs.com will have just about everything you will need. there are many other performance parts stores so just shop around the net

 

he pretty much covered it all. youll be lookin at about $700, unless you get an off-road h or x pipe, then, itll be less. good luck.

 

Thanks for the advice. But wont replacing the entire systems take care of the O2 sensors?
Basically, the Ford dealership didnt want to attempt to check the O2 sensors cause it was so rusty for fear of everything breaking apart.
So you can you breakdown what you said into layman terms. I need how many headers? What kind of flows? H-Pipe?
Remember I am 'car challenged'

Basically I don't want to race this car, but I want it to 'growl' like a raped bear

 

this is how it works,

get shorty EQUAL LENGTH headers
matching H-pipe with no cats (if you dont need emissions
Flowmaster cat back 40 series


if you have the time to install long tube headers instead of shorty, get long tubes. and of course an H-pipe for shorty headers will not fit long tubes so get the proper H-pipe when ordering the headers.

 

THanks for the response. Unfortunately, PA requires inspections and emissions, so CATS are required, unless there is an alternative. You hit it right on. I have done some research and I was going to go with 40 flows.
Also, whats the difference in short versus long headers?

 

long tubes are obviously longer. hp wise its not a whole lot unless you have a boost or have a ton of mods

 

well I would just go with a good set of used equal length headers ..about 85-100 shipped...a 2.5 inch catted h-pipe and some flowmaster a guy on e-bay has them for like 40 a piece and some 2.5 tail pipes and 2 new boush o2 sensors