I just bought a 96 cobra... It has an O/R exhaust.. I get a pretty strong exhaust smell in the car while driving.. A mechanic told me that this was normal(not having cats) What do you guys think? I have no prior experience with O/R pipes. should I get some cats put on, or pray I don't pass out at the wheel?
thanks

 

Sounds like an exhaust leak to me, you should never smell fuel or exhaust in the cabin.

 

how can I have it tested for a leak? any sure way to tell
thanks

 

I would first start by looking at the exhaust system you might see a black area in your exhaust which is prob. where your leak is. You can also feel the exhaust leaking out where ever it is just don't get burned

 

when do yousmell it while driving or sitting at a light? My exhaust smells pretty strong without the cats but I only smell it when I stop.

 

I live in the city, so I smell it almost all the time (stop and go traffic).. If i'm in the car for more than 40min I have a headache. looked into cats last night. any thoughts on a brand.

 

+1 on the exhaust leak

give all your header bolts a turn, i bet some are loose.
used to get super strong exhaust smell also, tracked it down
it slightly loose back header bolts

 

unless you exhaust is dumped there is no reason for you to smell it inside the cabin.....you prob have a huge leak in ur exhaust

 

Thats bad man... get it fixed ASAP.

 

+1 on Texas...it's not a good thing if you get headaches from it. since it does have O/R exhaust, it's normal to smell it a little bit, but not enough to give you a headache.