'83 Mustang Exhaust Upgrade

Hello All,

I'd like to upgrade the exhaust on my '83 GT, but would like to
do so as inexpensively as possible. I'd like to convert my single
pipe exhaust to dual exhaust. My Questions are:

1.) Could I take the exhaust from say a '87 - '93 LX and "bolt it
on" my car? What modifications are necessary (if any). I'd like to
get the Stainless Steal Tips that the LX has.

2.) I'd also like the car to have catalytic converters (I want to be
kind to the environment and living in California I want to be
legal). Will the smog pump I current have in the car be sufficient
for the dual cats? Any other modifications/changes here or thing to
keep in mind?

3.) Pros and Cons concerning Shorty headers vs. Long tube headers.

Thanks in advance for any help,

--David

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>1.) Could I take the exhaust from say a '87 - '93 LX and "bolt it on" my car? What modifications are necessary (if any). </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
Also get the transmission cross member from the later Mustang, as it will have two "humps" to accommodate dual exhaust.

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>2.) I'd also like the car to have catalytic converters (I want to be kind to the environment and living in California I want to be legal)...Any other modifications/changes here or thing to
keep in mind? </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
The junkyard won't sell an H-pipe with the converters (they can't legally sale used cats), but you could check the classifieds or www.recycler.com from someone who is parting out a wrecked car.
Better yet, get a new H-pipe with all four cats brand new from Ford for cheap. A while back, Ford recalled a number of Mustang's for their H-pipes. If you buy an H-pipe through the local dealership using the recall part #, you can get it real cheap. I will dig through my receipts later tonight and get the part # for you.

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>3.) Pros and Cons concerning Shorty headers vs. Long tube headers. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE> Short tube headers are smog legal in California. I don't believe long tubes will pass the visual inspection. I think 1 5/8" equal length short tube headers are the best way to go in terms of legality and performance.

I have MAC equal length shorty headers
on my 83 GT, a Metal Tech H pipe and
a MAC cat back system. These parts are
listed for an 86 GT. I run no cats at
the moment. The only mods you will have to make is to add the right side muffler and
tail pipe hanger. I used the 86 muffler hanger and welded on a home made tail pipe
hanger. Oh, and as mentioned above, you
will need a double hump cross member.
The power increase is very significant over the stock single exhaust system. My system
has an objectionable resonance at 2000
rpm. Were talking seriously loud interior
noise right at interstate cruise rpm with
a 2.73 rear end. I am swapping in a 3.47
Tbird rear end this week and hopping for a
little relief fron the 70 mph resonance.
If I had it to do over again I would go with
a Flowmaster cat back system. I've heard
the resonance problem isn't so severe with
the Flowmasters