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Topic: Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84? (Read 1442 times) previous topic - next topic

Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84?

Hey guys,
I've got my "new" '83 LS Cougar that is getting a makeover at the expense of my "old" '84 LS Cougar.  The only rusty part of the '83 is its exhaust.  Well, since the '84 with its rust problems just happens to have a like-new exhaust system under (still has shipping tags attached), I thought, problem solved, the '84 will donate its system to the '83.  However, the 2 systems don't look anything alike.  Both cars are 3.8's with single exhaust.  That's where the similarity ends.  The 2 "cat" setups (pardon the pun) are totally different.  I really can't describe either of them in words.  But I've got to think that at some point upstream they have to be common enough that I can pillage the '84's equipment and replace the '83's.  Neither of the systems are any kind of performance-style, just plain old factory setups.  Does anybody have any experience with this situation?  If so, please advise.  Thanks.

Fordman3

Re: Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84?

Reply #1 –
They should be the same unless one was modified or had a different engine in it previously, where the existing exhaust was able to be retained with only minor tweaks.




Let your eyes and your creativity work for this one.    Like Eric says on Cool Cats, "If your upwards of 70% sure, you can probably get it done."
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

]Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84?

Reply #2 –
Zane,
Thanks for the diagram.  As I recall from memory, the '84's system looks like the diagram.  It's the '83 that is breaking the rules.  In the diagram, the parts shown on the left (15754) are labeled "84 to 86" and there's no reference to '83; that is where my '83 looks different.  Maybe there's a reason that the diagram says "84 to 86" in that area.  Hmmm?  Regardless, I still think that I can make the '84 system work on the '83.  For that matter, I would rather be rid of the "cats" anyway.  Again, thanks for the info.  If anybody else has seen this situation, please jump in.

Fordman3

Re: Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84?

Reply #3 –
I didn't even catch that the first time.    :rolleyes:

Possibly it could be an early 83 model that retained some transitional parts...

From an 82 V6:




Or

The 83' 5.0 exhaust:

(And I wouldn't post it if I hadn't actually seen this exhuast type on more than one 83 Cougar/T-Bird with a 3.8)  Odd. 






My own 83 had the OEM 5.0 before I swapped engines, and as I recall, the OEM 5.0 Exhaust was not completely accurate to the diagram either.

Possibly a difference in the Normal and California Cars?
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

]Ralph Waldo Emerson

Re: Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84?

Reply #4 –
it's an exaust, when in doubt, hacksaw and flexpipe !!!

Re: Differences in exhaust from '83 to '84?

Reply #5 –
On my '83 T-Bird, with a 3.8L V6, the right headpipe had a light-off cat convertor, the left had none.  They both wy'ed together and went into a large transverse convertor, which exited on the drivers side into a pipe, then into a ler and into the tailpipe.  This was all factory installed, and when removed it weighted 80#.  I now have '94 Mustang headers, into a "off-road" H-pipe and Flowmasters.  Much better!!  Note that convertor ran across the car just behind the crossmember, big sucker!  Mine didn't look anything like those diagrams! Hope this helps.  Fred