My 2001 Mustang convertible sounds like the muffler is shot.?

Question

So I took it to Midas. The guys said he thought it sounded like the exhaust pipe needed to be replaced, for about $149. Once they looked though, he revised his estimate up to $1200 for a "cracked manifold."

I don't have the money, so he told me to drive home and keep the car parked until I could afford the repair.

So my questions are: what's a manifold? Why so expensive? Why can't I drive it? Would it be dangerous?

I guess basically I want to know if I'm being ripped off... or if I can drive it awhile (in emergencies, for instance) while I save up for the repair. Thanks!!!!!

Answer 1

The manifold, or header is the exhaust pipe that comes out the side of the engine, in your case there's one on each side, You didn't mention if you had a V6 or V8, but in any case it's still two. For that kinda money, I would just go with an aftermarket setup, new "headers" and new catback exhaust. Check online for prices, and if you have the correct tools and help from a buddy you can do the insatll yourself.

Answer 2

1200 including labor sounds a little high, but might be about right since the front subframe needs to be lowered out of the car in order to do a replacement of the exhaust manifold.

The exhaust manifold is the part of the exhaust that is attached to the engine at the cylinder head. It combines the exhaust from the three or four individual cylinders into one exhaust pipe.

You can drive it, but you run the risk (depending on the location and severity of the leak) of damaging other underhood components due to the high heat of the exhaust gases.

I wish you luck in your car woes.

Answer 3

cracked manifold on a '01 Mustang? sounds a little suspicious to me...I'd definately get a 2nd opinion, even at the Ford garage..dont tell them what Midas told you, just ask them to look at the exhaust....I have a '00 Mustang convertible that makes a little noise on the exhaust system but is OK

Answer 4

It's a real bear to replace, but $1200 is ridiculous. Putting in a new engine should only run $800 labor.