Looking for some help from experience

**obrien7208** · 03-25-2014, 12:11 PM

So... I just bought a 1984 mercury capri and It needs a few things. Are the parts interchangeable between the mustangs and capris? What years? When I search parts I find a ton of parts for 86+ (mustangs) but the parts title is from 79-93? Did the mechanics stay the same while the body changed? My problem is I need an exhaust from the cat back. It's a carbureted 5.0l and since I'm putting exhaust on anyways I figured I would just change out the whole system. I need some help with that because I'm not sure what I'm looking for that fits an 84. I would also like to switch out the "bubble hatch" for a normal stang hatch but I hear you have to switch out several things if anyone can offer any insight on that as well... Thank you

**Martin0660** · 03-25-2014, 12:53 PM

The issue with 87 up exhaust is in the crossmember. To put a later exhaust, you would need to swap to the later headers (may or may not be absolutely needed but makes it 100% bolt on), "double hump" crossmember, then you will have issues where the passenger muffler lives, plus the brake line from the chassis to the rear end housing. Basically all of this needs converted to 87 up specs, then it bolts on. Key is the cross member, many other things can be worked around.

As far as the stang hatch, it will physically bolt on without issue. The 83-86 Capri bumper cover is shaped different on the corners so it wont flow as well as some like, but it will work. I had a SVO hatch on mine for a number of years, last year went back to the bubble.

**Martin0660** · 03-25-2014, 12:58 PM

You can see the SVO hatch (same as stang except spoiler) ....

Versus the bubble ...

Many obviously don't like the bubble, and I'm far from a purist, but it frankly has grown on me and I will not go back to my other hatch ...

It's all about stance (and tint) with how they look IMO ...

**yeahloh95** · 03-25-2014, 01:41 PM

and all the extra room they provide for tires and tools in the hatch area

**obrien7208** · 03-25-2014, 03:10 PM

Do you still have the svo hatch? I'm actually looking for parts so anything would help if you ever come across anything you would like to sell. I'm also looking for good parts websites as well. It needs the cat back exhaust, fan shroud, left inner tie rod, and some bulbs to pass inspection. The bubble hatch is really the only part of the body with rust so I was looking to change that out anyways. How do I know which fan shroud to use? I would like to restore this car and make it look and sound great but I'm having some troubles on where to start....

**obrien7208** · 03-25-2014, 03:13 PM

I asked the guy about the pipes to the headers he said it doesn't have headers it has exhaust manifolds... I always though the headers were off the manifolds unless I'm severely mistaken and that's also what's throwing me for a loop when choosing the exhaust system.. I also don't plan on driving it more than 5000 miles a year

**juice_man_86** · 03-25-2014, 04:34 PM

Manifolds are cast iron, where as headers are tubular steel. Headers are lighter and tend to flow a little better. Aftermarket headers are available in three basic varieties: shorties, mid length, and full length. The factory style are small tube shorty headers. Tube size should be chosen based on horsepower goals. I prefer full length, bur they are harder to install and more difficult to work around, such as when you have to change transmission and clutches. But the full length tend to make more power.

Sent from my Moto G