A few questions about my particular car

[chrismorris730]

Not sure if I posted about these before, I figure it'd be better just to create a new thread than resurrect the old one.

I have a 1993 Probe GT that I would like to do a few things to over the course of some time.

Right now the most pressing issue is the fact that I seem to have burned out a part of my exhaust system (not sure which part). It didn't do it before I owned the car, and for the first few months of ownership I used E10 gas (which I come to find out burns hotter and is bad for old engines) and I think that may have done it, so I have to replace that.

Equally as important is my brakes. They are almost alarmingly spongy. They are fine for normal driving as I am used to them and usually have enough time to bring my car to a stop before hitting something. However a few times I've just about peed myself because these brakes are worrisome. I want to know what the experts here thought could be the problem and if I could fix it myself. My dad thinks there could be air in the lines OR the cylinder needs to be replaced.

Another sorta unrelated topic is how hard/expensive/worth it would it be to convert my Probe from automatic to a manual transmission. I learned how to drive a stick and now I hate driving my automatic. I also don't wanna have to go find another Probe that's a manual, especially since I have low miles (relatively) and the car is in good mechanical condition.

Sorry for the EXTREMELY long post :/

Thanks in advance!

[Torch]

The brake issue sounds like air in the system, your dad is correct.
Brake Bleeding -Purging air and moisture from your brakes
There is a "generic" procedure for bleading brakes.. You may have to go to page three or four in the link to find the actual procedure. It also gives you a TON of information on bleeding brakes..


and for the transmission, here is an Ebay listing. It's a start.
eBay Motors: 1995 Ford Probe GT/MX-6 LS 2.5 V6 manual transmission (item 120298208371 end time Sep-23-08 20:26:48 PDT)

It may also help to know that the transmissions on the Ford Probe are the same transmissions found on the Mazda 626 and MX-6.
Be careful when buying one online thought... Make sure it is EXACTLY what your looking for.

[mark v]

That Gas you been using can also blow your engine, stick with what it was designed to run on.

Good luck with your repairs.

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by chrismorris730

Right now the most pressing issue is the fact that I seem to have burned out a part of my exhaust system (not sure which part). It didn't do it before I owned the car, and for the first few months of ownership I used E10 gas (which I come to find out burns hotter and is bad for old engines) and I think that may have done it, so I have to replace that.

E10 is now the standard fuel is almost all state (don't confuse it with E85). In most (all?) states gas station do not have to advertise the specific amount of ethanol in the fuel as long as it is no greater than 10%.

All of the auto companies have said that E10 (or less) has no effect on cars built in the passed 25 years or so. (Very old cars used genuine rubber in some parts of the fuel system that don't do well with any amount of ethanol.) "Burn hotter" and/or cause problems with your exhaust are just not true.

Equally as important is my brakes. They are almost alarmingly spongy.

Brakes should be left to professionals unless you are experinced yourself.

Another sorta unrelated topic is how hard/expensive/worth it would it be to convert my Probe from automatic to a manual transmission.

IMHO, it is not worth the cost.

[mark v]

I didnt know E10 is what we are all using. Then that fuel will not damage your exhaust. Your exhaust rotted out due to rust.

[chrismorris730]

My brother (who also owned the car before me) is a mechanic so I'll have him help me with the brakes. That's unfortunate that my exhaust rusted out. My dad thinks it's up by the manifold and thinks it'll cost quite a bit to replace. :/

I may also have my brother help me with the transmission. What all does converting the car from auto to manual entail? (Besides installing the clutch and replacing the transmission itself)

EDIT: Are there any other transmissions out there? Jeez it appears there's only one on eBay, and you have to look really hard through google searches to find one. How much better would it be to just look through local junkyards?

[Flyingjackal456]

I would say, you will need to cut a hole in the floor (perforations are probably already there). You probably would want to get the console from a manual probe. Gotta install clutch pedal, may need a new PCM if the parts are different (probably at least have a different programming). Swap the tranny computer (if that model has it). It's a big job, might as well get another car that already has it done.

Older cars which are less sophisticated are a lot easier to do stuff like that. When I get around to my 1981 Z28, I'll be pulling the 4 speed auto, and replacing with a 5 speed manual. Maybe do gaskets if needed (probably not). Ported Intake manifold, performance cams, ignition, racing headers (maybe), and performance 4-barrel carb.

And I'm sorry all you ford fans, but don't look at just me (Mark V has a Corvette, Delorean, and a Honda... only 2 of 5 cars are Ford!!!) hahaha

[mark v]

You will have to change the cars computer and harness too and add a pedal box for the swap. This is a very expensive modification to do. By the time you are finished you could of bought a manual car.