97 Escort acceleration

I just had total exhaust system and muffler replaced. I am noticing its hard to accelerate on hiway and maintain speed. Could this be a problem with the size of pipe or muffler? Seems like there is an obstruction in the exhaust and motor seems to be overworking. Any help appreciated.

Babs

Check this out. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATION OF MY ESCORT WAGON. AFTER MUCH GRIEF I FOUND OUT THE VIBRATION DAMPER PULLEY HAS A RUBBER INSERT THAT, WHEN WORN, ALLOWS THE DAMPER PULLEYS TO ROTATE SLIGHTLY.
THIS CHANGES THE TIMING POINT ON THE PULLEY AND THAT TELLS THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR THAT THE ENGINE IS ADVANCED SO THE COMPUTER RESPONSES BY RETARDING THE IGNITION TIMING RESULTING IN NO OR LONG DRAWN OUT ACCELERATION.
Check out the damper before you start shot gunning parts into the engine.

Yeah, I had the same bs happen to me. Then I found out if you remove the pulley intirely and buy a smaller belt to fit it with one less pulley,and reset the ecu you will get 7-13 extra hp at the wheels depending on mods already done.

is back pressure a big thing with the escort?? if it is you might not have enought back pressure for the motor. (happend to my friend with his explorer)