Warmonger, I had this problem since brand new - no mods whatsoever. I mean, 32 miles on the odometer at the dealer and me not touching a thing. All these mods were done after the fact. Hell I didnt even throw a K&N drop in untill almost a year later - first mod. I dont think its the exhaust. There is enough exhaust restriction to allow the egr DPFE sensor to work and the less exhaust restriction only serves to allow the gases to escape sooner and to prevent cylinder intake charge dilution. The Maf compensates for the extra flow ability in anycase, at least that which might be provided by the less restricted exhaust.
BlackPantherSVT 2000 Contour SVT Black with Midnight leather #2075 of 2150 Mods: K&N drop-N Champion double-platinum plugz "Mystery Mod" Resonator replaced: Glasspack
