88 Mustang (manual) reving upon start-up then stalling

Any check engine light? Take it to a local autoparts store where they will read the computer for you, make sure you get any codes and write them down. Or buy yourself a reader for about 30 bucks, tell the parts guy what year and make you have, easy to learn. Problem with the older obdI system is it won't necessarily set the check engine light until complete failure or certain parameters aren't being met. That's why getting the computer scanned when the car is running, called keor, key on engine running, is a good idea. As an example, most transmission codes(automatic) will not set the light to come on, however they will be stored in the hard memory from which they can be retreived with a reader. Something with the operation of the engine may show up also in the hard memory that wouldn't set the light. Newer cars, some 95's, all 96 and above, have the newer obdII system which is much more comprehensive.

Are you keeping this car for any length of time? Like I said above, spend the 30 bucks, get the reader, read the book, learn how to use it, simple. Any repair shop would probably charge a minimum of 75 bucks to hook it up. If you take it to a local autoparts store, most now will scan it for you and tell you the code or codes, no warmup needed with thjese cars, other then maybe a minute or so just to get everything circulating. I do mine about a minute or so, depending on weather conditions, if real cold, I'll let it go for minute and a half or so, then take it easy for a few minutes, that way it all warms up evenly. Let your car sit for 10 mins, trans still isn't up to temp.