3.73 or Exhaust?

[T_Factor]

When the engine seized in my wife's 2000 Mustang GT 5M I decided to just replace the engine. So, I bought a new 2002 Ford crate engine 4.6 2v and put it in there figuring the car is paid for etc. etc. etc. For sh_ts and giggles I had them install FRPP ceramic coated shorty headers since the engine was out. Wife was happy with her car and I didn't have a monthly car nut - I was done.

Well, not to long ago I took a ride in my friends 03' SVT he got from GA off of ebay. To make a long story short this thing is nothing short of awesome. It puts down 552 @ the wheels (no spray) and handles like a world class sports car. Now the "go faster" bug has hit.

My immediate thought was to pick up a used Mach 1 or SVT and work it from there. However, due to the $ I am putting down for a new place I am having built I can't justify it right now. So, over the weekend I thought about just holding off till next year and address my need to go faster at a later date. One problem, my compulsiveness won't allow me to hold off and I still can't buy a Mach 1 or SVT. What a terrible feeling...

So what to do... The other day I am sitting in my office having a conversation with my wife and she says, gotta love this, why don't you just work with what we have and build a sleeper GT. She proceeded to email me a couple links to Kenne Bell, Induction Concepts (awesome twin-turbo setup) etc. She (my wife) just confirmed why I love this woman so much - she understands me!!!

Well, here I am with 2000 GT 5M w/ shorty headers and thinking where do I want to be a year from now. The answer is fast, but, I don't have to make any drastic decisions yet. However, since I have a couple extra bucks this month, I want to get a fix, uhh, modification. If I can't swing both which one would you suggest doing first.

1) 3.73 Gears

-or-

2) Finish the exhaust up. If so, which set up would best complement FRPP shorty headers?


Thanks in advance.


-Tom

 

[2002BLGT]

410s if staying all motor


373s if you are supercharging or spraying later ....


373s and a bottle will get you up in speed quick and cheap ....

 

[COramprat]

I would take gears over exhaust 100 times over. I put 4.10's in my car and it is a blast. The general consenses is 3.73's in a supercharged car and 4.10's in a normally aspirated but there are those who have 4.10's in a S/C car. Is the car a 5 speed or auto?

 

[T_Factor]

I would take gears over exhaust 100 times over. I put 4.10's in my car and it is a blast. The general consenses is 3.73's in a supercharged car and 4.10's in a normally aspirated but there are those who have 4.10's in a S/C car. Is the car a 5 speed or auto?

- 5 Speed

- My future does not include spray

 

[CManT1914]

Gears, they'll give you better "power" than exhaust, so if you're not as worried about making the car sound wicked as you are about making it go fast, get the gears. Did anyone understand that? Anyway, roll with some 4.10s on that 2v.

 

[tjm73]

gears. more bang for the buck. will feel like a whole new car.

 

[T_Factor]

All right so they place that did the engine install wants to charge me $1,000 for the 3.73 gears/installation. I feel a little violated after hearing that number. What should I expect to pay for something like that gears/installation? Any ranges would be appreciated. Also, anyone know of a NW Chicago burb shop that specializes in Mustangs?

 

[spikeGT_99]

$1000!!! man someone is tryin to stick it in and break it off, ive been quoted everywhere from $100-$300 1k is outrageous, btw 100 was only cuz i knew the guy, any random shop that offers to do it for 100 is prob gonna screw something up, dont go for the lowest bidder

 

[AJsStang]

Hi T. Guess what, you are being violated. I live in indianapolis, about 3 1/2 hours from you, and I can get the install for $250. Buy the gears yourself from a mustang magazine advertiser or even here online for anywhere between $150 and $190. They should be prosecuted for attempted ____.

 

[T_Factor]

$1000!!! man someone is tryin to stick it in and break it off, ive been quoted everywhere from $100-$300 1k is outrageous, btw 100 was only cuz i knew the guy, any random shop that offers to do it for 100 is prob gonna screw something up, dont go for the lowest bidder

Agree 100% with ya Spike on not going with the lowest guy. Just pisses me off because here I think I found a place that I can throw business to only to find out they are trying to cornhole me on nickle / dime stuff.

 

[jbrown]

i was quoted mid 200's for used gears installed, its usually 150-200 for the install. Just remember if you go supercharged the gt doesnt have a forged bottom end like the 03 cobra so you shouldnt run more than 8 or 9lbs of boost on the stock engine internals. The cobra also has a 6 speed which is nice. Whats 5m do you mean 5 speed manual?

 

[1992 2.3LX]

$1000 freaking ridiculous!!!!!

Around here you can get everything installed including Speedcal for $500-$600.

 

[T_Factor]

i was quoted mid 200's for used gears installed, its usually 150-200 for the install. Just remember if you go supercharged the gt doesnt have a forged bottom end like the 03 cobra so you shouldnt run more than 8 or 9lbs of boost on the stock engine internals. The cobra also has a 6 speed which is nice. Whats 5m do you mean 5 speed manual?

Hey JBrown - Yes, 5 speed and thanks for the 411 on the supercharger/internals (in the 05' mod. plans).

 

[CManT1914]

I supplied my own gears, and labor plus the install kit cost me $270, labor $200 and the install kit $69, so it wasn't to bad.

 

[COramprat]

Another suggestion if you haven't already done it or thought about it is a short throw shifter. Steeda Tri-ax and Pro 5.0 are two of the popular ones but I hear B&M and Hurst have them also.

 

[smokin'Red35th]

I had the same problem as you. I bought my gt and the "go faster" but hit me. I wanted to get an SVT or a mach, but i couldnt sell mine because its just got too much sentimental value to me. (first car i financed myself, far cry from any other vehicle ive owned, and i love this thing like its my child)
So someone turned me in a different direction.

YOU WANT A SLEEPER GT? check out this site....
http://www.cobrapoweredgt.com/index2.html

Then top it off with this...
http://www.kennebell.net/superchargers/ford/cobra03/cobra03.htm

This exact set up is what i am currently saving to put in my gt. You will not only be one of the fastest, if not THE fastest GT in your area, but you will also probably be the only one with a 4v.

 

[sabrooks]

I am getting gears installed for 325.00 this includes the price of the gears.

 

[T_Factor]

Thanks to all for their input. I went on the regional forum and found some recommended shops in the area. Emails are out and we'll take it from there.

Thx. again!