Hey, Just bought a 95 GT, it's in pretty good condition, and I would like to increase horsepower, handling etc. Any ideas on what to do, what brand, and where to get it? Thanks
Do a search on these forums for whatever mods you want to do. There is a sticky thread at the top of this forum which has a bunch of modification information. These cars ECC (computer) are sensitive to change so make sure your using parts that won't mess up your drivability.
If I were you I add an Edelbrock Performer intake, 70MM Throttle Body, Pro-M 80MM MAF and adjustable fuel regulator (fuel set to 38psi with vacuum off). The items gave me right at 40HP at the wheels. If you don't have any suspension mods I suggest working on that as the stock bushings everywhere are probably shot after 17 years. Get sub frame connectors, rear upper / lower control arms, springs, shocks and struts.
Start here and when you're ready heads, cam, fuel injectors and ignition stuff will be next in line.
Like VibrantRedGT said, the computer is really nasty on the 94-95. Depending on your budget, if you want to go cheap, you can get away with a GT40 head and intake swap without hassle from the computer for the most part for a pretty fun upgrade. The iron e7 heads on the GT are the major bottleneck. Switch to GT40 heads + intake and you will pretty much have a 94-95 cobra at this point. (And, from what I have read, the stock 94-95 cobra cam is in fact inferior to the stock GT HO cam for emissions purposes) Rear end gear set swap to 3.73 or 4.10 (auto) is also a huge kick in the pants upgrade.
Depending how far you want to take this car- knowing what I know now, if i started all over on my 95, the first thing I would have done is a simple swap of the throttle setup to a fox body style cable and air intake and upper manifold (easily done if you do GT40) so I can use those parts instead. Fox parts are easier to find (especially used) and sometimes cheaper. Aftermarket taller valve covers are easier to fit from here too.
Handling- to start, switching to good street shocks/struts like Tokico HP Blues and Ebiach springs will be a big help. Adjustables are even better. Make sure you get 86-93 shocks for the rears to compensate for the shorter springs.