Bang for the buck?

[sage2k]

I have a 94 mustang gt vert with automatic, wondering what the best bang for the buck would be, I already have 3.73s, and i want a shift kit but most transmission places want 450$ installed for it. I was thinking of getting an x or h pipe. Thats something me and my dad can install right? How hard are removing the o2 sensors?

Are underdrive pulleys really worth it? I doubt we could install that so our mechanic would have to do those if I got em.

 

[tmoss]

An H/X pipe is good as is the pulleys. The stock intake (lower) is the pinch point for more power. You can port the stock lower which would be good on your heavy car or put a Cobra intake on it.

 

[sage2k]

I dont think I can install at intake so i was just gonna wait a year or so and save for the trick flow kit and get someone to install it. But in the mean time i'd like an x or h pipe. I hear x is good for top end but I have real weak bottom end so would an h be better? I also want something with a perfect fit with no modifying.

 

[Synned]

How much do you guys think a mechanic will charge for HCI? Like the trickflow kit. I also have an AODE vert.

 

[sage2k]

How much do you guys think a mechanic will charge for HCI? Like the trickflow kit. I also have an AODE vert.

probably ALOT

 

[94-302-vert]

Shift kits aren't hard to install, jsut time consuming... Go for it...

 

[mootang]

if you find a really good write up on how to do the h/c/i you can do it yourself. it's really not that hard it just takes a lot of time. also underdrive pulleys are not hard to install at all. the only thing you will need is a impact gun to get the nut off the alternator. if you have to you can take out the alternator and take it to a buddys house or shop and have them hit it with the impact gun.

 

[whitesnake1994]

yea you can easily install an x, h pipe with nothing more than a wrench. and removing the o2s are the easiest thing you can do.

 

[sage2k]

if i use an underdrive pulley for the alt will i have charging probs? i already got a kinda ****ty battery

 

[Hef5.0weisen]

shouldn't have any problems with U/D pullies. bang for the buck, nitrous!
At your disposal now are resources like this, and multiple publications in local stores. Sounds like you may wanna pick up a Haynes manual or the like. Those type of books walk you throu removal and installation procedures...BOLT ON aftermarket stuff is just that BOLT ON those books will walk you right thru it. Now, in reality, bolt on stuff sometimes needs some inspiration to fit right, that's when you get creative, or use the search function here. How is your tool situation? Mayconsidder getting a decent set of tools from sears or the like, you can get a decent set for the price charged for most shop installations. Good Luck man!!

 

[sage2k]

I live in an apt so no tools
but my dad who lives 45 miles away has alot of tools. He knows how to do basic maintence and stuff. I really just want to work on mods that wont lower my reliability because this is my daily driver. Also things that take no longer than 1 day to install would be perfect. After a year or 2 I might consider a H/C/I if I have enough money.

Also I think my dad has an impact gun. Do pullys come with instructions.

 

[94MustangGT5.0]

The pullies probably won't come with instructions, but they really are quite simple to install. Since you already have gears, the best bang for your buck is out the door. However, I think an H-pipe is worth while for any bolt on car, and, along with performance, you are going to get great sound! I went with a Prochamber, which is not really an H or and X pipe, kind of a unique piece. It has a great low rumble like a 60's muscle car. Also, one other thing about the underdrive pullies, if you are worried about charging issues, leave the alternator pulley off. You will still get some underdrive to the alternator because of the smaller crank pulley, but it shouldn't give you much besides slightly dimmed lights at idle (at least mine does a bit). Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.

 

[sage2k]

I'm probably gonna get an h or x pipe first, but about the pullys, would I need a different sized belt?

 

[94MustangGT5.0]

No, the stock belt will work just fine. Nice choice to do the mid-pipe first, you are going to love the difference it makes in your car (power a little, but a huge change in sound!) I probably went through a quarter tank of gas reving my car up after the H-pipe went on, I love it!

 

[95GTV8]

subscribing, so i take it your suggesting the MAC prochamber H pipe? I was also look ing @ this, quality sound?

 

[94MustangGT5.0]

I love the sound it has. That in combination with my Flowmaster 40 series sounds second to none at idle. Of course, everyones opinion may be different, but the easiest way to describe is sound would be a deep rumble. It sort of sounds like you have a cam also because it gives the exhaust a lopey sounds. There is a link to several (probably around 100) different exhaust setups, one of which is basically just like my combo. Let me see if I can find it....

 

[94MustangGT5.0]

http://donjohnii.com/Pages/Exhaust_Clips_Page.html
There you go, that should keep you busy for a while!

 

[ChrisA#5]

if you have your mind sey on a shift kit, call around to other places. i got mine put in for $100 (not including the kit though). when i first ot it i was impressed, best thing i had done so far, but after about amonth it loosened up a ton. i dont know if thats normal though. i would also suggest an h pipe. you can find a lot of good deals on them, and also an exhaust if you dont have one. my .02 on pullies, mine severley drain the battery driving at night, i havent seen them to be worth much. maybe just my bad luck though. good luck

 

[GRGT1994]

Sage2k: You might wanna think about going with a supercharger, instead of an HCI setup - especially if you are not going to be doing the install. Heck, if you tackle the pulleys, you might just wanna do the SC yourself (neither is really very hard).

Modifying Mustangs get VERY expensive if you are paying someone else labor.

And with the cash you are talking about throwing at your car, get a new battery for it.

 

[Venom351R]

if i use an underdrive pulley for the alt will i have charging probs? i already got a kinda ****ty battery

Just dont install the one for the Alt. It does not add any power to begin with its just the crank and water pump that does.