Ok, so after looking for 6 months i finally bought a 1990 hatch 5.0. I am looking to add some power but i have never done any modding before. Actually never even had a car worth modding. So anyway i dont really know where to start. Should i start with an cool air intake, TB and manifold, or should i start with headers, and exhaust, or maybe something different? Also what brands should i get, and will everything that i need for the install come with it? Sorry, i know these are newbie questions but i have got to learn some where. Thanks.
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super302
I'd do anything for free Bapples
Just do a search on this website for begginer mods or something similar, you will get tons of results.... truth is not many people will click on this link b/c similar ones are posted everyday.
I am not going to be using the car as a daily driver. In the long run i am going to put alot of money into the car, but for right now i just want to do some inexpensive basic mods to free up some of the HP. After i do some basic modding i am going to want to build up the engine and eventually add a supercharger. But thats a ways to come.
Look in my sig...I have some pretty "cheap" mods...(it does add up $)...but it gets me to a mid 13's at the track weighing in @ 3400lbs...on street tires...oh and the cold air intake won't do anything for you...it is more for show...
Go with some gears though...373's
Go with some gears though...373's
mustangsquared
Founding Member
When I got my 91 it was stock (bought it in 99). Here is a list of mods since as noted earlier most people wont help since this is a daily question.
- Remove air silencer (if still there) it is in the fender well. You will need to remove the air box inorder to get it out. Then install the box. (2hp)
-Under drive pullies ($80-120)... easy to install your self. (5hp)
- 65MM TB and EGR spacer ...easy to do (5-10 hp)
- 73mm/76mm CNL MAF...easy to do (5-15hp)
the last 2 need to be done together. Hope this helps.
- Remove air silencer (if still there) it is in the fender well. You will need to remove the air box inorder to get it out. Then install the box. (2hp)
-Under drive pullies ($80-120)... easy to install your self. (5hp)
- 65MM TB and EGR spacer ...easy to do (5-10 hp)
- 73mm/76mm CNL MAF...easy to do (5-15hp)
the last 2 need to be done together. Hope this helps.
First thing I'd advise you to do is stiffen up the chassis with some subframes before you spend on mods to make the car faster.
No sense in making a car faster if all that new horsepower is bending the crap out of your framerails and torque boxes and you're unable to go straight.
First thing I'd recommend you install is subframes and maybe a STB.
Next I'd install a nice aftermarket shifter if you have a manual that is still equipped with a stock shifter. A new shifter will help prevent damage to the tranny so that you can focus on bettering the engine and putting in bigger gears in the rear.
Check on your brakes and driveshaft. If the handling checks out, then go to the exhaust and building more horsepower.
No sense in making a car faster if all that new horsepower is bending the crap out of your framerails and torque boxes and you're unable to go straight.
First thing I'd recommend you install is subframes and maybe a STB.
Next I'd install a nice aftermarket shifter if you have a manual that is still equipped with a stock shifter. A new shifter will help prevent damage to the tranny so that you can focus on bettering the engine and putting in bigger gears in the rear.
Check on your brakes and driveshaft. If the handling checks out, then go to the exhaust and building more horsepower.
88stangmangt
Active Member
If your car is going to be somewhat stock...don't get the 410's if you have an auto...I along with others have had 410's and 373's and the 410's actually slowed (us) and we because it is to much gear for the AOD...go with 373's...and plus if you go with a supercharger later on...that gear would be to much to begin with...
5.0 HOtrain
Founding Member
Subframes, gears, shifter, exhaust. Leave the stock headers until you start getting over 300FWHP.
mike.
mike.
OK with the subframe connectors, do i just want the subframe connector or should i get the subframe connector with seat support. I really dont know anything about these. Also do i need or want the 4 point lower chassis brace. Like i said i am pretty new to this stuff. As for the exhaust will i have to worry about it matching up with the headers i have now, and when i buy headers will i have to worry about those matching up.
5.0 HOtrain
Founding Member
No matching up issues with the stock headers to aftermarket exhaust, or when you make enough power to warrant aftermarket headers. It will all bolt up fine. Get the ones with the seat support, and dont worry about the k-member brace (4 point on you mention). Look into some upper and lower control arms and some torque box supports.
Mike.
Mike.
mustangsquared
Founding Member
I forgot the "freebie"....
93 oct gas and 14* timing (remember to remove the spout when setting and to replace it)
Subframes are a very good choice as meantioned, LCA's are another (something I am misssing and in need of).
AFPR would help lean it up a little adding to the TQ.
93 oct gas and 14* timing (remember to remove the spout when setting and to replace it)
Subframes are a very good choice as meantioned, LCA's are another (something I am misssing and in need of).
AFPR would help lean it up a little adding to the TQ.
I think i that for the moment i am going to hold of one the subframe connectors and the shifter only because i am not going to be racing this car all that much. I want to add lots of power but i dont want to run the car into the ground either. Every now and then i might open it up for a little fun but for the most part i am going to take it easy on her. So after i take care of the exhaust, what other things should i work on? How long should i wait to replace the manifold and TB. I was told to wait on the headers until 300hp, so in the mean time what should i use to the HP up there? Thanks for all the sugestions so far guys.
Also what should i get for the exhaust. I want something with high flow cats. Should i get an X or H pipe. I was thinking H. What brand should i get and what muffler should i get. Because i am not going to be using the car as a daily driver i dont mind something loud.
If you want a nice sounding exhaust system at a price that won't burn a hole through your pockets, I'd go for a MAC system. I have ceramic coated headers and a catback system myself and it sounds fantastic! Next I'll be changing out the h-pipe with a MAC catted h-pipe only because we have emissions testing here and I've heard the x-pipe may be difficult to pass.
I still think you should reconsider and get the subframes first.
I've heard lot's of people find surprises such as cracked floorpans, cracked a-pillars, and due to chassis twist, the a-pillars leak when you wash the car.
The cheapest set of subframes out there are $150 a pair if not less. Then all you need is a shop to weld them in for $50.
I still think you should reconsider and get the subframes first.
I've heard lot's of people find surprises such as cracked floorpans, cracked a-pillars, and due to chassis twist, the a-pillars leak when you wash the car.
The cheapest set of subframes out there are $150 a pair if not less. Then all you need is a shop to weld them in for $50.
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