First mod for this car

[DarkFireGT]

Well, I've modded cars in the past, so I really should already know the answer to this. Only a newb to the 'Stangs. Anyway, just got my GT a few weeks ago, so I'm still a bit strapped for cash. Going to be a few months before I can do anything serious. That said, seems like my only inexpensive option is the K&N drop in. I've never used just a drop in, I've always gone with a CAI. So is the K&N drop-in worth the $40? Does it affect the sound at all like a cai does? how about performance? I"m not expecting anything exciting, but if there's really no difference, I'm not going to waste the $40.

Thanks guys.

 

[twogts4us]

The thinking lately seem to be to get the K&N FIPK Gen2. It's about $225. Then, of course, you NEED gears, shifter and exhaust...but you can figure out which manufacturer/size/sound/specs etc and in what order they are a priority to you. Congratulations & Enjoy! And Welcome to StangNet!!!

 

[2002BLGT]

if you ever plan on getting a centrifugal blower , get the drop in because all that comes off when the blower goes on .

 

[DarkFireGT]

well I'll go get one.. what the hell.. I need to do something to it.. I've had it 3 weeks now! lol

 

[FallenPhoenix]

if you plan to get a CAI later, don't waste the $40 on the drop in filter since it can't be reused with the CAI. If you're going to seriously mod the engine, you'll probably appreciate some form of CAI on down the line, so as a relatively cheap mod, I'd get one early on.

 

[kurst]

I'd personally skip CAI, I'd go with the drop in for $40 dollars. That can be used forever. The CAI is $200+ and the gains are controversial. Now I'm only speaking on my own personal experience and preferences, but I'd skip a lot of the minor mods. Although they may seem cheap, they add up quick and $2000 of bolt ons wont come close to nice $1200 nitrous kit or $3500 blower kit.

If it were me, I'd spend $200 dollars getting a new shifter and drop in filter. After that spend $200-$300 for an off-road midpipe. Then I'd save for a really nice nitrous kit $1200 or a Blower $3000-6000

 

[GoBabyVroommm]

Drop a 4v in it!!!!

No but seriously i wouldn't waste your money on little things. Take that 40 dollars and put it aside for a gear or exhaust. Those in my opinion are the best things to do.

 

[DarkFireGT]

thanks.. i've been reading a few posts on here the last week. At this time I'm planning to stay NA and just do bolt ons and internals possibly. But who knows down the road. I did go to autozone, but I ended up not buying it.

I did have a question about gears. First I've been seeing alot of debate over 4:10 gears. Right now I'm leaning towards the 3:73's. Also, how hard is installation of them? I'm not one to take my car to someone else unless I have to.

And finally, as for an exhaust system, I know there's alot of choices, and everyone's going to say something different. But I'm looking for that true Mustang sound.. which one(s) are the best?

 

[twogts4us]

thanks.. i've been reading a few posts on here the last week. At this time I'm planning to stay NA and just do bolt ons and internals possibly. But who knows down the road. I did go to autozone, but I ended up not buying it.

I did have a question about gears. First I've been seeing alot of debate over 4:10 gears. Right now I'm leaning towards the 3:73's. Also, how hard is installation of them? I'm not one to take my car to someone else unless I have to.

And finally, as for an exhaust system, I know there's alot of choices, and everyone's going to say something different. But I'm looking for that true Mustang sound.. which one(s) are the best?

Gears - OMG, this has been covered a million times, but that ain't your fault. Gear install is not for the novice, first off, and expect to pay about $200 labor. Check around at some local speed shops. Most will tell you 4.10s (don't fear the gear), but I have both and my personal preference is the 3.73s. They are, to me, easier to drive on a daily basis...easier to get traction. But this subject is about as personal as...
Exhaust - This has been covered a million times too. And everyone loves theirs, so it again comes down to personal choice. You said you want the true Mustang sound - that, my friend, is the Flowmaster. American Thunder Catback is extremely popular. Some people may try to make fun of the Flows, but they must admit, this is the classic Mustang sound. But there are lots of excellent systems out there and I'm not about to knock any of them. My advice though, is to check out www.mustangexhaust.com - you can listen to all kinds of exhaust combos. Registration is required to listen to the sound clips, but it's free and quick. Crank up your speakers and enjoy!!!

 

[stang74]

get the 4:10's period. If you still go with 3:73's just hope you don't pull up next to me at a light, cause you gonna be scratching your balls wondering what just happend. leave the 3:73's for the ladies.

 

[inferno9898]

if i missed where u said what kind of transmission you had, i apologize. if you have a 5-speed i think you should start with a shifter. Completely changes the feel of the car. plus its relatively cheap at around $150, and you can install it yourself.

 

[GoBabyVroommm]

get the 4:10's period. If you still go with 3:73's just hope you don't pull up next to me at a light, cause you gonna be scratching your balls wondering what just happend. leave the 3:73's for the ladies.

O yea you can come up to me and i bet i'll get you out the hole and be up. Only way you'll get me in my little 373 gear would be if your ridin on slicks.

If you want to stay N/A you'll love the 410 gear. As for the 373 i think they should have came stock in the mustangs w/a 6 speed. The 373 is a perfect gear for me good off the line and good at top end.

FlowMaster exhaust for the stang with a off road h pipe.

 

[DarkFireGT]

Thanks guys. Like I'd said, I'd done some searching on here, but every post entailing those two things had so much bickering that I got bored with trying to figure out which is best in the opinions of most. Granted, it is all personal opinions and everyone will think something different.

Thanks for the link btw.. Not sure on the exhaust yet, but I'm definitely going to go with the 4:10's first and see how I like those.