First time Mustang owner

[cwest83]

On January 14 2009 I will be picking up my newly built 2009 Mustang GT. Being that I will be a first time owner of what I am assuming will be an awesome ride. I am wondering where I should start as far as mods, and upgrades should go. I was hoping some of you vets out there could give me some ideas on what to get first etc. Also it will be under warranty so nothing to major right now, or as long as it doesnt void the warranty. Please help.





Neil

 

[bigcat]

CAI/tune is the BEST mod you can do, but some fear there could be warranty issues. muffler swaps are popular, but wont gain you much more than sound. underdrive pulleys are a cheap mod, and takes less than an hour to install. if it is a manual, a short throw shifter is a common mod. for wheel hop, if you have it, get some new lower control arms. click the links in my signature for detailed write ups on some common mods.

 

[05wolfkiller]

CAI/tune is the BEST mod you can do, but some fear there could be warranty issues. muffler swaps are popular, but wont gain you much more than sound. underdrive pulleys are a cheap mod, and takes less than an hour to install. if it is a manual, a short throw shifter is a common mod. for wheel hop, if you have it, get some new lower control arms. click the links in my signature for detailed write ups on some common mods.

+1 the big cat has offered some excellent advice. i couldnt have said it better myself check with your dealer on the cai/tuner. most wont give you any grief, but it wouldnt be a bad idea to ask them what they will let you get away with congrats by the way on the new purchase

 

[cwest83]

Hey thanks for the info guys... I am so stoked I cant wait until I get back to the states to pick it up. I will def ask the dealer when I get there. Also it only has 7 miles on it, is there any break-in procedures?

 

[anthony05gt]

A CAI and a tune will really wake the car up. As far as warranty goes federal law states the car manufacturer must prove a given modification could have caused a particular failure before refusing to cover that warranty situation. In other words, they have to replace your bad window motor after you've installed a turbocharger or something. Some dealers are fussy.

A set of rear end gears is also a great mod.

 

[ptfoxbdy89]

or go my route.. keep all your stock stuff.. lol anything goes wrong tune her back stock and tow that joker up there

 

[kooldawg6]

Congrats on your first Mustang
Hopefully you will enjoy it! The CAI/tune is definitely worth the money as it will make a night and day difference and gain you at least 20-25 more RWHP! Also adding gears will make it one quick machine compared to stock.

 

[Humboldt Stang]

I went with CAI/tune + 4.10 gears.
The best bang for my buck on a tight budget, imo.

Welcome to the club.

 

[AlloyGT]

You'll want some bling, too. Check out the CDC sequential taillights. Easy first mod, and they're sharp!

But performance wise, best bang for the buck is definitely a CAI and a tune.

oh, and welcome!

As far as break in procedure, some people say drive it like you stole it right away. I've even seen guys smoke 'em pulling out of the lot the first time.

I just took it easy for the first 1000 miles, no burnouts, minimal time at WOT, and I tried to stay away from one constant speed.

 

[blacksheep06]

If you're worried about warranty then your best bet will be suspension mods and wheels/tires right now.

Every dealer is different when it comes to warranty and modifications.

But none of the basic bolt on's should cause any major problems.
CAI/tune, 4.10 gears, aluminum driveshaft, and U/D pullies all together will make your car MUCH quicker than stock.

 

[faspony]

Praise be, the brother done see'd the light!
Welcome to the Mustang family.
We have cookie cutter Corvettes and we have style and class called the Mustang.

By the way, I'm with Big Cat in regard to mods. Unless you got a ton of money to spend.
In that case you can put on a supercharger or turbos, but watch out, don't blow up your engine.

 

[LastCallRacing]

bigcat pretty much took the words out of my mouth. If you're looking for performance, a Cold Air Intake Kit and a tune will give you at worst 15-20 hp. The gears are another nice mod, which don't give you horsepower, but greatly improve your acceleration in exchange for some top speed (pretty sure you won't be doing too much driving at 180mph, enough to miss it anyhow).

Cold Airs are about $300, Gears are about $300, and labor on the gears is usually around $300-400. The GT is pretty zippy in stock trim, but these quick mods will make a more than noticeable upgrade.

 

[cwest83]

OK... so keep in mind I am just going to be starting out on this hobby so I am pretty new with alot of this stuff. The good thing is I have basically free access to a garage. My question is what do you mean by tune? And who does those for you. Also what is the best brand for CAI and Cams? Sorry about being such a noob.

 

[Steel Horse]

OK... so keep in mind I am just going to be starting out on this hobby so I am pretty new with alot of this stuff. The good thing is I have basically free access to a garage. My question is what do you mean by tune? And who does those for you. Also what is the best brand for CAI and Cams? Sorry about being such a noob.

The tune essentially programs the computer in your car to deliver the correct amount of fuel and air into your engine along with spark timing. When you add a CAI to the S197s you almost always have to retune the computer. Check out Brenspeed or Bamachips. They sell CAI kits that come with a variety of tunes. Most guys on here seem to like C&L and JLT CAIs.