Just got my first 5.0, where to start modding...

[87lc2]

Ive been into the Turbo Buicks since ive been driving and decided i needed something in a manual, so i picked up a beautiful 91 LX hatch in black. Only mods to the car are a 255lph pump, BBK CAI, BBK shorty headers and off-road h-pipe, and 2.5" flowmaster catback. i know everything about modding a turbo car safely, but not much about all motor cars. Where should i start? i dont want an all out race car since it is my daily, just something nice and quick to tool around in. any input is appreciated

 

[srothfuss]

First mods:

1) Subframe connectors
2) A good set of gears

 

[WilwoodFiveO]

yeah some 4.10s and some maximum motorsports full-length subframe connectors

 

[bubba-dough]

Gears, shifter, subframes, then a h/c/i or slap on a charger.

 

[Blakthorn]

MM Subframe Connectors and Gears!

 

[Michael Yount]

I'm with the others - gears, subframes. Throw a timing light on it and set the timing up around 14 btdc initial -- with the spout out.

 

[Lyncher]

First mods:

1) Subframe connectors
2) A good set of gears

full length subgrames and either 3.73 gears if you have a manual aor 4.10s if you have an aod

depending on your budget a good h/c/i combo is the trick flow street heat kit. Its offered from summitt and is proven to give around 305rwhp out of the box. I believe it is around 2,000 and it is a good quality kit!

 

[smittyb]

Get the gears, but before you start throwing thousands of dollars around for H/C/I(Assuming you have those thousands to throw aroound in the first place), start with the basics. Underdrive pulleys are a good bang for the buck. You said you have an off-road h, so if it is not already, ditch the smog pump. An electric fan will free up some HP, but steer clear of the black tragic(made that mistake). Throw on a 75mm MAF and bigger TB/EGR spacer. How's the clutch? Will it hold the extra torque if you do upgrade H/C/I? Just use the search feature, there is loads of information out there.

 

[PuterAmI]

Suspension and brakes first.

 

[87lc2]

thanks for all of the good info guys, have a question: are the bolt on subframe connectors as good as the weld ons? also, are those strut tower braces any good? as far as the gears, i forgot to ask what was in it, ill have to find out by taking the cover off i guess. i was thinking 3.55 gears as i dont want to absolutely kill my mpg......also, whats a good upper/lower intake setup for these cars(not too expensive as i spend most on my buicks)?? how bad is changing a cam in a 5.0? thanks again guys

 

[Shakerhood]

Suspension and brakes first.

I agree with this too along with SFCs and Gears. Its nice to be able to go fast, plus stop and handle too!

 

[Kerpal]

The bolt on SFC's are considered pretty much useless. I'd go with full length weld on connectors. Not really sure on the strut tower braces, but I hear a good one will help if you like to carve corners. The Maximum Motorsports one looks very nice and is supposed to clear most intakes.

As far as an intake manifold, that really depends on what heads and cam you'll be running. The stock lower intake can be ported for a nice power gain on stock heads and cam- do a search for tmoss, he's the expert on that around here. If you're planning a heads & cam swap in the future there's tons of options for an aftermarket intake, and they're all good when used in the right combo... it's all about planning and matching the right parts to eachother.

 

[RS200]

A good start for your application is a Pro5.0 shifter, good clutch, 3.73:1 gears and suspension. Once you get that done, get heads, intake and a power adder, etc...

For HCI, get either the Holley SysteMax II kit or the Trick Flow Track Heat kit. Both come in around $2100, but you'll get big power. Since you're into the TBs, you'll probably want to get a turbo. A 76mm unit would do nicely, but the bottom end on the 5.0 is weak, so keep that in mind.

 

[cjman15]

With the subframes, how BIG of a difference do full-lengths make compared to the regular length ones?

 

[darthcual]

If I were you I'd start with the real basics. Oil change, plugs, wires distributor, brakes, all fluids, tires. A good tune up will go miles toward keeping your ride in good shape. After these essentials then I would go with what everyone else is suggesting.

 

[CarFreakGT]

An electric fan will free up some HP, but steer clear of the black tragic(made that mistake).

I have been considering an electric fan. What's wrong w/ Black Magic? Just curious. Can't I get one out of a Taurus? If so, what years? And, is it worthwhile (from a Taurus)? Thanks!

 

[fivespeedsteed]

taurus or windstars have electic fans that fit. yeah do what that other guy said by all fluids, tires, spark wires, rotor cap, and the basics, then subframs and gears, then i would go ahead and get shocks/struts and coils because once you do engine stuff you wont want to stop for any shocks/coils or springs.cooling and brakes are your friend also.

 

[IntenseBlue]

gears

 

[tmoss]

The stock lower intake can be ported for a nice power gain on stock heads and cam- do a search for tmoss, he's the expert on that around here.

Lots of info on my website (see sig). Look in the tech section and the photo section where dyno graphs and such are located.