My new ride 1989 Mustang lx hatch

66stangbluework

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May 5, 2005
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Heres a pic love drivin this thing five speed with the 5.0 HO Not sure where to start modding it, its already got full exhaust wheels and racing chip. Maybe intake? :D 1 little thing the gauge lights dont work i checked the fuse and it was fine so I'm thinking maybe the switch?
 

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This is the "basic" list of things that should be looked at before tearing into the motor. You'll get more enjoyment out of the car if you build it properly

First mods should be as follows (my take):

In order of Priority
1) Subframe connectors (SFC's) full length ones are prefered for a stiff chasis
2) Gears: 3.73:1 or 4.10:1 seem to be the popular choices
3) For AOD people: Get a higher stall converter and a shift kit! (don't forget the Tranny cooler)
4) Full Exhuast (headers, hi-flo cats, catback w/ mufflers)
5) Buy a K&N panel filter (no CAI kit required) and put it in the stock box
6) Bumped timing to 12 - 14 degrees (free mod) 10 Degrees is stock.
7) Larger MAF, TB (MAF cars from 1988 california only, 1989-1993)
8) Better Intake Manifold or a Ported one
9) 3G alternator upgrade / electric fan
10) Fix the stock brakes.

Optional MODs:
11) Strut tower brace (necessary on Convertibles IMO)
12) Underdrive pullies (they can't be used on S/C motors and cause charging problems)
13) Weight reduction out of the nose of the car
14) Shocks/Struts and lowering springs
15) C/C plates if you lower the car
16) Short throw shifter (if you have a manual transmission)
17) Cleaning or replacing all of the sensors (TPS, IAC, etc. - not a mod but it helps)

After those basic mods it will be pretty much up to you to pick a final direction for your car. There are plenty of Super Chargers or H/C/I [Heads, Cam and Intake] packages to choose from to really wake up the car.

Also, don't forget about the basic tune up
1) Changing all of the fluids (oil, coolant, trans, rear end, brake and some of the power steering)
2) Plugs: (non-platnum type) Autolite or Motorcraft are prefered
3) Oil filter: Motorcraft or equivalent (not FRAM)
4) Air filter: see first mods item #4
5) Plug wires: Ford Motorsport (FRPP) 9mm units are great
6) Cap / Rotor
7) Oxygen sensors
 
they all had tilt wheel before 90 when the airbag came..

srothfuss had some good input, even if you dont do everything in that order, thats alot of good things that you should start out with, and then build upon them later when you decide what you really want your car to be
 
thanks for the advice. Only complaint so far is the electric door locks dont work. Locking the doors with the keys is very hard to do for some reason. It doesnt always unlock on the first try have to jam it locked then jam to unlocked.

Also the ash tray door is broken anyone have an idea as to where i can get a new one so I can cover up the ash tray.
Thanks guys

Oh by the way im gonna change my stangnet name to Rice eater :D I had this honda hatch following me forever trying to get me to race lol.