Need suggestions for improving my '03 GT

[SonicBlueGTVert]

Here's a wide open topic for discussion. I really like the all-stock aspect of my new (to me) 2003 GT Vert, but I would like to enhance it in the areas of performance (hp), efficiency (gas mileage) and appearance. Cost is a concern (got to convince the wife that it's a worthwhile expense) and to say I know next to nothing about mechanical stuff isn't far from the truth (though I do have a mechanic who would like to work on the car for me). Also, with only 9000 miles on it, I'm a long way away from needing to change anything but the oil; but I can't help think there are things I can upgrade to improve how it runs. What do you say?

First - Oil & Filter: What's the best for an everyday driver (with the occasional need to show off what it can do)?
So far, I've heard Mobil 1 Synthetic or Motorcraft Synthetic Blend is best, or maybe Royal Purple. And a Motorcraft filter.

Next - Fuel Filter: Would anything more than what would come with a routine service be recommended?

Air Filter: I've already removed the air silencer. I assume the next step would be something like a K&N filter. It looks like a Ram Air Intake or a Cold Air Intake would be next. JLT's CAI gets good recommendations. Then I'd really like to add a Ram Air Shaker Hood Scoop someday (yeah, I know, that's far from stock for a GT).

General engine: Would replacing plugs, plug wires, fuel delivery or anything else improve performance and/or fuel mileage enough to make them worth considering? (This might even be a good place to start dressing it up a bit. I think anodized blue engine parts would accent the Sonic Blue body rather well.)

More blue: Moving to the appearance category, I'd really like to replace the headlight and fog light lamps with something bright blue/white. Any comments? Then I think one of those Reverse Glow Gauge Face Plates would look really cool at night.

Finally, Tires: My idea of good looking rubber is something fatter and taller than what's on there now (245/45ZR17's) - at least in the back. I understand those wheel wells will hold up to a 19" tire, so why not let them? I don't want to lose my Bullitt rims though. As for driving conditions: no snow, heavy rain sometimes and everything from interstates to narrow, shoulderless country roads. So a smooth ride is good, but excellent control is paramount. I would think the larger the footprint you can put down, the better. But, how big a tire can I put on those rims? Would better suspension help as well?

Let's hear from the collective expertise of the forum.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Finally, Tires: My idea of good looking rubber is something fatter and taller than what's on there now (245/45ZR17's) - at least in the back. I understand those wheel wells will hold up to a 19" tire, so why not let them? .

Why? Because going physically larger in diameter will throw the ABS off and disable it alone with traction control. Plus it will also change your speedometer.

Appearancewise, it will also lift the rear of the car up. On a car with stock suspension, it really makes it look rediculous.

I don't understand the whole 19" tire statement? Do you mean rim size? If so i don't understand how you can put a 19" wheel on and still keep your stock bullitt wheels. Kinda confused by this

The stock tire diameter is 25.7" in diameter. You don't want to change this number at all. There are certain tire sizes that will keep it the same. Stock is 245/45/17, a slightly wider tire is a 275/40/17 and will fit the 17x8 bullitt wheels.


Going wider/fatter is fine, but you don't want to make the tires any taller. You can fit up to a 20" wheel and still get a tire on there that will keep it around the stock 25.7" diameter

 

[SonicBlueGTVert]

Thanks Mike. That clears some things up. I do want to keep my rims (partially due to cost), but I was hoping I could increase how much rubber is wrapped around them in the rear - height and width. Something reminiscent of the old pro-street tires that filled the wheel well in the back.
I had assumed the main reason I wouldn't want to change the tire diameter is because of the speedometer - which could be fixed with a computer setting. But you mentioned traction control and ABS, which sounds like it's a whole lot more serious.
Sounds like I should stick with the tires I have in the front and maybe just go wider in the back - whatever the wheel will hold.

 

[03ghoststang]

Here's a wide open topic for discussion. I really like the all-stock aspect of my new (to me) 2003 GT Vert, but I would like to enhance it in the areas of performance (hp), efficiency (gas mileage) and appearance. Cost is a concern (got to convince the wife that it's a worthwhile expense) and to say I know next to nothing about mechanical stuff isn't far from the truth (though I do have a mechanic who would like to work on the car for me). Also, with only 9000 miles on it, I'm a long way away from needing to change anything but the oil; but I can't help think there are things I can upgrade to improve how it runs. What do you say?

First - Oil & Filter: What's the best for an everyday driver (with the occasional need to show off what it can do)?
So far, I've heard Mobil 1 Synthetic or Motorcraft Synthetic Blend is best, or maybe Royal Purple. And a Motorcraft filter.

Next - Fuel Filter: Would anything more than what would come with a routine service be recommended?

Air Filter: I've already removed the air silencer. I assume the next step would be something like a K&N filter. It looks like a Ram Air Intake or a Cold Air Intake would be next. JLT's CAI gets good recommendations. Then I'd really like to add a Ram Air Shaker Hood Scoop someday (yeah, I know, that's far from stock for a GT).

General engine: Would replacing plugs, plug wires, fuel delivery or anything else improve performance and/or fuel mileage enough to make them worth considering? (This might even be a good place to start dressing it up a bit. I think anodized blue engine parts would accent the Sonic Blue body rather well.)

More blue: Moving to the appearance category, I'd really like to replace the headlight and fog light lamps with something bright blue/white. Any comments? Then I think one of those Reverse Glow Gauge Face Plates would look really cool at night.

Finally, Tires: My idea of good looking rubber is something fatter and taller than what's on there now (245/45ZR17's) - at least in the back. I understand those wheel wells will hold up to a 19" tire, so why not let them? I don't want to lose my Bullitt rims though. As for driving conditions: no snow, heavy rain sometimes and everything from interstates to narrow, shoulderless country roads. So a smooth ride is good, but excellent control is paramount. I would think the larger the footprint you can put down, the better. But, how big a tire can I put on those rims? Would better suspension help as well?

Let's hear from the collective expertise of the forum.

1) oil and oil Filter - most of us use the Motorcraft filter with Mobil 1 Full synthetic oil........ weight is a personal choice as far as 5w-20 or 5w-30


2) Filter well if you still got the stock setup then a drop in K&N will do

3) Maintanance - well spark plugs is a must ...as far as which thats all personal choice... i have the NGK plugs on mine, a fuel filter and running a can of Sea foam will do for maintanance

4) that is all up to you but a nice HID kit will give you the blue 8K

5) Tires - well if you have the stock 17x8 then the most is a 275-40-17....*be cautious though as going with this will give you a buldge and wear the tires fast from the middle, so going with the proper wheel of eother 17x9 or 17x10.5 will do*

 

[GettinThere]

Is it a standard or automatic?

 

[GettinThere]

Also, with only 9000 miles on it, I'm a long way away from needing to change anything but the oil...

True.

First - Oil & Filter: What's the best for an everyday driver (with the occasional need to show off what it can do)? So far, I've heard Mobil 1 Synthetic...is best...and a Motorcraft filter.

Also true.

Next - Fuel Filter: Would anything more than what would come with a routine service be recommended?

No. Just change the fuel filter with a Ford filter at the scheduled 30k interval.

Air Filter: I've already removed the air silencer. I assume the next step would be something like a K&N filter...

Just drop in a K&N replacement filter and call it a day. (Keep your paper filter for possible use when you need to clean and re-oil the K&N filter.) CAI kits don't add much power over just a filter, and IMHO you can better spend the money on other things.

General engine: Would replacing plugs, plug wires, fuel delivery or anything else improve performance and/or fuel mileage enough to make them worth considering?

Generally, no.

Since you have a convertible, good full-length subframe connectors properly welded on would be a very good first mod.

Welcome to Stangnet and enjoy your ride.

 

[scupking]

What I would recommend is getting 17 X 9s in the back if you want to run 275s. This is the list I would suggest.

K&N drop in air filter
Mach 1 chin spoiler
Mach 1 grill delete
Catted H pipe or off road H but I like catted to keep some backpressure and stay leagl.
Mufflers
FRPP C or B springs (gives the car a nice drop but not to much like some kits. Also they handle very well).
17 X 9 with 17/40/275 out back.
Xcal2 with a 93 Oct. custom tune. (can add anywhere from 20-30+hp depending on mods)
3.73 or 4.10 gears.

 

[SonicBlueGTVert]

Thanks y'all. Lots of good stuff in there.

Is it a standard or automatic?

Auto

Since you have a convertible, good full-length subframe connectors properly welded on would be a very good first mod.

Tell me more about that. I understood that the extra weight in the Vert was due to more re-enforcement in the frame. What would this job cost and what are the benefits?

4) that is all up to you but a nice HID kit will give you the blue 8K

How much better is that than the 4K xenon replacement bulbs I can get for ~$20? (Besides the obvious 8K is 2x brighter than 4K.)

 

[GettinThere]

Tell me more about that. I understood that the extra weight in the Vert was due to more re-enforcement in the frame. What would this job cost and what are the benefits?

Subframe connectors (SFCs) stiffen the chassis. Verts have more body flex than hardtops and benefit even more from sfcs. One of the best is from Maximum Motorsports

http://www.maximummotorsports.com

Others can chime in with how much it costs to install. Make sure that whoever welds them on does so by raising the car on a drive-on lift (so the weight of the car is on the wheels and not with the wheels hanging).

 

[GettinThere]

...and to say I know next to nothing about mechanical stuff isn't far from the truth (though I do have a mechanic who would like to work on the car for me)...

Are you willing to get your hands dirty and learn about your car? Would you rather keep hundreds (and maybe thousands) of dollars in your pocket instead of your mechanic's pocket?

You are in a good situation with your car only having 9000 miles on it. If you're not already, start by doing oil changes yourself. Keep your car clean inside and out. Pick up a Haynes manual (at just about any auto parts store for about $15). Keep up with scheduled maintenance, most (if not all) of which you can do yourself easily. Most basic repairs you can do yourself, and are relatively simple.

Use the search button to find tons of info. There are many knowledgeable and experienced people here on Stangnet that are happy to help.

 

[Mustang5L5]

How much better is that than the 4K xenon replacement bulbs I can get for ~$20? (Besides the obvious 8K is 2x brighter than 4K.)

what do you consider better??

They will be bright as hell, pure white/blue and light up the roadway like daylight, but you lose a high beam and they are technically illegal and ticketable.

 

[SonicBlueGTVert]

Are you willing to get your hands dirty and learn about your car? Would you rather keep hundreds (and maybe thousands) of dollars in your pocket instead of your mechanic's pocket?

You are in a good situation with your car only having 9000 miles on it. If you're not already, start by doing oil changes yourself. Keep your car clean inside and out. Pick up a Haynes manual (at just about any auto parts store for about $15). Keep up with scheduled maintenance, most (if not all) of which you can do yourself easily. Most basic repairs you can do yourself, and are relatively simple.

Use the search button to find tons of info. There are many knowledgeable and experienced people here on Stangnet that are happy to help.

GettinThere, I plan on doing just that. Up to short of doing anything I might screw up.
And, to the rest of y'all - I have gotten some of the best suggestions here. Thanks!

what do you consider better??

They will be bright as hell, pure white/blue and light up the roadway like daylight, but you lose a high beam and they are technically illegal and ticketable.

By "they" I assume you are referring to the HID's? Sounds like the $20 replacement bulbs will be plenty then.