Newbie with some performance Q's

[cookcr]

My experience with performance vehicles is pretty limited to diesels. Recently I purchased a 2002 mustang GT (18K miles ) so I would have a daily driver to replace my twined cummins. I'm getting an exhaust, afe stage II intake, SCT, and a pro 5.0 shifter. After that im not really sure where to go. I want to keep this reliable and only want to do the simple bolt ons but im not really sure where to go? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[cookcr]

sorry forgot my signiture.

 

[bryan0]

That truck must be sick!

With the mustang, a LOT of people will tell you to put shorter rear-end gears in. As you know, this will make your car quicker but won't add any power. That's going to be your #1 reccommendation. Here's what I can think off of the top of my head, assuming you want to remain N/A.

If you want to go faster:
Underdrive Pullies
TB / Plenum
Gears
Header / midpipe / cat-back
CAI

There's also a lot of things people do with the suspension like upper and lower control arms, springs, tires, etc.

I'm sure some more people will give you a hand.
Good luck!

 

[cookcr]

Yeah the trucks pretty nasty, originally i was just going to get a kia or something but then i test drove one and just couldnt step down that much in power! On the gears ive heard that alot of people say they wont reduce fuel economy, is that true? On the TB should i go 70mm or 75? Someone told me i would need a new MAF sensor? Also can someone explain this traction control to me?

 

[DocG]

Yeah the trucks pretty nasty, originally i was just going to get a kia or something but then i test drove one and just couldnt step down that much in power! On the gears ive heard that alot of people say they wont reduce fuel economy, is that true? On the TB should i go 70mm or 75? Someone told me i would need a new MAF sensor? Also can someone explain this traction control to me?

Your MAF should be just fine with a 75mm TB. Traction control is a joke....basically just cuts the throttle when the wheels spin. WHat fun is that. Just disable it with the CT and you'll be much happier. Not sure about the gears and fuel economy. You'll get some decent power gains with all the typical bolt-ons that have been mentioned. I don't think the gears will reduce your fuel economy by much depending on how you drive it.

Unless you go the forced induction route, your rwhp will tap out at about 300hp without spending big bucks on serious engine mods. Since you're used to driving that beast of a truck, I'd suggest maybe some suspension mods to get you into something that will be fun around the corners. Do you even remember what its like to take a corner faster than 15mph?

But there are far wiser people on here than I.

 

[cookcr]

Lol no i dont even remember the fun corners use to provide me! Expecially since im on 35" tires. Just the stock mustang is a world different, eventually I will get suspension upgrades(kinda looking into one of dugan racings packages.) What about a clutch, I know on the diesels as soon as we make any more power then stock we have to upgrade, what about these? Whats the normal price for gears and instilation?

 

[lover]

You'll probably get the most bang for the buck from a gear and a mid pipe. The
3.73 vs 4.10 is a never ending war that has been waging since the invention of the wheel. The war was so bad, that one company decided call a cease fire by introducing the 3.90.

People say the gear doesn't reduce gas mileage because the motor doesn't have to work as hard to get into its operating range. But it may reduce gas mileage because you want to satisfy that grin on your face from having 4.10s. Remember, Ford didn't make these cars for the most performance. They made them so that little old ladies, soccer moms, college kids that mommy and daddy bought for their graduation...., and to satisfy Big Brother. They wanted people to be satisfied when they looked down at the bottom of the sticker and read the MPG numbers.

Don't get a CAI or Headers, unless LongTubes. That's about $600 on maybe 5-8hp. A drop in K&N air filter should suffice. If you're a manufacturer junkie and just want the whole set up like Bassani headers, Bassani midpipe, and Bassani exhaust. But shorty headers have had only minimal hp vs stock ones. I say use that $600 for a set of streetable cams.

 

[supastang03]

i personally dont think you should get a tuner yet...first mod up a bit, then tune specifically to your mods

 

[96GTstang46]

Read my Sig. and my car is N/A and a daily driver (most of the time) and most of the mods are too spendy...

Its not TOO SLOW lol but i should be 13.4- 13.7 somewhere in there.. but if you want some good suspension mods go with FULL lenth Subframe conectors from MM (maximum motorsports.com).. they made a world of difference and i dont know anyone on stangnet that would disagree lol.. have fun..

 

[96GTstang46]

Oh and the clutch should be fine till you get some more power, and then its a good idea so you can get the power out and down better...
And if you hate that long pedal (if its a stick) get a pedal addjuster from either MM or Steeda its like 30 bucks and makes a great driving difference.. makes its better for daily drivin IMO, or my .02

 

[Narshadda]

Hey all,

New to the site.....

I have a 2004 GT that I purchased about a year ago.

Not sure if this will help but here is what I have done so far in this order:


1. Eibach Pro Kit Springs (Looks and corners much better)
2. Fenderwell CAI (not much of a difference here)
3. Underdrive Pulleys (small increase in pwr)
4. Steeda Shifter (much better than stock, no more missing 3rd)
5. Ford Racing 70mm Throttle Body (small increase in pwr)
6. SCT Xcal2 with Steeda Tune (nice increase in pwr & throttle response)
7. Hancook Tires at the rear 275/45/17 (very sticky)
8. Trick Flow TB Plenum (small increase in pwr)
9. MAC Catback & Off Road Prochamber (nice increase in pwr and great sound)Link to Exhaust Vid
10. 4.10 Gears (at $600 it was the best mod I have done)
11. Brembo OEM Rotors (Cross Drilled, Slotted, Chamfered, Zinc Washed by sportbrakes.com)

The gears are, by far, the best bang for the buck. The car feels totally different and responds extremely well. The gas mileage dropped about 2-3mpg on the average. At 70 Mph you are at 2400 RPM's in 5th gear but 5th is actually a useable gear now.

Hope that helps,

-Narsh