Okay, I am now planning out mods through to next spring. I'm thinking:
Steeda UDPs
MAC or Flowmaster AT Axlebacks
Hurst shifter
Gears
I have 3.31s on my GT. I do a lot of highway driving. Should I just move to 3.55's? 3.73's did okay on the highway with my v6. But with louder axlebacks, I feel like 2300-2400rpm cruising is going to give me a headache (the AT's were fine at 2300 rpm on my v6, though). When cruising just above 60mph, I'm going around 2000rpm (above or below) on the highway with 3.31s. I'm looking for a decent mix of off the line and highway running (minimal hit to gas mileage). Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Korey
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*1998 Ford Contour SVT* EH 2.5L Duratec v6
Stock as can be, just trying to reverse the damage the previous owner caused.
Okay, I am now planning out mods through to next spring. I'm thinking:
Steeda UDPs
MAC or Flowmaster AT Axlebacks
Hurst shifter
Gears
I have 3.31s on my GT. I do a lot of highway driving. Should I just move to 3.55's? 3.73's did okay on the highway with my v6. But with louder axlebacks, I feel like 2300-2400rpm cruising is going to give me a headache (the AT's were fine at 2300 rpm on my v6, though). When cruising just above 60mph, I'm going around 2000rpm (above or below) on the highway with 3.31s. I'm looking for a decent mix of off the line and highway running (minimal hit to gas mileage). Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Korey
3.55's aren't going to be a huge improvement... 3.73s are a nice compromise. Gas mileage loss would be negligible.
You are facing a trade-off: better performance versus worse gas mileage and louder exhaust at highway cruising speed. Its your choice.
It never seems worth it to go up just one gear (3.31s to 3.55s). Have to go up to 3.73s to make it worth while. Many of the posters here will probably suggest 4.10s - they all seem to love them. I had 3.73s in a 1969 Chevelle SS396/375 that were absolutely perfect for that car. Because of that, I would suggest 3.73s to anyone and will probably swap the factory 3.27s in my 2001 Cobra for 3.73s if I ever actually start driving it (purchased new in 2001 and only 55 miles currently).
Yeah, I know I was facing a trade-off, I'm just trying to minimize the negative effects as much as possible. I'll prolly go 3.73's. Do MAC axlebacks have a lot of drone? I've heard they do.
Korey
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*1998 Ford Contour SVT* EH 2.5L Duratec v6
Stock as can be, just trying to reverse the damage the previous owner caused.
Yeah, I know I was facing a trade-off, I'm just trying to minimize the negative effects as much as possible. I'll prolly go 3.73's. Do MAC axlebacks have a lot of drone? I've heard they do.
The MACs may drone more than most but I've never had an issue with it. Once they broke in a bit as well they drone minimized a tad. An easy solution is to just either upshift or downshift to get out of the small rpm range that has the drone. I love the look of the MACs and the WOT sound is unbeatable. They are well mannered in normal driving conditions but do have a much more authoritative sound than the stockers.
Just my .02.
The gears issue has already been addressed but I would agree that going to 3.55s would be a waste. It most likely wouldn't feel any different than the 3.31s. Go for the 3.73s and you'll be happy. You'll have a very usable 5th gear on the interstates and highways.
Have fun!
Snack
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66 Coupe Tahoe Turq - 200, Pertronix & Flamethrower, 3 Row Rad, Cliff. 6/2 96 GT Vert Laser Red - FMS pulleys, Bullet ProM, BBK CAI, Prof. Prod. Elbow and 70mm TB, MAC Off-Road H, Borla side exhaust, Tokicos, B&M Ripper, 18x10 & 18x9 DD Bulletts 06 GT Tungsten, UIP, Red Leather, Stick, 18" blades, Steeda CAI, SCT XCal 2 w/ MC Racing 91 tune, MACs, BMR SP010 springs, BMR Adj Panhard, CDC ducktail & quarter louvers, Rear louver, painted black stripes
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm going 3.73s I think. The axlebacks are still up in the air. What's everyone thoughts of a Hurst versus the MGW shifter (except price, haha). I'm thinking a little bit of dynamat in with the hurst should minimize the extra noise.
__________________
*1998 Ford Contour SVT* EH 2.5L Duratec v6
Stock as can be, just trying to reverse the damage the previous owner caused.
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm going 3.73s I think. The axlebacks are still up in the air. What's everyone thoughts of a Hurst versus the MGW shifter (except price, haha). I'm thinking a little bit of dynamat in with the hurst should minimize the extra noise.
The Hurst isn't any noisier than my current Pro 5.0.
Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm going 3.73s I think. The axlebacks are still up in the air. What's everyone thoughts of a Hurst versus the MGW shifter (except price, haha). I'm thinking a little bit of dynamat in with the hurst should minimize the extra noise.
I havent had any issues with noise regarding my hurst. Alittle notchy at first but after break-in...Perferct.
Im also interested in MGW if anyone has run it, posting experiences. I just like the fact that it is practically fully-adjustable. One setting for the track and one setting for cruising, I think thats cool, but will await responses.....
I'm leaning towards a MGW...A guy in our club has one in his and he let me sit in it. I definitely like the feel of it and the adjustability to make it exactly how you want it.
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07 GT Prem Vert, Vista Blue, Charcoal Int w/ Satin Alum Trim, Manual, 3:55's, 18" Polished Wheels Mods, Appearance: MRT two-tone light bar, Midwest Auto mirror covers and radiator cover extensions, Billet E-brake handle, cupholder trim, map light accent, door locks, door lock grommets, door sill accent plate bars, & mirror control kit, Roush spoiler, shift knob & floormats, Custom painted plenum and fuse box covers Performance: JLT II CAI w/ SCT XCAL2 93 tune, GTA's
2007 Mustang GT... Mod planning has begun. 
Any other suggestions?
