I'm glad I came across this site. I'm a newbie to the high performance world and have learned some things, but most have pretty much confused me. I own a '98 Mustang GT, 4.6L, stock. Haven't started racing at all, but eventually want to get there, which would be the best way to start out? I've heard of Cold Air Induction Systems and Performance Chips/ECU Upgrades, however, what I haven't been told is if I need to do anything to my engine prior to getting these upgrades? I've browsed through the site and this is the best I have come across (with a person of my car mentality). Where should i start? I appreciate you all informing the clueless like myself!

There are a couple of things you can do rather inexpensively to get more power out of your '98. Underdrive pulley's are a great start, as is exhaust (x-pipe and cat-back system). Not sure whether a cold-air intake is worth anything since your car comes from the factory with a cold air set-up. Perhaps a K&N filter to replace the factory one. MM&FF has done tests where they see 2-3 horsepower improvement with a filter change.

Probably the best thing you can do from a performance perspective (although it will give you zero horsepower) is a set of gears...3.55's or 3.73's is you have a 5 speed and 4.10's if an auto.

I don't have a mod motor so perhaps others know of more things to do with them. good luck.

That will definitely work for a start, thanks, appreciate the help. It is a 5-speed so I'll take all into consideration. As far as the gears are concerned, do you have any recommendations as to what to get, I know it's pretty much for whatever you have a feel for, but whats ur preference?

Thanks, I'll keep posting on how its going.

Blacksteen is right gears really wake up the fun factor in a mustang. I have a 88 GT with 3:55 an might consider 3:73s.
Talk to people and listen to their opinion about gear ratio selection then make up your mind. Do you do alot of highway commuting or city, are you going to be a regular at the race track? Take these into consideration.
Other mods if you are just starting out are: shifter-to save your transmission- frame connectors- to stiffen up the chassis
K+N filter, and from here it's just the beginning.
If you get some track time and be consistint suspension mods and slicks would be next. Believe me you will see your ET's drop and you have'nt touched the motor yet! Everyone will have a different opinion and thats fine, but start out with a good foundation and carrry on from there.
P.S. there are a number of very good books for information on what you are after at book stores and the library

[specter]

I myself, have yet to add any REAL performance parts. I personally started off with the BASICS: K&N Air Filter - silencer, Bosh Double Platinum plugs, Hypertech 160 Thermostat, MSD 8.8 wires. Trips to the gas station are not so often anymore and the car runs great. Its probably all in my head but it feels as if its got a bit more pickup. A xpipe and underdrive pullies are next on the list, as is a ripper shifter and 3.73 gears. Like the rest of these guys are saying, make a firm foundation and work from there. Get a good idea of what your goals are and go for it.