[98Mustang18]

Hey, guys.

Looking for suggestions as far as reasonably affordable mods go.

I had to wait until I was eighteen to get my car, and boy, was it worth the wait.

It's a completely stock automatic, and while I love my car to death, a few more horses wouldn't hurt.

So, I know you guys are the ones to ask, where should I start?

Despite hearing mixed reviews, I was considering a tuner in the next year, I'd also like to know what brand of tuner I should use once the time comes.

My ultimate goal is to get this GT up to 300 horses in the next two years, while I save most of my money for my love, an '03-'04 Cobra. :nogrinner

 

[TrNr050]

First mod I would do is gears, probable 410's since it's an automatic. It will make a big improvement.

 

[04KenneBellGT]

Thats cool man, gotta start somewhere. I would highly recommend the 4.10 before anything you do. Then do the tuner, id look into SCT tuners. Then do some exhaust work to get it sounding the way ya want. All this will unleash some extra horses and give ya a lot more low end torque.

 

[98Mustang18]

Thanks, guys!

I read through a few other threads and I thought the gears would be recommended first, I've heard you can get them done for around 500-600, depending on your area?

I'll start shopping around, then.

I'll look in to the SCT Tuners, thanks for the tip there.

You guys are a big help, the exhaust system will be coming up in there, too.

I want that classic rumble, but first I want a little bit of power to go with the flash.

Again, thanks for your help!

 

[Guest]

Congrats on the car! I wouldn't be so worried about trying to hit 300HP if you're ultimately saving for a Cobra.

You'll really feel like you're driving a different car once you slap some 4.10's in there. If you're not happy with that then the usual cheap mods like underdrive pulleys and a tuner and some exhaust will really make driving fun. Save the rest for your Cobra.

I can't remember how different the exhaust is in the 98's but I know the 96's come stock with 6 cats. If you're doing exhaust work you should consider going to an X or H pipe with 2 hi-flow cats along with whatever catback system you pick. The stock mufflers aren't overly restrictive but you will definately benefit from going aftermarket. You'll notice the sound more than the performance but hey... ya gotta sound good when you're cruising!

If you're not going the route of a cold air intake you can get a drop in style K&N filter (or similar brand) and get a tiny bit more airflow that way as well. Again, I don't know how similar the 98's are compared to the 96's with the stock air box but there's something else you can try. The 96's originally came with an air silencer (snorkel) that was attached to the stock airfilter box and tucked into the fender. This snorkel is pretty restrictive and will just pop out of the stock airbox as it's rubber. If yours is the same you can safely remove it and get a bit more airflow as well.

You should also check to make sure that you're car is properly tuned. A good tune up can go a long way to ensuring you're getting your HP to the ground. Check the plugs and wires. If you need new plugs stick with the stock autolites. You might play it safe and change the fuel filter as well... it's easy and cheap.

Congrats again and keep visiting the site to keep your pony movin'!

Snack