General Performance Mods - What to do and when to do it?
 

So I've been thinking, and I'm somewhat lost as far as what to do to my car to boost its performance.

I just was hoping to get a little insight about what to do, and in what order to do it.

Note this is strictly performance wise.

From what I have seen, its usually best to start with getting a Cold Air Intake, then go with a new exhaust system, and new headers.

I keep hearing about these tuners and computers and whatnot, and I'm sort of lost when it comes to what to do.

first thing first... what year is your car, and what type of engine and transmission do you currently have in the vehicle?? what do you hope to gain out of the car?

it looks like you've got an sn95, and if its a V8, where you should really start is to do a PI (performance improvemnt) intake maniforld swap. while the top end is apart, i recommend doing heads and cams too.

Nope, I have a 3.8L V6 1998

Its all stock right now. I bought a CAI but it was a shit brand and I returned it, still have to get a new one.

ok, please listen carefully, because i had a 94 V6 manual transmission and i loved the car very much.

first, please know that it will NEVER be as fast as a GT, and you will always be left wanting unless you do a big upgrade, such as a 4.1L stroker, supercharger, or engine swap.

if i were you and you want about 50+ horsepower, i recommend you do a head/cam/intake upgrade. check out these guys: http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/ your best bet for the intake is to find a used one from a 99-04 3.8L because those are split port intakes, while yours is a single port intake, and get it ported and polished. u do the heads and cams too, since you are taking the top end apart anyway.

also, if i were you i'd do gears. 4.10 for auto, 3.73s for a manual. get a t-lock (ford's name for a limited slip differential) and you get rid of that annoying one-wheel-peel. while you do this, get a tuner to adjust the speedo and maybe get a 93 octane performance tune.

suspension is an often overlooked area for a new modder. springs, shocks, bushings, and subframe connectors are a must for someone that does a lot of driving.

as far as the bolt ons such as exhaust, CAI, underdrive pullies, throttle body, etc, make very minimal gains on a 3.8L engine. these should be avoided until the end.

After looking at prices I think it might be easier on my wallet to get a v8. I do love my car but I'm sure I'd love the next one just as much.

If you want a Mustang for appearance the v6 is the way to go IMO. I like my car to look good but yeah, i would like it to go faster too.

Yeah GT is the way to go, I love my GT, but I rather have newer style.

I'd keep the V6 for a DD and get a '94-98 GT or cobra for fun, they're pretty cheap these days.

the only real way your going to see power is to.

do a supercoupe motor swap.

or do a splitport motor swap.


either way it is a motor swap. sorry but a singleport v6 is just going to take alot of money unless the motor is changed.

I think Im gonna stick with the V6 until I start making money (aka start college and do some co-ops or something).

I was thinking I might hold out until I can afford a '05 or newer.