What to upgrade first?

gunsnbam · 02-13-2006, 01:26 PM

Hi I am about to get a 2002 mustang GT but before I do, I wanted to go ahead and learn everything so that I dont go into upgrading blindly. So I have a few questions.

What are the first upgrades I should get? Cold Air intake and exhaust?
What is a good performance chip? Is this one good?
http://www.mustangtuning.com/sct-4-b...uter-chip.html
When I get one would I have to get a tuner like the SCT XCalibrator 2?
And if I were to get a bodykit later about how much would it cost to get the whole thing painted?

Thank.

roushrider81 · 02-13-2006, 01:32 PM

Just get a K & N filter (wait till other guys explain it cause i don't really remember what the whole reason was) But for a catback what kinda sound you lookin for?? deep, loud and raw SLP!!!!! what kinda sound u want?

Mug11 · 02-13-2006, 01:36 PM

In my opinion. The best mod to do is exhaust. Just because it gives it that "modded" tone. Whether you just get a cat-back, weld-ins, or full setup (manifolds to tail pipes), it'll give it that throaty sound. After exhaust, another good thing for GT's is simple appearence changes (wheels/tires, mach 1 grill delete, etc etc.) You do not need a 4 bank chip unless you are running a blown(supercharged), or nitrous injected car. The Xcal2 is the best tuner out there right now, and that will be all you need. As far as paint goes, it depends on the color of the car. My paint (redfire) is a hole lot more then your standard white or black. But on average for a good paint job for just the body pieces, expect to pay around $750. prices may vary around where you live.

CCM · 02-13-2006, 01:39 PM

Also, don't settle for just anything. Your car is where you spend a lot of time and you want it to be perfect, just like you would want it. I wish I hadn't jumped right into buying my car before doing some research. If I could do it again, I would wait it out until I found a Azure Blue Mach I with a 5 speed. (I originally thought that Mach I's were just a special appearance Mustang, little did I know it had 32 valves). So that's my advice. Keep shopping around until you find one that makes your jaw drop every time you see it.

TEXASPAUL · 02-13-2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCM

(I originally thought that Mach I's were just a special appearance Mustang, little did I know it had 32 valves).

what a dork:loser: ......

lol jk

r3dn3ck · 02-13-2006, 02:31 PM

You're asking for people to tell you what's best for you. Not a good way to get a good answer.

First, tell us what you want to do with the car long term. Drag race, street, open track, autocross? Second, how much money do you have to spend on mods each month on average? do you want to keep the back seat? Is ride quality an issue?

See, it's hard to give you an answer you'll like without you tellling us where to start.

If I had it all to do again, regardless of what direction I was going with the car, I'd do the following in order (start taking notes):

13" cobra brake upgrade (about 400 bucks). MUST DO! Stock brakes eat bawlz.
Shifter
Subframe braces (Griggs, Maximum Motorsport, etc... weld in only). (100 bucks.)
Racing seats and harnesses (about a grand or so, depending)
Maximum Motorsports F&R Bilstein coil-over (another grand and change)
Maximum motorsports control arms F&R
Maximum Motorpsorts Panhard Bar & Torque Arm
17x9 wheels with 275/40/17 all the way around.
P&P heads w/ new cams & springs.
blower

Done in order that's a bad motor scooter package. It's also very expensive and worth every penny. Everything there compliments the next thing in some way and is totally flexible so you don't have to worry about it working with your next mod.

I'm done with that very list all the way down to the wheels. Heads go in tomorrow for porting, then the 5.4L and maybe a blower will be attached and I'll start handing out kills.

DarkSith · 02-13-2006, 03:23 PM

If you're looking for a quick kick in perf. and don't plan on staying N/A then get some 4.10's.

gunsnbam · 02-13-2006, 04:40 PM

What I am planing on using it for is dragging...but then just riding it around because it will be my only car. Thats why I was thinking of getting a chip or tuner...to save gas when I dont need it and all that. Whats the difference between a perfromance chip and a tuner like the Xcaliber 2? As for looking for cars...my jaw drops at a 2001 Mustang Cobra...but I was thinking that thats to powerfull for a first draggster..I dunno...I might end up getting it instead of a 2002 GT.

whitethunder46 · 02-13-2006, 04:49 PM

Definately go for the Cobra. It'll be much more beneficial to you.

A friend of mine has a 01 Cobra. Stock was like 273RWHP (305 engine), they did a carback, mid pipe, underdrive pulleys, CAI, and dyno tune = 337RWHP That was a 64RWHP difference

On a GT stock would be around 225RWHP (260 engine) with those same mods you might be around 255RWHP
That's only a 30RWHP difference.

This is why I say a Cobra (4v) will breathe and get much higher gains with similar mods.

PureStang · 02-13-2006, 05:29 PM

if it gonna be for drag...then start off with a blower.....

blowers will give you a base to start from.....cause say u get 4.10's diff gears....then u get blown and its too much gear....ull have to get a new set and pay for installation....thats wasted money....

so start off with something BIG and the rest of the mods are supporting the blower

(but of course....exhaust will be nice....)

csledd · 02-13-2006, 06:46 PM

I would get a few mods under your belt before going with a tuner.. and when you do pick one up I recommend the SCT Xcalibrator 2. Exhaust is definately important.. to get the most power you want Long tube headers.. I like my Off-Road X-pipe with it also. You'll also want some gears. Gears won't give you more horsepower but it's a torque mulitplier and will help you accelerate much faster. Also if your car is a 5-speed I recommend a short throw shifters.. there's several brands out there that carry them and they are just about all as good as the other brand. I would also do a plenum / tb combo to help you get some more air into your car. The CAI's don't help much on these N/A cars, so don't spend a lot of time/money worrying about that. You can remove the silencer from the stock one and it'll probably help you just a tad. Do lots of research though on what you buy.

CCM · 02-13-2006, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunsnbam

What I am planing on using it for is dragging...but then just riding it around because it will be my only car. Thats why I was thinking of getting a chip or tuner...to save gas when I dont need it and all that. Whats the difference between a perfromance chip and a tuner like the Xcaliber 2? As for looking for cars...my jaw drops at a 2001 Mustang Cobra...but I was thinking that thats to powerfull for a first draggster..I dunno...I might end up getting it instead of a 2002 GT.

Hell yeah man, that's my favorite Cobra too, I like them better than 03/04 Cobras.

bikerjoe · 02-13-2006, 09:10 PM

4.10s................

MattJ · 02-13-2006, 09:24 PM

Start big and work your way down. Get a supercharger first.

*madmatt* · 02-14-2006, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattJ

Start big and work your way down. Get a supercharger first.

Best advice ever. Take it now, or pay later...:bash:

gunsnbam · 02-14-2006, 05:15 PM

Why would I pay later and about how much is a good supercharger? I heard this is a good first upgrade set up by a guy a used to know. He said to get..

Intake
Exhaust
Headers
Timing
Chip

All at the same time...would this be good? By the way guys I dont want to just go crazy and get everything all at once. I am new to all this stuff and not many people around here do this. Thats why Im not sure about getting the big things first...unless somebody could give me a good reason?....And what the heck does a supercharger and 'turbo' do?

bikerjoe · 02-14-2006, 05:53 PM

they do what they do and very well...lol

sorry

*madmatt* · 02-14-2006, 06:12 PM

First, intakes dont do ANYTHING for our cars. Secondly, about paying later, listen to ANY of the guys with nothing but boltons on this site, and ask how much they have spent on bolt ons and ask them what they really want. For the MOST part, they will say something over 2k, and MOST of them will say they really want a supercharger. Take me for example, ive spent almost 4k on nothing but bolt ons and gears and exhaust, when in reality, instead of 250 rwhp, I could have had 380 rwhp had I just saved up for the blower and done it first. Dont have to take the advice, but its free, and abundant around here.

PureStang · 02-14-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

First, intakes dont do ANYTHING for our cars. Secondly, about paying later, listen to ANY of the guys with nothing but boltons on this site, and ask how much they have spent on bolt ons and ask them what they really want. For the MOST part, they will say something over 2k, and MOST of them will say they really want a supercharger. Take me for example, ive spent almost 4k on nothing but bolt ons and gears and exhaust, when in reality, instead of 250 rwhp, I could have had 380 rwhp had I just saved up for the blower and done it first. Dont have to take the advice, but its free, and abundant around here.

:stupid:....im still in the safe zone..the only thing that i have do was a cat back.......imma gonna save a lil more and then get my vortech....i could buy alot of other things right now (i.e. headers, midpipe, rims, springs, etc.)...but im gonna get the s/c if i can....

if i cannot get the s/c....im gonna deff. finish up the exhaust and do my suspension

02-14-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

First, intakes dont do ANYTHING for our cars. Secondly, about paying later, listen to ANY of the guys with nothing but boltons on this site, and ask how much they have spent on bolt ons and ask them what they really want. For the MOST part, they will say something over 2k, and MOST of them will say they really want a supercharger. Take me for example, ive spent almost 4k on nothing but bolt ons and gears and exhaust, when in reality, instead of 250 rwhp, I could have had 380 rwhp had I just saved up for the blower and done it first. Dont have to take the advice, but its free, and abundant around here.

get a k&n intake... thats all ya need... they help a tit w/ mpg and add like 1-3hp...

ya dont really need it... but they're not bad to have

gunsnbam · 02-15-2006, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

First, intakes dont do ANYTHING for our cars. Secondly, about paying later, listen to ANY of the guys with nothing but boltons on this site, and ask how much they have spent on bolt ons and ask them what they really want. For the MOST part, they will say something over 2k, and MOST of them will say they really want a supercharger. Take me for example, ive spent almost 4k on nothing but bolt ons and gears and exhaust, when in reality, instead of 250 rwhp, I could have had 380 rwhp had I just saved up for the blower and done it first. Dont have to take the advice, but its free, and abundant around here.

Oh I'm proubly going to take all this advice seeing as how you have all done it before lol but I dont understand why get that first? Do you have to add all the bolt ons to it? ...and what IS a blower? Also...does anybody know a good message board or site about fixing up old muscle cars?

PureStang · 02-15-2006, 08:39 PM

a blower is a supercharger....

Vortech Mogoose Kit is Modular Power House's supercharger kit...it comes with EVERYTHING u need to get the s/c up and running safely and drive it around town.....the vortech seems to be the most popular kit for street/strip applications...that is the kit im getting......

and you can trust the guys that work at miles per hour....its an all mustang garage so to speak.....

check out their forums @ modularpowerhouse.com.....

EDIT: you dont need any bolt ons to your car proior to the s/c....many people do it but find out later that they arent happy with their results and wished that tehy when forced inducted instead of adding basic boltons....

02-15-2006, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PureStang

a blower is a supercharger....

Vortech Mogoose Kit is Modular Power House's supercharger kit...it comes with EVERYTHING u need to get the s/c up and running safely and drive it around town.....the vortech seems to be the most popular kit for street/strip applications...that is the kit im getting......

and you can trust the guys that work at miles per hour....its an all mustang garage so to speak.....

check out their forums @ modularpowerhouse.com.....

EDIT: you dont need any bolt ons to your car proior to the s/c....many people do it but find out later that they arent happy with their results and wished that tehy when forced inducted instead of adding basic boltons....

a blower is NOT a s/c

bowers chillontopof the intake manifold while s/c's dont...

02-13-2006, 01:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
gunsnbam Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 9	What to upgrade first? Hi I am about to get a 2002 mustang GT but before I do, I wanted to go ahead and learn everything so that I dont go into upgrading blindly. So I have a few questions. What are the first upgrades I should get? Cold Air intake and exhaust? What is a good performance chip? Is this one good? http://www.mustangtuning.com/sct-4-b...uter-chip.html When I get one would I have to get a tuner like the SCT XCalibrator 2? And if I were to get a bodykit later about how much would it cost to get the whole thing painted? Thank.

02-13-2006, 01:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
roushrider81 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 1,366	Just get a K & N filter (wait till other guys explain it cause i don't really remember what the whole reason was) But for a catback what kinda sound you lookin for?? deep, loud and raw SLP!!!!! what kinda sound u want? __________________ Car Exhaust=Click here to see Video

02-13-2006, 01:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mug11 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lubbock/Houston, TX Posts: 909	In my opinion. The best mod to do is exhaust. Just because it gives it that "modded" tone. Whether you just get a cat-back, weld-ins, or full setup (manifolds to tail pipes), it'll give it that throaty sound. After exhaust, another good thing for GT's is simple appearence changes (wheels/tires, mach 1 grill delete, etc etc.) You do not need a 4 bank chip unless you are running a blown(supercharged), or nitrous injected car. The Xcal2 is the best tuner out there right now, and that will be all you need. As far as paint goes, it depends on the color of the car. My paint (redfire) is a hole lot more then your standard white or black. But on average for a good paint job for just the body pieces, expect to pay around $750. prices may vary around where you live. __________________

02-13-2006, 01:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
CCM Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 1,382	Also, don't settle for just anything. Your car is where you spend a lot of time and you want it to be perfect, just like you would want it. I wish I hadn't jumped right into buying my car before doing some research. If I could do it again, I would wait it out until I found a Azure Blue Mach I with a 5 speed. (I originally thought that Mach I's were just a special appearance Mustang, little did I know it had 32 valves). So that's my advice. Keep shopping around until you find one that makes your jaw drop every time you see it. __________________ 2001 MINERAL GRAY GT (5-speed) H&R SuperSports MM 4-Bolt CC Plates Stoptech SS Brake Lines '03 Cobra Brakes Spec Billet Steel Flywheel Spec Stage 2 Clutch FRPP 4.10s X-Calibrator 2 Full Length Subframes Corbeau Legacy Racing Seats 18" Gunmetal Saleen Rims w/ Nitto 555s

02-13-2006, 03:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
DarkSith Victory Is Mine Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lake City, SC Posts: 1,327	If you're looking for a quick kick in perf. and don't plan on staying N/A then get some 4.10's. __________________

02-13-2006, 02:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
r3dn3ck Wowbagger hates me too! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Magrathea/California Posts: 6,865	You're asking for people to tell you what's best for you. Not a good way to get a good answer. First, tell us what you want to do with the car long term. Drag race, street, open track, autocross? Second, how much money do you have to spend on mods each month on average? do you want to keep the back seat? Is ride quality an issue? See, it's hard to give you an answer you'll like without you tellling us where to start. If I had it all to do again, regardless of what direction I was going with the car, I'd do the following in order (start taking notes): 13" cobra brake upgrade (about 400 bucks). MUST DO! Stock brakes eat bawlz. Shifter Subframe braces (Griggs, Maximum Motorsport, etc... weld in only). (100 bucks.) Racing seats and harnesses (about a grand or so, depending) Maximum Motorsports F&R Bilstein coil-over (another grand and change) Maximum motorsports control arms F&R Maximum Motorpsorts Panhard Bar & Torque Arm 17x9 wheels with 275/40/17 all the way around. P&P heads w/ new cams & springs. blower Done in order that's a bad motor scooter package. It's also very expensive and worth every penny. Everything there compliments the next thing in some way and is totally flexible so you don't have to worry about it working with your next mod. I'm done with that very list all the way down to the wheels. Heads go in tomorrow for porting, then the 5.4L and maybe a blower will be attached and I'll start handing out kills.

02-13-2006, 04:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
gunsnbam Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 9	What I am planing on using it for is dragging...but then just riding it around because it will be my only car. Thats why I was thinking of getting a chip or tuner...to save gas when I dont need it and all that. Whats the difference between a perfromance chip and a tuner like the Xcaliber 2? As for looking for cars...my jaw drops at a 2001 Mustang Cobra...but I was thinking that thats to powerfull for a first draggster..I dunno...I might end up getting it instead of a 2002 GT.

02-13-2006, 04:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
whitethunder46 Always Detailin' Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Dayton, OH Posts: 3,556	Definately go for the Cobra. It'll be much more beneficial to you. A friend of mine has a 01 Cobra. Stock was like 273RWHP (305 engine), they did a carback, mid pipe, underdrive pulleys, CAI, and dyno tune = 337RWHP That was a 64RWHP difference On a GT stock would be around 225RWHP (260 engine) with those same mods you might be around 255RWHP That's only a 30RWHP difference. This is why I say a Cobra (4v) will breathe and get much higher gains with similar mods. __________________ supernissans.net 2001 Mustang GT - Saleen Replica - SOLD 2007 Nissan Sentra 2.0S http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3022272

02-13-2006, 05:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
PureStang WE ARE PENNSTATE Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Downingtown/West Chester, PA Posts: 4,882	if it gonna be for drag...then start off with a blower..... blowers will give you a base to start from.....cause say u get 4.10's diff gears....then u get blown and its too much gear....ull have to get a new set and pay for installation....thats wasted money.... so start off with something BIG and the rest of the mods are supporting the blower (but of course....exhaust will be nice....) __________________ Brandon J My Ride sig by purestang

02-13-2006, 06:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
csledd DSG!!! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Paducah, KY Posts: 3,074	I would get a few mods under your belt before going with a tuner.. and when you do pick one up I recommend the SCT Xcalibrator 2. Exhaust is definately important.. to get the most power you want Long tube headers.. I like my Off-Road X-pipe with it also. You'll also want some gears. Gears won't give you more horsepower but it's a torque mulitplier and will help you accelerate much faster. Also if your car is a 5-speed I recommend a short throw shifters.. there's several brands out there that carry them and they are just about all as good as the other brand. I would also do a plenum / tb combo to help you get some more air into your car. The CAI's don't help much on these N/A cars, so don't spend a lot of time/money worrying about that. You can remove the silencer from the stock one and it'll probably help you just a tad. Do lots of research though on what you buy. __________________ CAP DSG Registry 2003 Mustang GT - daily driven check out my cardomain for more info 296 rwhp / 310 rwtq Money spent @ AM: $4623.20 1984 Mustang Hatch - low budget project

02-13-2006, 09:10 PM	#13 (permalink)
bikerjoe bikesrok Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: miami, fl 305 Posts: 703	4.10s................ __________________ MIAMI VICE

02-13-2006, 09:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
MattJ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 10,243	Start big and work your way down. Get a supercharger first. __________________ 2001 Mustang GT Premium - Mineral Grey

02-14-2006, 05:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
gunsnbam Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 9	Why would I pay later and about how much is a good supercharger? I heard this is a good first upgrade set up by a guy a used to know. He said to get.. Intake Exhaust Headers Timing Chip All at the same time...would this be good? By the way guys I dont want to just go crazy and get everything all at once. I am new to all this stuff and not many people around here do this. Thats why Im not sure about getting the big things first...unless somebody could give me a good reason?....And what the heck does a supercharger and 'turbo' do?

02-14-2006, 05:53 PM	#17 (permalink)
bikerjoe bikesrok Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: miami, fl 305 Posts: 703	they do what they do and very well...lol sorry __________________ MIAMI VICE

02-14-2006, 06:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
madmatt Traitor...lol Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 7,922	First, intakes dont do ANYTHING for our cars. Secondly, about paying later, listen to ANY of the guys with nothing but boltons on this site, and ask how much they have spent on bolt ons and ask them what they really want. For the MOST part, they will say something over 2k, and MOST of them will say they really want a supercharger. Take me for example, ive spent almost 4k on nothing but bolt ons and gears and exhaust, when in reality, instead of 250 rwhp, I could have had 380 rwhp had I just saved up for the blower and done it first. Dont have to take the advice, but its free, and abundant around here. __________________ RPMPlanets

02-15-2006, 08:39 PM	#22 (permalink)
PureStang WE ARE PENNSTATE Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Downingtown/West Chester, PA Posts: 4,882	a blower is a supercharger.... Vortech Mogoose Kit is Modular Power House's supercharger kit...it comes with EVERYTHING u need to get the s/c up and running safely and drive it around town.....the vortech seems to be the most popular kit for street/strip applications...that is the kit im getting...... and you can trust the guys that work at miles per hour....its an all mustang garage so to speak..... check out their forums @ modularpowerhouse.com..... EDIT: you dont need any bolt ons to your car proior to the s/c....many people do it but find out later that they arent happy with their results and wished that tehy when forced inducted instead of adding basic boltons.... __________________ Brandon J My Ride sig by purestang