'98 MGM LS - New Owner, Looking for performance tips

So I just bought my first MGM. Was elderly owned, has 78k on it...its big, roomy, and drives like the leather lazyboy in my den.


But I find my self wanting just abit more out of it. This feeling started when my Air Suspension Module went, and I swapped out the cushy airbags for a decent set of springs and new performance shocks. It was then that I realized that I actually didn't LIKE the squishy, and sometimes wobbly feeling I would get when traveling down the road, or taking corners... Certainly it make interstate driving very very comfortable, which I do alot of, but still abit of an odd feeling at times.

So, with the cost effective change in suspension, I realized I might be able to get more out of this big boi.



So, I need some help.

What I'm Looking For:

I've got around $500.00 to spend, thats more or less the ammount i'm willing to put into this vehicle for performance, give or take $150.00.

I'm not looking to burn out sets of tires, and i'm not looking to do 0-60 in 4 seconds, or to take it on any of the tracks here in Tampa.

I want to keep my fuel economy, which if I keep my foot out of it, I do very well (17.5 City). I do ALOT of driving for my job, and this is absolutely a non negotiable... with gas where its at and driving a V8, I can't risk hurting my economy.


But I want something that gives me just abit more power, and abit more acceleration that's noticeable...and maybe something that doesn't sound too bad either. Especially for those times when the Altimas and various suburbo-mom cars think they can disrespect me on the bridge driving home at night.


I've done some research, and I am so confused. I see Cold Airflow Intakes, turbo fans, chips, exhausts.... And so many differing opinons on what works, and what doesn't.....


I've already got new plat plugs in, and 8 brand new coils, which i've already noticed some better gas mileage and, imho, a slightly noticeable responsiveness in acceleration.






Thanks in advanced.

-XB

Welcome to AutomotiveForums! And good choice on your new vehicle.

For your $500 limit, the money would be most wisely spent on a J-mod and a custom computer tune.

I have a SCT X3 handheld tuner with a custom tune from Lonnie at Blue Oval Chips. He works on all sorts of Ford cars ranging from stock to wild forced induction applications and his service is excellent.

You can get the X3 tuner and a custom tune for $425 at
http://www.blueovalchips.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=272

You will have to fill out the details in the spec sheet which is located at the bottom of that page. If you have any questions, ask and do not assume. You don't want to lose performance because you gave bad information.

In addition to that (and you should do this before the tune although I did not), is a J-Mod of your transmission. It makes the grandpa shifts of the Grand Marquis much more crisp. My tires now leave marks when I floor it and it shifts from 1st to 2nd.thanks to the J-mod. If you don't want the 1-2 shift jerky, than you can put in the accumulator spring from a Mustang which is softer and still allows a more crisp shift but without jerking your head back every time.

I am running the J-mod with only the upper 1-2 accumulator spring (no lower) and although my friends think my transmission is failing, I love the very fast and firm shift it does. Nobody expects tire chirp from a GMQ.

The J-mod is also the best time to perform vital transmission cleaning and fill it with fresh MERCON V ATF. You will need 10 quarts, and you should get a new filter. Read my HOWTO in the Mustang Performance section of the Ford subforum about the J-Mod.

Lastly, a rear sway bar helps for handling if you don't have one already. I installed a used 17mm bar from a Police Interceptor. It was free but spent around $60 on new ENS bushings, Moog endlinks, and Motorcraft attachments to the rear axle.

Ye be warned: Once you start modding, it will be hard to stop turning these land yachts into land yachts that actually feel somewhat sportier and faster.