Cheap Good Hp Mods

Hey i have a 90 mustang gt that i am looking to improve and was wondering what are some of the cheaper mods but best HP gains besides nitros and superchargers.

Pulleys are a good mod and fairly inexpensive. After that you are going to have to put some money in it if you want to see some significant improvement. Gears and exhaust are also good mods but they are not what I would call cheap.

Fast, Good, Cheap: pick 2

Good + Cheap = not Fast
Fast + Cheap = not Good
Fast + Good = not Cheap

Fast, Good, Cheap: pick 2

Good + Cheap = not Fast
Fast + Cheap = not Good
Fast + Good = not Cheap

couldnt have said it better myself.


but if my memory serves me correctly there is already a thread still going about this topic.

couldnt have said it better myself.


but if my memory serves me correctly there is already a thread still going about this topic.
There will always be a topic like this around, with new people coming into the sport everyday, questions will always be had.

So here's a basic list of mods, although not always cheap.
#1, Gears!
#2, K&N with removed silencer
#3, short throw shifter, is 5-speed.
#4, complete exhaust system. Headers, h-pipe, catback
#5, pulleys

who makes good gears?pulleys?

March Performance Pulleys makes good pulleys. As far as gears I really dont know.

Gears? U Choose. Precision Gear makes good ones, FRPP, Reider Racing, etc.

Stick with a big name brand and you'll be OK. As long as they're properly installed they'll definitely outlast a T-5...

Gears? U Choose. Precision Gear makes good ones, FRPP, Reider Racing, etc.

Stick with a big name brand and you'll be OK. As long as they're properly installed they'll definitely outlast a T-5...
I've got Precision Gear gears in my car, and I can't complain about them one bit.

A Steeda Tri-Ax would be a big improvement over the stock rubbery shifter, I run one in my car now and I have in the past. Gears are probably the single biggest improvement in your cars acceleration, you can also bump the timing up a few degrees, get a cheap densecharger, full exhaust, and some weight removal.

A Steeda Tri-Ax would be a big improvement over the stock rubbery shifter, I run one in my car now and I have in the past. Gears are probably the single biggest improvement in your cars acceleration, you can also bump the timing up a few degrees, get a cheap densecharger, full exhaust, and some weight removal.

are there any downsides to advancing the timing?

i think ive whored this guys thread to the fullest lol

are there any downsides to advancing the timing?

i think ive whored this guys thread to the fullest lol


You gotta run higher octane fuel. You can also get a short belt to free up a few horsies... just dont run it too long wihtout the short belt cuz the smog pump will seize.. that is if your state requires such smog equipment..

Other than that, k&n filter and removing the air silencer is pretty cheap. Also adjust your TPS for better throttle response.


Then if you got the money, get some taller rear end gears, then headers(which go for better mileage as well).

You gotta run higher octane fuel. You can also get a short belt to free up a few horsies... just dont run it too long wihtout the short belt cuz the smog pump will seize.. that is if your state requires such smog equipment..

Other than that, k&n filter and removing the air silencer is pretty cheap. Also adjust your TPS for better throttle response.


Then if you got the money, get some taller rear end gears, then headers(which go for better mileage as well).
The higher octane really depends on the car. I can run 16-18* of timing with 89 octane without any pinging what so ever.

Don't run a short belt if you still have the stock cat h-pipe. Bypassing the smog pump with cats still in place will only cause the cats to clog up creating a major flow problem.

It is highly recomended that you DO NOT touch the TPS sensor to adjust the voltage. The settings stock are just fine and need no adjustment unless you have swapped throttle bodys and the sensor was removed. Then it will need to be adjusted to the proper voltage reading. Improper voltage settings will cause you nothing but problems. LEAVE THE TPS ALONE!!!!

Sorry man, didn't mean to pick apart your post, but just wanted to clear up a few things.

The higher octane really depends on the car. I can run 16-18* of timing with 89 octane without any pinging what so ever.

Don't run a short belt if you still have the stock cat h-pipe. Bypassing the smog pump with cats still in place will only cause the cats to clog up creating a major flow problem.

It is highly recomended that you DO NOT touch the TPS sensor to adjust the voltage. The settings stock are just fine and need no adjustment unless you have swapped throttle bodys and the sensor was removed. Then it will need to be adjusted to the proper voltage reading. Improper voltage settings will cause you nothing but problems. LEAVE THE TPS ALONE!!!!

Sorry man, didn't mean to pick apart your post, but just wanted to clear up a few things.


I definitely agree'd with the higher octane thing cuz my car does the same thing.. I don't know why.. Butt I just figured that his car may not be like that, so I just wanted to say it to be safe.

I just spoke about the rest of the stuff from magazines I read(like Car Craft), not from experience.. haha.. so ya.

n/m my post then.. lol

You gotta run higher octane fuel. You can also get a short belt to free up a few horsies... just dont run it too long wihtout the short belt cuz the smog pump will seize.. that is if your state requires such smog equipment..

Other than that, k&n filter and removing the air silencer is pretty cheap. Also adjust your TPS for better throttle response.


Then if you got the money, get some taller rear end gears, then headers(which go for better mileage as well).

Does anyone know the part number or who makes this short belt? Seems like a silly question but you would be surprised the looks I get when I ask for one.

what you do is, figure out how wide your stock belt is. then take twine or something similar, and wrap it around all your pulleys in the correct pattern. make sure you include the tensioner. then, measure how long it is. take a few inches off (it varies) to account for tension and belt stretch. then go to the parts store and ask for a belt in those dimensions

oh yeah... when you're talking about cars, saying 'good' and 'cheap' in the same sentence is uber taboo =). unless of course, you say something like 'almost no good mods are cheap'

Bypassed smog pump will require an 84.5" belt. Bypassing the smog pump and power steering will require a 70.5" belt.
Also reference this site if you feel the need too.
http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/02/quicktips/index.shtml

When i say cheap i mean which is the most inexpensive so i can work from there up. cuz i dont want to by the most expensive and work down from there. so how much would a good set of exhaust and headers cost me.

Thanks Hiflow