What would this get me?

[AlexB]

I've had my eyes set on a 94-95 GT for a while and now that I have the money for it, I've got a few questions about what I could do with it. What would the following modifications get me as far as RWHP and 1/4 mile estimation on a 94-95 GT? I got 10 grand to spend on the car itself, the less I spend the more money I have for modifications right off. Within a few months, I'll have another 5k with which I'll probably end up spending on some exterior work and maybe a blower. But for now --

1. Full exhaust from headers to tip
2. K&N CAI
3. FULL Head work: exhaust and intake porting, full valve porting, performance valves, new internals, etc... (or would it be more efficient to just get new heads?)
4. underdrive pulleys
5. 72mm throttle body
6. 3.73 gears
7. subframe connectors and strut bars to keep the torque at bay
8. advanced timing (what would you suggest?)

btw I'm going to go check out this 95 GT today... 77k miles 5 speed asking 9k obo. If I can get it for 7-7.5k, I'll take it. wish me luck!

[texan]

While I've been into Honda's over Mustangs for a long time now, I still love the old Stang's and will give you my thoughts. If there's anything not quite up to date here I'm sure someone can correct my statements.

1) Fine, just make sure you pick the right components. I'd do it this way:
- shorty headers (long tube is great for power but not so great for installation and ground clearance). I like Bassani Jet Hot coated equal length shorties a ton.
- Bassani X pipe
- Whichever catback you like best, personally I liked the sound of my old Hooker setup better than most others. And of course, don't go over 2.5" piping unless you are really planning on getting that blower.

2) If you're on a tight budget, all you really need is the K&N conical filter with the rubber silencer/restrictor removed, which takes about ten seconds of your time. Otherwise pop for the whole thing, it will show small increases over the budget setup.

3) Forget working on the original cylinder heads, they are pure shit. Replace them with your choice of 302 specific heads, and remember to use the right cam and intake manifold in the process. The main weakpoints of the 302, in terms of power output, are the top end and stock cam. I recommend the Edelbrock Performer RPM top end package, which they have a new roller cam to match.

4) That's an easy 6-8 hp gain.

5) I've never seen a 72mm throttle body before, the most popular sizes are 65, 70, 75 and Pro M's 77. I recommend just finding a good 70mm body and leaving it at that.

6) It will depend on your choice of driving, engine power curve, vehicle weight and amount of rear end traction as to what rear gearing will work best. But yes, 3.73's are a good and moderate upgrade for the stock rear.

7) You can basically build up a suspension from scratch with all the aftermarket products out there now, and that's not surprising considering how bad the stock suspension is. If you have the money, go to Griggs for whatever suspension needs might come your way.

8) 14 degrees BTDC.



You've only scratched the surface of Mustang modification here, if you want to go into the motor there's much more that can be done. And I highly suggest you consider what exactly you want this vehicle to be capable of, performance wise, BEFORE you buy anything aftermarket. For instance, you haven't stated as to whether you're looking at automatic or manual transmission cars or what you're going to do about upgrading the rest of the drivetrain. At any rate, I'd estimate about 300 whp with such a setup (include an upgraded ignition to your list), of course what your final numbers and drivability will be plays heavily upon your cam choice. With mildly higher compression you can run a larger cam and get possibly 10-15 more peak hp, but that's best left for another discussion. Hope this helps, peace.

[KevlarMKIV]

You could see high 13's down the 1/4 with just the bolt ons and ported stock heads, with a head/cam/intake package youll be very close to 12's

[AlexB]

Thanks for the advice! Do any of you guys know of some sites where I could find all of these products at less than average prices?

Thanks