advice needed

[moekneemaker]

im 17 and i recently got my first car a 95 tbird 4.6 and i was wondering what upgrades would be worth looking into

[97Bird]

How much money do you have to spend? Do you want performance or appearance upgrades? If the car has a lot of miles on it then major performance upgrades aren't recommended without rebuilding the engine first. If it runs good then I'd leave it alone except for a tune up, filters, oil and maybe new plug wires. Change the tranny fluid and filter (remember to drain the torque converter). Have the suspension checked out for loose or worn parts and replace them. Turning your car into a dependable daily driver should be your top priority before attempting any mods to it. Welcome to the group. Don't forget to check out the Tech Help thread for many good ideas and helpful tips!

[moekneemaker]

i have a bout a 1000 to spend,and im mainly concerned with performance, already given it a full tune up pluges wires oil such but nothing with the tranny where is the drain for the torque converter and do you have any suggestions for performance parts

[overl0rd]

You can drain the torque convertor by popping the plug out of the dust shield on the underside of the bellhousing. Rotate the engine by hand till you see a little plug come around. You can use a square socket or a 12 point on it. It takes a while to drain so be patient. Take a look at the TCCOA website (www.tccoa.com) for inexpensive tips for better performance, my favorite for being cheap and effective is removing the silencer tube from behind the airbox.

[forcfed93]

Originally Posted by moekneemaker

im 17 and i recently got my first car a 95 tbird 4.6 and i was wondering what upgrades would be worth looking into

After going through the car to make sure it is reliable and safe, I'd suggest a cold air intake, MAF and Throttle body. After that, it's "exhaust system time".....

[JR Tigerstar]

Originally Posted by forcfed93

I'd suggest a cold air intake, MAF and Throttle body. After that, it's "exhaust system time".....

I suggest new rear gears & a computer chip.

MN-12s already have cold air intakes.
New/better MAF & throttle body will not be of much benefit
unless you change out the restrictive intake manifold & cylinder heads.
Besides, with a different MAF, you will need to have the computer (ECU) re-programmed.

[forcfed93]

Originally Posted by JR Tigerstar

I suggest new rear gears & a computer chip.

MN-12s already have cold air intakes.
New/better MAF & throttle body will not be of much benefit
unless you change out the restrictive intake manifold & cylinder heads.
Besides, with a different MAF, you will need to have the computer (ECU) re-programmed.

My intention is NOT to get into a pi$$ing match here, but the Stock Intake system has a lot left to be desired. Thats why I suggested an aftermarket one. The aftermarket ones are larger and have better air flow. Adding a Larger MAF and Throttle Body WILL help. In fact, it gave me almost .5 seconds off my 1/4 mile time. You dont have to reprogram the ECU. C&L sells different sampling tube that will allow you to use the stock ECU.

A new chip should be the last thing you do. The chip needs to be re-burned everytime you make a new mod. It can get pricey if you do it early in the mod process!!!

I agree that gears would be a good upgrade .... I'd also suggest getting rid of the factory exhaust, Ford is known for VERY restrictive exhaust. After all, the engine is just an air pump! The faster you get the air in and out determines how much power and performance you get!

[moekneemaker]

how much would new rear gears run and could i do it my self, if so how

[JR Tigerstar]

Originally Posted by moekneemaker

how much would new rear gears run and could i do it my self, if so how

Do not install the gears unless you have expericence.

The gears run anywhere between $120.00 and $200.00.
You will need a new/different speedo gear in the transmission
for your speedometer to read correctly. $5.00 to $10.00.
If you go with 4.10 or higher gears you will need a Speed-Cal, about $100.00.
$250.00 to $500.00 labor.

Do not install the gears unless you have expericence.

[moekneemaker]

well i took out the intake silencer today, it sounds good but i dont kno if its helping nething, my next question is what would be the best cheap brand for a new intake

[97Bird]

Originally Posted by JR Tigerstar

Do not install the gears unless you have expericence.

The gears run anywhere between $120.00 and $200.00.
You will need a new/different speedo gear in the transmission
for your speedometer to read correctly. $5.00 to $10.00.
If you go with 4.10 or higher gears you will need a Speed-Cal, about $100.00.
$250.00 to $500.00 labor.

Do not install the gears unless you have expericence.

I hope you have a deep pockets to pay for the gas you will be using if you change gears! :22yikes: If your engine has a lot of miles on it, this mod will hasten it's demise. Intake and exhaust mods are your best bets, if you don't care about handling.

[moekneemaker]

brands?

[forcfed93]

Originally Posted by moekneemaker

well i took out the intake silencer today, it sounds good but i dont know if its helping anything, my next question is what would be the best cheap brand for a new intake

You wont notice any performance change just removing the air silencer. You will see a difference if you change the Intake tube, MAF and TB.

The Fresh Air Intake I got was a "ZR' and it was around $150 if i remember correctly. I got it from Blue Tongue Motorsports. (www.BlueTongueMotorsports.com)

As for changing the rear gear, I argee with JR Tigerstar .... Do not install the gears in the rear end unless you have expericence. If they aren't set up correctly you can really mess it up. I took mine to a drivetrain shop and had them set it up for me. It costed about 150 but it was "right". Then I just took it home and swapped it out. My total outlay on the mod was right at $375.00

Your mileage may change some, so be ready for it. I actually gained mpg on the road with mine. (91 SC). It seams that my mods make the car run more effectently at higher RPMs. My Highway mileage went from 23 to almost 27 with 3:73. (I had 3:27s before).

[97Bird]

Originally Posted by forcfed93

I actually gained mpg on the road with mine. (91 SC). It seams that my mods make the car run more effectently at higher RPMs. My Highway mileage went from 23 to almost 27 with 3:73. (I had 3:27s before).

Ain't gonna happen with a V8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JR Tigerstar]

With my P.I. headswapped engine & 3.73s
I get 13 to 15 miles per gallon City.
22 to 24 MPG Highway.