What would you guys say are the easiet performance upgrades to buy/install. I know cold air/headers what else? Also are those tuners really easy to use just wondering.

 

the tuners are great, even if you get a good tune on a stock car you will get good gains...i know the alternativeauto tune for the v6 adds about 40trq to the car

 

my 2 year old could work the tuner. that's how easy it is to pick up 25hp and 25ft.lbs of torque. go with the xcal2 by SCT from a good tuner like brenspeed or alternative auto. it makes a world of difference on the autos. will chirp 2nd and 3rd if you want. next to that gears are the best bang for your buck. go with 3.73-4.10 and you won't be sorry. may cost a couple hundred to get them installed but it's well worth it! hope this helps

 

I second that comment!!!

I run an automatic too and after the purchase of a good CAI and tuner, the next mod on your list should be a set of Ford Racing gears (because they do not whine)...

I had a set of 3.73s installed (because I will supercharge) and it made a big difference...

If you are not going with a S/C, then try the 4.11 gear package...

Best of Luck, Dave

P.S. You could also open the exhaust up with a race catback system or even change to a higher stall speed torque converter...

 

Being almost completely mechanically ignorant ("I just race the things, not fix 'em"), what does going up in numbers mean? I mean if that's all I did was change from stock (is it 3.55?) to the 4.11's what would it do to my 0-60 times, 1/4 mile times and to MPG?
Sorry for sleeping during that day in auto class those many years ago! But it was a morning class!

 

when you go up in numbers it is actually a lower gear. kind of like the difference between 2nd and 3rd gear. 2nd gear is lower(numerically higher than first) and allows the engine to rev quickly to reach the peak power range. going from 3.55 to 4.11 is a decent jump so you will no doubt notice the car will be quicker to accelerate. gas mileage really depends on your driving style. i went from 3.31 to 3.73 and did not notice any real change in mileage. theoretically your highway mpg should be lower since you are running at a higher rpm while cruising. mine didn't make a noticable change still getting 17-18 city and 21-23 highway. performance gains will be .3-.5 seconds 1/4mile. 0-60 may lower about same since thats the area the gears will help.

 

Excellent answer! Thanks spyder!
Oh, another easy power getter is probably the underdrive pulleys, eh?

 

yeah pullies are worth about 10hp and an easy install. i went with the march fluidamper lower pulley and a mezeire electric water pump. if you believe the claims made by both companies i should have gained 27hp. in reality both items are worth about 10-15hp. good luck hope this helps.

 

The only problem with underdrive pulleys is that I installed them on a different car years ago and living in the city, and driving in stop and go traffic, I went through three batteries in three years...

With headlights, radio. heater and wipers going (at all once), the car was not charging efficiently enough ssooooo changing the battery every year was a must...

Dave

 

if you experience that kind of problem you can get an upgraded alternator fromPA performance or powermaster that will increase amp output at low rpms. my 5.0 (march pulley set) never had that problem but it was a special service car(cop car package) so it had a larger alternator from the factory. i did notice that when all accessories were on at night the headlights would go dim slightly when idling in gear.