Should I throw modifications on my 03 Mach 1 or leave it stock for collectibility reasons?</P>


I know I gotta get a K&amp;N (which isn't much) and my friend told me I need to plug my engine chip into a computer (I am new to all this, so I have NO idea what he is talking about!) to get about 20 more hp out of it. Then he told me to get different exhaust.</P>


What are your guys takes on this?</P>

 

As for the computer thing....you're freind's on crack

 

Check with warranty before you do anything. Some mods will void warranty. Afteryour warranty is up do whatever, just keep all the original parts so it can put back to stock if so desired.</P>

 

For now, I'd just say K&amp;n and exhaust the exhaust alone will give you good power gains...

 

<FONT size=2>If you do modify it...use ford racing performance parts or steeda. I believe that since both are a part of Ford motor company, they will not void your warranty. But don't take my word for it. Mine's a 2000 and I'm sure that our warranties differ in some ways. Read your warranty carefully, then when you're ready MODIFY THE HELL OUT OF IT. I would.<IMG src=smileys/smiley1.gif border="0"></FONT>

 

a complete exhaust and k&amp;n will give you about 25-30 ponies at the flywheel, bringing you near the 350 mark. It'll cost you too, if you do the work youself it'll be around $1200-$1500. The hard part are the headers - worth doing on your car for sure - but to have them installed costs about $600-$800. The mid-pipe and cat back you certainly can do yourself.</P>


Collectabiltity will only come in way down the line and if your car is mint, plan on keeping your car for 25 years and babying it the whole time? just enjoy it now. </P>

 

All good points guys, and thanks.</P>


I can do the K&amp;N whenever, but I sure don't have the money for the exhaust right now, so that will have to wait.</P>


As far as collectibility, I am only concerned when it comes to resale. Although I plan on keeping the car for awhile, I would be interested in knowing how well it will hold its value, in lets say, 5 years (When it will be paid off).</P>

 

A modern Mustang will almost never has any sort of collectibility, far too many are being produced.</P>


It all depends on the miles you put on her...Also, modifying removes the 'original' value. </P>

 

Well, mustangs don't hold their value well- I had a hard time deciding to buy new rather than a couple of years old at substantial savings. Check out edmunds.com, they have a "cost of ownership" some of it is BS, but the general value of the car is pretty accurate.</P>

 

well when you make that turn off the lot you lose 2-3k in the first mile..what does this tell you?? buy a 1-2 year old car and let the other owner absorb that loss