Just purchased a 2005 GT Auto Convertible with 48K miles. It's completely stock. Over the next several months (years?) I plan to modify the engine, brakes, suspension, wheels and exhaust. I'm looking for relatively simple, bolt on mods that will maximize performance without re-designing the entire engine and drive train. So, starting with the engine, my immediate plan is to:
1) Replace air filter with K&N
2) Replace spark plugs with champions (never been changed)
3) Use SCT/SF3 tuner to tune engine to run on premium fuel

In about 6 to 12 months:
4) Replace coil on plug wires
5) Install cold air induction system
6) Install larger throttle body
7) Re-tune engine

I would appreciate any thoughts on this plan. Thanks!

 

Scrap 1 -4. Get the CAI and tuner now. As for spark plugs I wouldn't worry about them yet until you figure out exactly what you next step in mods will be.

 

Get a JLT 2 CAi and a tune and you will doing great. Don't waste your cash on the other stuff. Spend it on a sticky tire or grears or both.

 

1) Replace air filter with K&N Useless. Even a no-tune-required CAI does little performance wise. Head the forum members advice: a CAI & tune is the only way to go for best bang-for-the-buck besides going FI and N2. Stand-alone CAI ~ 3-5 RWHP. CAI & tune combo ~ 20-25 RWHP.
2) Replace spark plugs with champions (never been changed) There are other good plugs out there. Use the search feature.
3) Use SCT/SF3 tuner to tune engine to run on premium fuel See #1 above. Even an 87 octane custom tune runs cirlces around the stock 87 tune.

In about 6 to 12 months:
4) Replace coil on plug wires Useless unless you're heavily modded/FI. Aftermarket COPs also have been prone to failures.
5) Install cold air induction system See #1 above. Get the CAI & tune combo.
6) Install larger throttle body USELESS unless you're heavily modded. The stock TB flows as well as needed. Aftermarket TB's are known for install problems.
7) Re-tune engine See #1 above.

Additionally, any exhaust work after the H-pipe will only add sound, NO performance. For some additional performance consider cams with LT headers, UDP's, electric water pump, aluminum DS, gears, lighten the load...

 

Gears and CAI then adjust from there.

 

You did the right thing by asking for advice. Some of us have spent money on things that weren't needed or didn't help, thankfully people share what did work and what was a waste.

Ford did a good job designing the motor from the start. Things that would help other vehicles just aren't needed on s197's. An example is the tb. The stock one flows 975 cfm. That will support alot of hp.

IMO your best bang for the buck is to get a tuner/cai combo from someplace like www.brenspeed.com Then hang out on some forums for awhile and learn to seperate the bs from fact. Then figure out where you want to go with the car.