Rick_Stang

I just got my first 5.0... I posted about it in the New Members section. It is an 89 LX Conv. w/ 70k miles. It’s pretty stock except for flowmasters. I will be doing some basic maintenance stuff and checking out what needs to be repaired/replaced but I was kinda looking for a place to start for mods once that is done. Now don’t go crazy I am on a tight budget and will do things in stages. No generally when I have moded cars in the past I’ve started with CAI and exhaust. It’s that a good starting place here too, if so what are some good suggestions on brands and places to get it... or Is there a different beginning. I'm not looking for a 10 sec car or anything but I would like a little extra power and still maintain drivability... I'm sure the bug will take over and I will want more and more but for now just a starting point. Thanks for the advice....

Rick

droptop302

I would start w/t (u/d/p's) and k&n in the air fliter box and remove the air silencer. Thats what i would start w/t should be about 100bucks or cheper

Pony 5.0

If you haven't removed the air silencer yet, do that. Then throw in a flat panel K&N. Advance the timing, do a tune up. The best seat of the pants mod I have done were the gears. Your vert would benefit from a set of 3.73's or even 4.10's. Then do a h/c/i as you save the money. GT40 heads and an intake from an Explorer are relatively inexpensive and will wake up your 5.0. Also pay attention to the exhaust and suspension.

88BlueGT

If you check out the stickies under "Tech Articles" there is a "first mods list". Read it. +1 to posted above about swapping air filter, removing, silencer, tune up and bumping your timing (theres also a sticky in the tech articles section on this). Good luck and welcome to the site!

AdderMk2

avoid UDP's... they cost way too much for the minimal gains, and potential charging system issues they can cause.

best first mods are:

K&N filter
bump timing to 12°
gears
full exhaust (headers, mid pipe, catback)


I feel like I missed something... bit im not sure what

five0fm

check corral.net for cheap parts. people are always selling gt40s and intakes and full exhausts for the cheapest ive seen anywhere.

dancam

bbk cold air and bbk underdrive pullys , with a slight advance in timing ,made my car run 14.30's when my car was stock. Thats a 1/2 second faster than stock.