Ecstasy

I just recently bought a 1988 Ford Mustang GT 5.0, how much hp does it have stock?

rmodel65

225 hp 300lb torque

Ecstasy

so how much with flowmasters & k&n air filter, ive only seen it once, and im just waiting for it to be shipped to me now. it being a 1988 it doesnt have the mass airflow chip, so what can i do to increase hp & gas mileage that will make it faster, without messing something up?

bmnlsc

To make power you need fuel and air and the proper tune to make it work properly. The first thing you need to do are the basics...tune up (plugs, wires, coolant flush and oil change)..I left out air filter as you mention you have the K&N. Since this will cause your motor to suck in air better, you need to let it exhale better as well. Flows are nice, but consider the X-pipe and perhaps a 2.5inch system. You can also install Underdrive Pulleys, providing that you do not have an aftermarket sound system sucking large amounts of juice.

I mention this on my website...the best bang for your buck is to install gears. If this is your daily driver go with 3.55's. If this is a weekend warrior, then go with 3.73's. You can have all the power in the world, but if you don't put it to the tires quickly...what is the sense?

Good Luck on your build.

BMN

5.0 MPG

Good advice about the gears. It make a difference. Here is a thread I started that cover this topic pretty good take a look.

https://mustangforums.com/m_880822/tm.htm

Ecstasy

thanks alot, yea its going to be a daily driver also, and im going to put a sound system because im not going to race it i just want it to be fast, about 270-280 hp.

5.0 MPG

If your putting a sound system then you definately want to upgrade your alternator to about 130 amps. You can find a complete kit on ebay for about $100.

nitrous_bob

actually speed density is faster in a bone stock car.

'88's from cali were mass air though.

you won't mess anything up by not swapping to mass air , but if it starts to idle like crap, then switch it.

gears are the biggest best mod for the $$$ you can make in your car, other than nitrous.

then go for heads and intake after that. the heads are the biggest bottleneck

you can easily have a 300-325 hp car that is perfectly streetable and knocks down about 18 mpg on the freeway w/ 4.10's , 100 shot of nitrous, and some cheater slicks.....total cost about $1100 and will run mid 12's in the 1/4