Help a Newbie out!
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 142
From: CA
Help a Newbie out!
I'm test driving a GT today and will defintely be buying one within a week or two.
Being new to Mustangs and auto tech I had a few questions I was hoping that y'all could help me with.
1. If I get an auto do I need to invest in aftermarket transmission upgrades to experience great performance?
2. What suspension/tire/brake path makes sense for improved handling in a daily driver? I'm not a track guy but I also don't mind sacrificing some "comfort" for performance.
3. I want to increase HP/Torque. A supercharger seems to be a popular solution but I have read posts regarding gear ratio, exhaust diameter and even fuel lines that are changed depending on engine modifications. Also, if I get an auto will the increase in HP/Torque require transmission upgrades?
Again, I'm pretty much a dunce when it comes to performance tech so any explanations would be greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, I'm psyched about getting a mustang! I've test driven all the luxury "performance" cars and they left me cold. When I simply look at the mustang I know its the right car for me.
Thanks for the help.
Being new to Mustangs and auto tech I had a few questions I was hoping that y'all could help me with.
1. If I get an auto do I need to invest in aftermarket transmission upgrades to experience great performance?
2. What suspension/tire/brake path makes sense for improved handling in a daily driver? I'm not a track guy but I also don't mind sacrificing some "comfort" for performance.
3. I want to increase HP/Torque. A supercharger seems to be a popular solution but I have read posts regarding gear ratio, exhaust diameter and even fuel lines that are changed depending on engine modifications. Also, if I get an auto will the increase in HP/Torque require transmission upgrades?
Again, I'm pretty much a dunce when it comes to performance tech so any explanations would be greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, I'm psyched about getting a mustang! I've test driven all the luxury "performance" cars and they left me cold. When I simply look at the mustang I know its the right car for me.
Thanks for the help.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,182
From: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
RE: Help a Newbie out!
Regarding the suspension, question #2, I can't offer much help. I feel the same and am thinking maybe stiffer shocks only as this worked on my SUV.
Regarding #'s 1 &2, if you can afford an S/C then go for it. AND, I'd get a 5 speed manual instead of an automatic if you really want to go for performance. Otherwise, a tuner will aid in giving you better shifts with the auto. From what I've read, either stock tranny will handle moderate HP gains until you begin pushing the 450 HP region.
If you don't want to to S/C, then a cold are intake and tune will gain you a nice chunk of HP. Do a search. There's a lot of great info on what gains you can get from various mods.
And again, I strongly suggest the manual tranny (it's WAY more cool than the auto!).
Rick
[sm=smiley34.gif]
Regarding #'s 1 &2, if you can afford an S/C then go for it. AND, I'd get a 5 speed manual instead of an automatic if you really want to go for performance. Otherwise, a tuner will aid in giving you better shifts with the auto. From what I've read, either stock tranny will handle moderate HP gains until you begin pushing the 450 HP region.
If you don't want to to S/C, then a cold are intake and tune will gain you a nice chunk of HP. Do a search. There's a lot of great info on what gains you can get from various mods.
And again, I strongly suggest the manual tranny (it's WAY more cool than the auto!).
Rick
[sm=smiley34.gif]
4th Gear Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,609
From: New Jersey
RE: Help a Newbie out!
ORIGINAL: ccwebb
I'm test driving a GT today and will defintely be buying one within a week or two.
Being new to Mustangs and auto tech I had a few questions I was hoping that y'all could help me with.
1. If I get an auto do I need to invest in aftermarket transmission upgrades to experience great performance?
2. What suspension/tire/brake path makes sense for improved handling in a daily driver? I'm not a track guy but I also don't mind sacrificing some "comfort" for performance.
3. I want to increase HP/Torque. A supercharger seems to be a popular solution but I have read posts regarding gear ratio, exhaust diameter and even fuel lines that are changed depending on engine modifications. Also, if I get an auto will the increase in HP/Torque require transmission upgrades?
Again, I'm pretty much a dunce when it comes to performance tech so any explanations would be greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, I'm psyched about getting a mustang! I've test driven all the luxury "performance" cars and they left me cold. When I simply look at the mustang I know its the right car for me.
Thanks for the help.
I'm test driving a GT today and will defintely be buying one within a week or two.
Being new to Mustangs and auto tech I had a few questions I was hoping that y'all could help me with.
1. If I get an auto do I need to invest in aftermarket transmission upgrades to experience great performance?
2. What suspension/tire/brake path makes sense for improved handling in a daily driver? I'm not a track guy but I also don't mind sacrificing some "comfort" for performance.
3. I want to increase HP/Torque. A supercharger seems to be a popular solution but I have read posts regarding gear ratio, exhaust diameter and even fuel lines that are changed depending on engine modifications. Also, if I get an auto will the increase in HP/Torque require transmission upgrades?
Again, I'm pretty much a dunce when it comes to performance tech so any explanations would be greatly appreciated.
Bottom line, I'm psyched about getting a mustang! I've test driven all the luxury "performance" cars and they left me cold. When I simply look at the mustang I know its the right car for me.
Thanks for the help.
ther alot of people w/ susp/brake upgrade here but you might have to go into that section. I personally hate my brakes and cant wait to upgrade them(frpp gt500 brakes). this car slows down way to slow for how fast it moves
I dont know much about susp upgrades however i watch a 5th gear show(britsh verson of motor trend tv, but 10x better ) and they had a roush sc mustang go around the track and loved it!(& they hate american cars) so if i had the money, i look into their susp kit.alot of people also sc their cars, im sure they'll fill u in. My car still bone stock and i do plan on upgrading, you have to ask ur self how fast and how do u want to go? being that im broke (college) and this is my 1st 300hp car, im ok w/ basic upgrades ill be doing.
good luck and ur going to lov the car.
3rd Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 681
From:
RE: Help a Newbie out!
Buy the 5spd!!! This is the only way you can have one of these on your pony!!! SC first if you can afford it.
The MGW Shifter for the 2005-2009 Mustang is now in production and ready for sale to the public. In addition to possessing the same patented features of our earlier model Mustang Short Throw Shifters (adjustable handle and sound dampening center shaft design) this new shifter has a first ever feature for a Mustang Short Throw Shifter. A variable shift throw that the customer can fine tune to their personal preference. This shifter has a patent pending feature that actually allows the driver to adjust the throw from just a bit shorter than stock to almost 50 percent reduction in throw. Also, utilizing state of the art materials and design components this shifter has been engineered to offer both short throw and ease of shifting for all gears. No more hard pulling left to right to find reverse and fifth gear but still offers very beefy return springs for finding 3rd every time. Watch this dry run video to see how effortless and short the shifter is.
The MGW Shifter for the 2005-2009 Mustang is now in production and ready for sale to the public. In addition to possessing the same patented features of our earlier model Mustang Short Throw Shifters (adjustable handle and sound dampening center shaft design) this new shifter has a first ever feature for a Mustang Short Throw Shifter. A variable shift throw that the customer can fine tune to their personal preference. This shifter has a patent pending feature that actually allows the driver to adjust the throw from just a bit shorter than stock to almost 50 percent reduction in throw. Also, utilizing state of the art materials and design components this shifter has been engineered to offer both short throw and ease of shifting for all gears. No more hard pulling left to right to find reverse and fifth gear but still offers very beefy return springs for finding 3rd every time. Watch this dry run video to see how effortless and short the shifter is.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,414
From:
RE: Help a Newbie out!
If you are really into having more fun with the stang, I STRONGLY suggest the manual. This is not to say that auto's are not fun, but manuals definitely widen the grin on your face. Depending on how much money you are willing to throw into the car determines what modifications you should be looking for. Give us a ballpark as to what you are willing to throw into the stang. Good beginner mods to start with are axle-back exhaust, cold-air intake/tuner package, gears, midpipe. This will wake your car up for a start. Let us know what kind of thrill you are looking for and how much you want to open up the wallet. There are tons of very knowledgable and great people on these forums that are very willing to give advice. Good luck to you on your upcoming purchase and welcome to the forums!!!
4th Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,324
From: Ohioland, Ohio
RE: Help a Newbie out!
Take peek at this article. Its a bit dated, but has plenty of good information for a new guy.
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/featur...ust/index.html
http://www.mustangmonthly.com/featur...ust/index.html
1st Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 53
From:
RE: Help a Newbie out!
i agree w/everyone else on gettin a stick....as for your other ?'s it seems as though you will have plenty of info on those. but one question has been overlooked. you asked about tires. i love my goodyear eagle f1 gsd3's....not only do they look sick, but the preform even better. they have great ratings for both wet and dry traction along with great response. it also has a slight lip, to cover the edge of your wheel and protect it from curb rash
other popular tires with great ratings include:
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position
g-Force T/A KDW 2
here are my f1 gsd3's
other popular tires with great ratings include:
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position
g-Force T/A KDW 2
here are my f1 gsd3's
