gotan05

Now that many of you have experience in proven combos, can someone suggest a good one. I have 2 grand to spend on parts/labor. This is also my daily driver. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. If you could can will you also list the best place to purchase the parts.

Thanks,
Sean

TomsEleanor

what do you want out of the money? better acceleration? handling? cosmetic mods?

spyder7724

gears, chip, cai, pulleys and a mustang dyno tune. with labor thats about $1500-$2k depending on who is doing the work.

gotan05

I'm just looking for more seat of the pants feel. I won't be going to the track much, it's just so I enjoy the car more.

MACHINE

I've got an 05 GT automatic (daily driver) and my suggestions would be...

Cold Air Intake: This will run colder air through your engine, thus increasing the amount of horsepower your engine produces...do your research, diff folks swear by diff CAI's. I like C/L or WMS intakes...

Tuner: Absolutely necessary if you plan on doing any combination of bolt ons - SCT Xcalibrator 2 from Brenspeed.com is my suggestion

Electric Water pump: Meziere is the only company I know of that makes one for the 05/06. Great mod, as this directly frees up hp your engine uses to run it.

Gears: current gear ratio is 3.31 or 3.55 depending on if you have a 5 speed or auto. Doesnt give you hp, but gets you into your powerband faster. Most folks here are getting 3.73, 3.90's or 4.10's for their daily drivers...I went with Motive 3.90's.

Exhaust: matter of preference; it seems that Ford engineered their stock exhaust pretty well, but most folks like the sound of throatier exhaust. This can be fairly pricey depending on how elaborate you get - not worth the money (other than sound) unless your pushing 400+ hp IMHO. I myself am going with SLP Loudmouth's for the sound factor.

Intake, tuner and exhaust can be done yourself, after labor for the other two should put you right around 2k, depending on the products you choose...

gotan05

I just ordered a JLT intake last night. I haven't decided to go with Brenspeed or Bamachips. I hear such great things about both. Gears are a toss up between 4.10 and 4.30. I'm going to try and swin LCA's and a shifter out the rest of my mod money. That should hold me over for a while, or till I get my @ss handed to me by an import

ponyman

My $.02,

If you have $2K for parts and labor....then you really have $2K for parts....screw the labor. You can get a decent set of craftsman mechanics tools at sears for $200-250. Do the work yourself. Leaves more money for mods and then when you are done you have the feeling of accomplishment. Granted if you are replaceing a clutch/flywheel, maybe your garage might be difficult especially if you have never done one, but I/H/E, springs, cosmetics...those can all be done at home by any noob and you will be great. Especially with some of the major gearheads on here that are always willing to help.

nitrojunkee

I would suggest using the money for labor as well as parts, especially if you aren't mechanically savvy, and not familiar with what you are about to do. Dont be that moron at the parts store on a saturday, expecting to have the countermen tell you how to work on your car.

andyman

If you have a freind that knows his stuff then maybe they could help too.

spyder7724

if you have an auto go with lidio @ alternative auto xcal2. he has more experience tuning the auto trans than anybody. i have his tune and love the way the trans feels. it will catch2nd and now 3rd with the gears. feels great a normal driving also. had a tune made by someone else and it's not nearly as good.i loaded lidio's tune back in. runs 13.30's with only a few mods.