08 GT CAI + Tune
 

Hey guys. I recently picked up an '08 GT convertible with 28 k miles. Very happy with it but am interested in adding some more hp. I'm sure there are posts about this but being new to the site and modifications I figured I'd start up a new thread. My buddy got a tuner or chip (?) for his '05 GT and has been talking me into it. Is this the best way to get started? How about a CAI + Tune? If so, any suggestions on brands or specific gear? Not trying to spend more than 1k for now.

Welcome to the family. that is a low mileage '08.

a CAI and tuner is a perfect place to start. The tuner will help with future mods too. Good brands in my opinion are Airaid, JLT, and steeda. it would probably be best to get a combo package so u can save some $$. Americnmuscle is great to deal will, very helpful, and will even walk you through the steps for installation. A tuner is cake to install and so is a CAI.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/airaid...er-0509gt.html

http://www.americanmuscle.com/jlt-ca...er-0509gt.html

http://www.americanmuscle.com/steeda...er-0509gt.html

Cai and tune is the best bang for a buck mod. Get the sctx4. Sct is the standard when it comes to handheld tuners. Car will respond so much better with the tune.

AM is a good deal, and to be honest, their BAMA tunes for life is decent for basic bolt ons. If you get FI get a real tune though. Welcome to the club

Thanks
 

Thanks for the tips.

If you are interested in a CAI & Tune ... than Steeda is a great choice.

Feel free to p.m. me for a discount code that you can use for your purchase.

You can email me directly at tim@steeda.com if you have any questions. Also we have tunes for life as well & you can read our reviews here:

http://www.steeda.com/steeda-ultimat...ng-555-3920-b/

Best Regards,

TJ

That's the best way to start if you're planning to keep the engine naturally-aspirated. If you're thinking about forced induction for the future, skip it and consider other mods instead. If it's likely to be a supercharger you could do charge motion delete plates (CMDPs) and LT headers. If it's likely to be turbos, you could still do CMDPs and add underdrive pulleys instead of headers.

As you can see there are a number of choices for tunes. I just installed a Brenspeed tune on my 2009 GT and could not be happier. They made my car operate and feel like Ford should have done from the factory. Also, keep in mind that you don't have to get a CAI in order to get a tune. My intake is still completely stock. If I ever decide to go with a CAI (right now I personally don't see the need) you can always upgrade and get an updated tune. Typically if you buy the CAI from the same company that sold you the tune, the updated tune is free.

+1 that the CAI & custom tune is the way to go. On the 4.6L, you can expect to add 15-25 RWHP, depending on a few variables. But the critical piece is who WRITES the tune. AM's and Brenspeed's tunes are top notch as are some others. Steeda makes a good looking CAI but I have no experience with their tunes compared to others.