got my 2002 base coupe exactly a year ago. as a newbie to cars in general, i'm pretty clueless about everything... but have definitely been trying to learn about this model and cars in general. i've read this forum from time to time but finally decided today to join and ask some questions!

as a busy student i probably havent taken care the car as well as i shouldve... just the occasional car wash and vaccum... and this once i added a bottle of shell v-power complete fuel system cleaner (good idea? bad idea?). with the summer months ahead im looking to learn much more about maintenance and investing some money into aftermarket stuff. heard that the k & n air filter is a good, cheap start, so going to get one of those soon (cheapest online is $47.32 w/free shipping... good deal?) the guide for changing the air filter looks relatively painless, figured i'd start there.

also, ill be trying the turtle wax hard shell polish for the first time tomorrow after i wash my car... i've read good and bad reviews about this product, including one that said that it leaves a green residue that doesnt come off easily... has anybody tried this product before and what do you think of it? by the way i have the "zinc yellow" version of the car.

any and all feedback greatly appreciated!

 

best advise is to keep reading and educating yourself on what certain mods do and what you should do for your price range and what you want out of the car, and so forth. this site is def. one of the best sites to learn off, lots of info on here

air filter is a good start, but i would invest in a Cold Air Intake (CAI) kit, instead of just a filter that goes in the stock airbox.

the basic first mods most people do are intake and exhaust. my advice now on exhaust is save up a lot and get the good stuff first( long tube headers, catted or un catted mid pipe, and your choice of mufflers) instead of just a muffler, or a simple cat back, simply because these 3.8s dont sound the best until you get the long tubes. i messed around with buying a cat back and mufflers and wish i woulda just skipped right to getting long tubes

check out the stickies in the tech section especially this one https://mustangforums.com/forum/6-cy...fications.html

 

If you are going to wax your car I suggest you get a good clean wash on it and take a clay bar to it to clear it off all the tiny particles. Then park it in a garage with little dust. Then polish it then put a coat of wax on it to protect it. You do this in the sun or you do it with particles on your car you will regret it later. Buddy of mine wax his in the sun now he has swirls mark all over his car. Took me 2.00 hours to get all of it off. Meguaries make some good products.

 

+1 to megiures when you wash it use a fish detergent prior to waxing and if you choose to clay the car in the shade now would be the time then if you feel like really getting a good wax use a two or three stage wax system (cleaner polish then wax) but the liquid cleaner waxs do a good job but I wouldn't get cheap stuff and make shure you do all the waxing barring in the shade it takes time and elbow grease but one you get it good its easier to keep it that way. Also if you have access to a orbital bidder you can use that to remove the wax but I always suggest applying by hand and the final buff I do by hand also

 

thanks for the suggestions!