2012 Mustang GT beginning upgrades?
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2012 Mustang GT beginning upgrades?
Hello everyone,
first off let me introduce myself a little bit (as I just joined this forum today)
My name is kyle and I currently work in the United States Air Force. I have been an avid Mustang fan growing up and have always wanted to own a stang. I recently just purchased a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium:
Black Interior
Black Exterior
Leather seating
6-speed manual
I purchased it pre-owned for 28k with 6,000 miles on it (which I thought was a steal in my honest opinion...so I couldn't pass her up) and no..there is nothing wrong with it.
anyways, I have it had it for 5 months now and I have been deciding to add a few upgrades, but I honestly do not know the best place to begin (I have a list, but I just want opinions and I would appreciate any help on this topic)
So far I have been deciding on:
Stage 2 XFI NSR Cam Shafts
Boss 302 intake manifold W/ Bama Tuner (can you say FREE tunes for life?....I can)
Flush-mount quarter window louvers
either a chrome or brushed style GT fuel door.
(I already have custom exhaust)
right now I am willing to put about $5,000 into upgrades.
how does this list sound so far? and is there anything you guys would recommend upgrading in the beginning?![Worship](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/worship.gif)
I will definitely keep looking thru the forum as I want to learn a heck of a lot more then what I know now.
Thanks,
V/R
Kyle
first off let me introduce myself a little bit (as I just joined this forum today)
My name is kyle and I currently work in the United States Air Force. I have been an avid Mustang fan growing up and have always wanted to own a stang. I recently just purchased a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium:
Black Interior
Black Exterior
Leather seating
6-speed manual
I purchased it pre-owned for 28k with 6,000 miles on it (which I thought was a steal in my honest opinion...so I couldn't pass her up) and no..there is nothing wrong with it.
anyways, I have it had it for 5 months now and I have been deciding to add a few upgrades, but I honestly do not know the best place to begin (I have a list, but I just want opinions and I would appreciate any help on this topic)
So far I have been deciding on:
Stage 2 XFI NSR Cam Shafts
Boss 302 intake manifold W/ Bama Tuner (can you say FREE tunes for life?....I can)
Flush-mount quarter window louvers
either a chrome or brushed style GT fuel door.
(I already have custom exhaust)
right now I am willing to put about $5,000 into upgrades.
how does this list sound so far? and is there anything you guys would recommend upgrading in the beginning?
![Worship](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/worship.gif)
I will definitely keep looking thru the forum as I want to learn a heck of a lot more then what I know now.
Thanks,
V/R
Kyle
![Th Smiley Salute](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/th_smiley_salute.gif)
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Hello everyone,
first off let me introduce myself a little bit (as I just joined this forum today)
My name is kyle and I currently work in the United States Air Force. I have been an avid Mustang fan growing up and have always wanted to own a stang. I recently just purchased a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium:
Black Interior
Black Exterior
Leather seating
6-speed manual
I purchased it pre-owned for 28k with 6,000 miles on it (which I thought was a steal in my honest opinion...so I couldn't pass her up) and no..there is nothing wrong with it.
anyways, I have it had it for 5 months now and I have been deciding to add a few upgrades, but I honestly do not know the best place to begin (I have a list, but I just want opinions and I would appreciate any help on this topic)
So far I have been deciding on:
Stage 2 XFI NSR Cam Shafts
Boss 302 intake manifold W/ Bama Tuner (can you say FREE tunes for life?....I can)
Flush-mount quarter window louvers
either a chrome or brushed style GT fuel door.
(I already have custom exhaust)
right now I am willing to put about $5,000 into upgrades.
how does this list sound so far? and is there anything you guys would recommend upgrading in the beginning?![Worship](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/worship.gif)
I will definitely keep looking thru the forum as I want to learn a heck of a lot more then what I know now.
Thanks,
V/R
Kyle![Th Smiley Salute](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/th_smiley_salute.gif)
first off let me introduce myself a little bit (as I just joined this forum today)
My name is kyle and I currently work in the United States Air Force. I have been an avid Mustang fan growing up and have always wanted to own a stang. I recently just purchased a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium:
Black Interior
Black Exterior
Leather seating
6-speed manual
I purchased it pre-owned for 28k with 6,000 miles on it (which I thought was a steal in my honest opinion...so I couldn't pass her up) and no..there is nothing wrong with it.
anyways, I have it had it for 5 months now and I have been deciding to add a few upgrades, but I honestly do not know the best place to begin (I have a list, but I just want opinions and I would appreciate any help on this topic)
So far I have been deciding on:
Stage 2 XFI NSR Cam Shafts
Boss 302 intake manifold W/ Bama Tuner (can you say FREE tunes for life?....I can)
Flush-mount quarter window louvers
either a chrome or brushed style GT fuel door.
(I already have custom exhaust)
right now I am willing to put about $5,000 into upgrades.
how does this list sound so far? and is there anything you guys would recommend upgrading in the beginning?
![Worship](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/worship.gif)
I will definitely keep looking thru the forum as I want to learn a heck of a lot more then what I know now.
Thanks,
V/R
Kyle
![Th Smiley Salute](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/th_smiley_salute.gif)
Welcome to TMS and Congratulations on your 12' GT! The new 5.0 is a sick set up, you'll definitely love everything about this car.
It sounds like you have an awesome set of mods picked out so far. I would recommend next is CAI and a set of Gears! This will finish up your build for a really fun street/strip car.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you ever have any questions! Most importantly, Thank you for your service and bravery.
-Dan
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Hello everyone,
first off let me introduce myself a little bit (as I just joined this forum today)
My name is kyle and I currently work in the United States Air Force. I have been an avid Mustang fan growing up and have always wanted to own a stang. I recently just purchased a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium:
Black Interior
Black Exterior
Leather seating
6-speed manual
I purchased it pre-owned for 28k with 6,000 miles on it (which I thought was a steal in my honest opinion...so I couldn't pass her up) and no..there is nothing wrong with it.
anyways, I have it had it for 5 months now and I have been deciding to add a few upgrades, but I honestly do not know the best place to begin (I have a list, but I just want opinions and I would appreciate any help on this topic)
So far I have been deciding on:
Stage 2 XFI NSR Cam Shafts
Boss 302 intake manifold W/ Bama Tuner (can you say FREE tunes for life?....I can)
Flush-mount quarter window louvers
either a chrome or brushed style GT fuel door.
(I already have custom exhaust)
right now I am willing to put about $5,000 into upgrades.
how does this list sound so far? and is there anything you guys would recommend upgrading in the beginning?![Worship](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/worship.gif)
I will definitely keep looking thru the forum as I want to learn a heck of a lot more then what I know now.
Thanks,
V/R
Kyle![Th Smiley Salute](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/th_smiley_salute.gif)
first off let me introduce myself a little bit (as I just joined this forum today)
My name is kyle and I currently work in the United States Air Force. I have been an avid Mustang fan growing up and have always wanted to own a stang. I recently just purchased a 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium:
Black Interior
Black Exterior
Leather seating
6-speed manual
I purchased it pre-owned for 28k with 6,000 miles on it (which I thought was a steal in my honest opinion...so I couldn't pass her up) and no..there is nothing wrong with it.
anyways, I have it had it for 5 months now and I have been deciding to add a few upgrades, but I honestly do not know the best place to begin (I have a list, but I just want opinions and I would appreciate any help on this topic)
So far I have been deciding on:
Stage 2 XFI NSR Cam Shafts
Boss 302 intake manifold W/ Bama Tuner (can you say FREE tunes for life?....I can)
Flush-mount quarter window louvers
either a chrome or brushed style GT fuel door.
(I already have custom exhaust)
right now I am willing to put about $5,000 into upgrades.
how does this list sound so far? and is there anything you guys would recommend upgrading in the beginning?
![Worship](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/worship.gif)
I will definitely keep looking thru the forum as I want to learn a heck of a lot more then what I know now.
Thanks,
V/R
Kyle
![Th Smiley Salute](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/th_smiley_salute.gif)
look into a supercharger than lol.
#9
Hi, Kyle. If you can go just a bit more $, the Vortech supercharger is a much better way to go than cams and whole lot easier to install. My 2 cents and yes, I installed the stealthy blackout kit in my 2011 GT.
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How much performance are you wanting out of the car and what are you looking for from your car?? It's an individual choice for your own needs and wants from your Mustang. Cai and Tune is standard as well as atleast an axle back of your preference. If you lower it, Go Steeda. I also highly recommend their cai and 93 tune. If you're wanting more, then yea, the supercharger is the way to go.
At the end of the day, it's your choice for your own needs.
At the end of the day, it's your choice for your own needs.
#11
Welcome to the forum, from one vet to another thanks for your service. I would skip the cams, you can get a lot more for your money on other mods.
Let me know if I can help you out with anything.
Let me know if I can help you out with anything.
#12
What is your goal ... and what do you plan on doing with your Mustang?
Once you answer that question then the forum members can help you piece it together. The more HP you want to add then the more suspension components you will have to add too.
Let me know if I can help assist with anything? We are currently offerings 20% Steeda parts if you are interested.
Best Regards,
TJ
Once you answer that question then the forum members can help you piece it together. The more HP you want to add then the more suspension components you will have to add too.
Let me know if I can help assist with anything? We are currently offerings 20% Steeda parts if you are interested.
Best Regards,
TJ
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Wow, so far, thanks for the help! It is much appreciated.
I thought stripes were the only thing that added RWHP, I am glad to know that this color adds RWHP, Thanks!![Big Grin](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Ok, I have been seeing this a lot. I can skip out on them for now
Thank you for your time and service as well. If I need anything more, I will surely ask of your assisstance.
Ok, this being the biggest question. I honestly want to add (in the near future) up to 600+HP and 500+ft/lbs Torque. I want my car to sound like a beast when it is idling or taking off (but I don't want it to sound loud and annoying. I want it to have a Low deep but loud rumble...if this makes any sense)
The one reason I wasn't looking at superchargers yet, was I understand I will get the most HP and torque out of a supercharger then all of these components, but I wanted to upgrade some smaller components that will still yet provide me HP, Torque, nice sound to it + I just got my car. Hmmm, if I were to go to a supercharger say the "Rouche supercharger Phase II", what are the components I need to upgrade with it as well? I have never dealt with superchargers in cars, as kind of why this wasn't my first choice of upgrades.
I have browsed some Superchargers and right now if I were to get one, I have been looking between the Rouche supercharger Phase II or the Kenne Bell Mammoth 5.0 Supercharger.
but this is how I view it, I am still learning...so if you know a good way on upgrading anything please say it here or PM me as well, I am here to learn more so I can make the best out of my Stang.
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
I will take a look at this supercharger as well.
![Big Grin](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
Ok, I have been seeing this a lot. I can skip out on them for now
What is your goal ... and what do you plan on doing with your Mustang?
Once you answer that question then the forum members can help you piece it together. The more HP you want to add then the more suspension components you will have to add too.
Let me know if I can help assist with anything? We are currently offerings 20% Steeda parts if you are interested.
Best Regards,
TJ
Once you answer that question then the forum members can help you piece it together. The more HP you want to add then the more suspension components you will have to add too.
Let me know if I can help assist with anything? We are currently offerings 20% Steeda parts if you are interested.
Best Regards,
TJ
Ok, this being the biggest question. I honestly want to add (in the near future) up to 600+HP and 500+ft/lbs Torque. I want my car to sound like a beast when it is idling or taking off (but I don't want it to sound loud and annoying. I want it to have a Low deep but loud rumble...if this makes any sense)
The one reason I wasn't looking at superchargers yet, was I understand I will get the most HP and torque out of a supercharger then all of these components, but I wanted to upgrade some smaller components that will still yet provide me HP, Torque, nice sound to it + I just got my car. Hmmm, if I were to go to a supercharger say the "Rouche supercharger Phase II", what are the components I need to upgrade with it as well? I have never dealt with superchargers in cars, as kind of why this wasn't my first choice of upgrades.
I have browsed some Superchargers and right now if I were to get one, I have been looking between the Rouche supercharger Phase II or the Kenne Bell Mammoth 5.0 Supercharger.
but this is how I view it, I am still learning...so if you know a good way on upgrading anything please say it here or PM me as well, I am here to learn more so I can make the best out of my Stang.
![Thumb](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
I will take a look at this supercharger as well.
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Kro1013,
Welcome to TMS and Congratulations on your 12' GT! The new 5.0 is a sick set up, you'll definitely love everything about this car.
It sounds like you have an awesome set of mods picked out so far. I would recommend next is CAI and a set of Gears! This will finish up your build for a really fun street/strip car.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you ever have any questions! Most importantly, Thank you for your service and bravery.
-Dan
Welcome to TMS and Congratulations on your 12' GT! The new 5.0 is a sick set up, you'll definitely love everything about this car.
It sounds like you have an awesome set of mods picked out so far. I would recommend next is CAI and a set of Gears! This will finish up your build for a really fun street/strip car.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you ever have any questions! Most importantly, Thank you for your service and bravery.
-Dan
Also with the CAI, it comes with Boss 302 intake manifold I have been looking at here is the link
http://www.americanmuscle.com/boss-p...ck-1112gt.html
and here is the axel I am looking at: Ford Racing SVT Rear Axle Assembly
http://www.americanmuscle.com/frpp-s...mbly-0512.html
-Includes 3.73 8.8" gears, Traction-Lok differential and 31 spline axles
Last edited by kro1013; 11/21/12 at 12:28 AM.
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Hello from a fellow military man! Heres my advice.
Like others have said, skip the cams. It will eat away over half your budget and leave you disappointed. You will only gain in the upper RPMs and will lose torque anytime you are daily driving it, plus to see the best gains you will need supporting mods.
Skip the BOSS intake as well, like cams you will only see gains in the upper RPMs and lose alot of torque. If you plan to road course your car several times a month this may be worth it, otherwise you are only getting it for the "cool" factor. Also, you will be limited as to what CAI you can get, and limited as to what supercharger you can get as well.
What I would get is a nice CAI and tuner combo from AM/BAMA. You will need the tuner for any mods and free tune changes are always nice. Any tune requests I have done lately through BAMA have been done in around 30 minutes. Compare this with John Lund(10-14 days), or updates from Lethal(2-3 days), but BAMA doesn't tune for the 2013 GT500 so I'm limited in my options there.
Gears are always a good upgrade IMO, I'm running 3.73s in my 2011 Roush and love them. Don't bother with an entire SVT upgrade, the stock rear end is good enough! AM sells combo kits for 3.73s, check them out.
Another "must have" is a new shifter, theres many out there but general opinion favors the MGW. It's an easy install and is worth every cent spent. The stock shifter is terrible, get something new ASAP, you won't regret it no matter which one you go with.
In order to put down the power, no matter what way you decide to add it, upgraded suspension parts are needed. I'm running full Roush stuff on my 2011 and find it perfect mix between street use and performance. It has a milder drop than others so I don't scrape on everything, and I'm using 20" wheels so theres no fender gap. Theres alot you can do here; springs, shocks, sway bars, bushings, LCAs, UCAs, etc. Theres also alot of companies to choose from.
Since you are in the military and have to move around, I wouldn't mess with the exhaust other than some Axle Backs. Plus you said it already has exhaust work.
One more thing I will mention is both performance and looks, new wheels and tires. New wheels can totally change the look of your car and personalize it to your preferences. Better tires will give you better grip. Check out americanmuscle, they have a good selection so you can get an idea of what you may want.
Like others have said, skip the cams. It will eat away over half your budget and leave you disappointed. You will only gain in the upper RPMs and will lose torque anytime you are daily driving it, plus to see the best gains you will need supporting mods.
Skip the BOSS intake as well, like cams you will only see gains in the upper RPMs and lose alot of torque. If you plan to road course your car several times a month this may be worth it, otherwise you are only getting it for the "cool" factor. Also, you will be limited as to what CAI you can get, and limited as to what supercharger you can get as well.
What I would get is a nice CAI and tuner combo from AM/BAMA. You will need the tuner for any mods and free tune changes are always nice. Any tune requests I have done lately through BAMA have been done in around 30 minutes. Compare this with John Lund(10-14 days), or updates from Lethal(2-3 days), but BAMA doesn't tune for the 2013 GT500 so I'm limited in my options there.
Gears are always a good upgrade IMO, I'm running 3.73s in my 2011 Roush and love them. Don't bother with an entire SVT upgrade, the stock rear end is good enough! AM sells combo kits for 3.73s, check them out.
Another "must have" is a new shifter, theres many out there but general opinion favors the MGW. It's an easy install and is worth every cent spent. The stock shifter is terrible, get something new ASAP, you won't regret it no matter which one you go with.
In order to put down the power, no matter what way you decide to add it, upgraded suspension parts are needed. I'm running full Roush stuff on my 2011 and find it perfect mix between street use and performance. It has a milder drop than others so I don't scrape on everything, and I'm using 20" wheels so theres no fender gap. Theres alot you can do here; springs, shocks, sway bars, bushings, LCAs, UCAs, etc. Theres also alot of companies to choose from.
Since you are in the military and have to move around, I wouldn't mess with the exhaust other than some Axle Backs. Plus you said it already has exhaust work.
One more thing I will mention is both performance and looks, new wheels and tires. New wheels can totally change the look of your car and personalize it to your preferences. Better tires will give you better grip. Check out americanmuscle, they have a good selection so you can get an idea of what you may want.
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US Army here.
Skip the cams. Boss intake is nice but lacks low end results. I'd start with gears, CAI, a tune and some rear suspension mods. LCA's and brackets, UCA and bracket and a Panhard bar. Also look at upgrading your struts/shocks and springs. Koni Yellows are excellent and as for springs, there's so many choices. You'll just have to decide on how low you wanna sit. Check out wheels and tires too. Forgestar F14's are nice. Nitto INVO tires or Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Skip the cams. Boss intake is nice but lacks low end results. I'd start with gears, CAI, a tune and some rear suspension mods. LCA's and brackets, UCA and bracket and a Panhard bar. Also look at upgrading your struts/shocks and springs. Koni Yellows are excellent and as for springs, there's so many choices. You'll just have to decide on how low you wanna sit. Check out wheels and tires too. Forgestar F14's are nice. Nitto INVO tires or Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
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I've had no issues with my boss intake, my 3.73 gears have helped and a good tuner can prevent low end loss. You'd be a liar to say you feel a 10 ftlb drop lol
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If it was only 10 it wouldn't be an issue. I watched a 2012 GT lose around 40lbft after adding a BOSS intake. He already had most bolt-ons, was Dyno'd on the same day, same Dyno, same tuner, etc. Wasn't my car, he just happened to be in front of me on the Dyno and I showed up really early because I had a long drive and wanted my car to have plenty of time to cool off.
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Wow yea 40 ftlb is a lot, but like I said, shorter gears and a good tune should be able to get rid of that tq drop in the low end and overall. I know a guy that gained 25 ftlb over stock with tune CAI, cat deletes and boss intake with a good dyno tune, that was before he got his 3.73's too
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Hello from a fellow military man! Heres my advice.
Like others have said, skip the cams. It will eat away over half your budget and leave you disappointed. You will only gain in the upper RPMs and will lose torque anytime you are daily driving it, plus to see the best gains you will need supporting mods.
Skip the BOSS intake as well, like cams you will only see gains in the upper RPMs and lose alot of torque. If you plan to road course your car several times a month this may be worth it, otherwise you are only getting it for the "cool" factor. Also, you will be limited as to what CAI you can get, and limited as to what supercharger you can get as well.
What I would get is a nice CAI and tuner combo from AM/BAMA. You will need the tuner for any mods and free tune changes are always nice. Any tune requests I have done lately through BAMA have been done in around 30 minutes. Compare this with John Lund(10-14 days), or updates from Lethal(2-3 days), but BAMA doesn't tune for the 2013 GT500 so I'm limited in my options there.
Gears are always a good upgrade IMO, I'm running 3.73s in my 2011 Roush and love them. Don't bother with an entire SVT upgrade, the stock rear end is good enough! AM sells combo kits for 3.73s, check them out.
Another "must have" is a new shifter, theres many out there but general opinion favors the MGW. It's an easy install and is worth every cent spent. The stock shifter is terrible, get something new ASAP, you won't regret it no matter which one you go with.
In order to put down the power, no matter what way you decide to add it, upgraded suspension parts are needed. I'm running full Roush stuff on my 2011 and find it perfect mix between street use and performance. It has a milder drop than others so I don't scrape on everything, and I'm using 20" wheels so theres no fender gap. Theres alot you can do here; springs, shocks, sway bars, bushings, LCAs, UCAs, etc. Theres also alot of companies to choose from.
Since you are in the military and have to move around, I wouldn't mess with the exhaust other than some Axle Backs. Plus you said it already has exhaust work.
One more thing I will mention is both performance and looks, new wheels and tires. New wheels can totally change the look of your car and personalize it to your preferences. Better tires will give you better grip. Check out americanmuscle, they have a good selection so you can get an idea of what you may want.
Like others have said, skip the cams. It will eat away over half your budget and leave you disappointed. You will only gain in the upper RPMs and will lose torque anytime you are daily driving it, plus to see the best gains you will need supporting mods.
Skip the BOSS intake as well, like cams you will only see gains in the upper RPMs and lose alot of torque. If you plan to road course your car several times a month this may be worth it, otherwise you are only getting it for the "cool" factor. Also, you will be limited as to what CAI you can get, and limited as to what supercharger you can get as well.
What I would get is a nice CAI and tuner combo from AM/BAMA. You will need the tuner for any mods and free tune changes are always nice. Any tune requests I have done lately through BAMA have been done in around 30 minutes. Compare this with John Lund(10-14 days), or updates from Lethal(2-3 days), but BAMA doesn't tune for the 2013 GT500 so I'm limited in my options there.
Gears are always a good upgrade IMO, I'm running 3.73s in my 2011 Roush and love them. Don't bother with an entire SVT upgrade, the stock rear end is good enough! AM sells combo kits for 3.73s, check them out.
Another "must have" is a new shifter, theres many out there but general opinion favors the MGW. It's an easy install and is worth every cent spent. The stock shifter is terrible, get something new ASAP, you won't regret it no matter which one you go with.
In order to put down the power, no matter what way you decide to add it, upgraded suspension parts are needed. I'm running full Roush stuff on my 2011 and find it perfect mix between street use and performance. It has a milder drop than others so I don't scrape on everything, and I'm using 20" wheels so theres no fender gap. Theres alot you can do here; springs, shocks, sway bars, bushings, LCAs, UCAs, etc. Theres also alot of companies to choose from.
Since you are in the military and have to move around, I wouldn't mess with the exhaust other than some Axle Backs. Plus you said it already has exhaust work.
One more thing I will mention is both performance and looks, new wheels and tires. New wheels can totally change the look of your car and personalize it to your preferences. Better tires will give you better grip. Check out americanmuscle, they have a good selection so you can get an idea of what you may want.
Thanks for all the information and guidance. I will definitely take a look at gears and springs... springs were in mind for me, I was just debating on which brand to go through. As for tires, I already have Pirelli P6 four season Z rated tires (I am part of a mustang club, so I need that good tire for where I take my mustang in Arizona). As for Rims, I have been looking at the Black Machined 2010 GT500 Wheels
http://www.americanmuscle.com/machin....html#shop-by3
I am going to get the 19x10 for the back and the 19x8.5 for the front.
who/where/what website did you buy your components through? Right now I have been looking at CJponyparts and American Muscle.
Thanks again!