I have a 2001 GT 5-speed. Would a minimal change like the addition of a CAI, installation of a cat-back performance exhaust and utilization of the Diablo Predator tuning (to take advantage of the other changes) have any affect on the lifespan of the engine or the rest of the drivetrain?

Also, I have seen somewhere that with the SN95 Mustangs, that disconnecting the battery and re-connecting, after the addition of the CAI and exhaust can take advantage of the better airflow, possibly not requiring a re-burn with an aftermarket tuner. If that's the case, the re-tune would only be necessary if I wanted to burn higher-octane gasoline. Is this true?

 

You can run your car with a CAI and exhaust without needing a tune. In fact, that's exactly what Im doing right now. I will be getting a tuner soon though, so I'll be able to maximize the effectiveness of my mods.

None of these mods will do any damage to your engine, given that that dont put any heavy stress on the engine components, like superchargers, turbos, or nitrous will do. Is your car stock right now? If so, youve got a lot of choices as to what you want to do with your car. Have fun!

 

Yep. What Dan said.
I am runiing CAI and exhaust with no re-tune and no problems. Will be getting tuner soon though.
Do you have any modifications and how long have you owned the car?

 

Car is bone stock. Just bought it from a woman who kept it in the garage. Only has 35K miles on it. I love that car.

Did you notice an immediate difference with the addition of the exhaust and CAI? Which tuner are you guys going to go with? I assume that with a 5-speed like I'm driving, the only changes from the tuner would be for the engine to take advantage of the additional octane in the fuel and to adjust to the additional airflow from the CAI and exhaust. I have no automatic-shift points to adjust.

I'm thinking about a Borla cat-back exhaust system. I live in a small, quiet, community, and it seems to me that the Borlas (not the stingers) seem to have a deep, growl that is not overly loud at idle, versus the higher-pitched scream of some of the others. Any opinions on that? I want something more agressive than the stock sound I have now, but don't want it to be too loud.

 

Youre right in that there's less to adjust with a stick as opposed to an automatic. The main gain is with the octane/timing bump. I'm going to be getting an XCal II, probably within a week or so.

The Borlas sound really good. They are significantly louder than stock, but they have a real nice sound to them. Andy (tricky02GT) has the Stingers, and he loves them, but he has to be careful driving past cemataries because his exhaust will literally wake the dead if he gets on it .

I have Magnaflows which are a little quieter than the Borlas. I love the sound, and it's not obnoxiously loud. You really cant go wrong with the Magnaflows or the Borlas, as they both sound great, look great, and are really well made.

 

Thanks for the info. The borlas do sound great. Louder than I expected, but great. With a K&N filter and the borlas, I'm feeling a few more horses already.

I'm going to install an Accufab 75mm throttle-body/plenum combination. I will also be adding a CAI to accomodate the larger throttle-body. Is it preferable to go with a composite version (K&N) or an aluminum one (Steeda and C&L). I called C&L and they claim that the air moves so quickly through the inlet tube, that there is no time for it to heat-up. I like the looks of the C&L the best, but I don't want to sacrifice horepower for looks. Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, does anyone know if a tuner (Diablo Predator, Superchips, etc...) will adjust the computer for the addition of a throttle-body/plenem or CAI. If not, I want to save the tuner purchase until I get my 3.73 rear-end installed.

Thanks,
Stangvert

 

I have an '03 w/5-speed. Noticable improvement with K&N FPIK and Magnaflow exhaust last week. Getting a SCT dyno tune tomorrow. Can't wait.

 

A tune is always good for your car. Those bolt ons wont effect your engines life any.They will actually help it breath easier thus making it work less to make power. Your maintenance and care for your car is what will decide the life of it, so take good care of it and it will do the same for you.