Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and could really use some advice. I ordered an '05 Mustang GT on March 7th and it's slated for delivery tomorrow (yeah!). I currently have a 2002 SVT Focus and have played with it as much as I could (CAI, Ignition, Exhaust, Throttle Body, Exhaust Cam,...the list goes on) so I'm not real afraid of working on the car, but my question is this. I haven't worked on a V8 in years (had a '66 T-Bird w/ 390ci Interceptor) and I'm not real up on newer parts, what are the best bolt-ons to start with for the new Ponies (trying to keep costs down too)? I've seen all sorts of posts for exhaust, and CAI's and tuners and etc, but I'm not real sure where to start. Here is my thinking, let me know if I'm way off...
C&L CAI
Predator Tuner
FRPP Shorty Headers
FRPP GT Axle-Back

Thanks!

 

Get the SLP Loudmouth exhaust. Do a search on these forums for my thread. Trust me, you will LOVE it.

 

Alex, if you are looking for HP gains, the shorty headers and axle-back are not your best bets, IMO. I have never believed axlebacks added any power, they just improve the sound. And shorty headers are quite expensive, but aren't much better than the stock manifolds... especially on NA engines.

I agree the first thing to do is a CAI+tuner. Other relatively low-buck add-ons for HP gains, include UDPs, x-pipes, throttle body spacer (pretty new, but promising), and even an electric water pump.

Of course, if you want to push things a bit more, there is always a supercharger or nitrous!!

 

CAI, and Tune. Then UDPs, after that Long Tube Headers and off road H pipe unless you have emissios. By then Heads and Cams should be well tested. and don't forget gears.

 

There is no question that a CAI and tune will be your best bet for quick horsepower. An x-pipe adds a good bit of torque so thats a good mod as well. The axle back exhaust will result in extremely minimal gains but who can resist getting some SLP's or Magnapacks for mindblowing sound.