Newbie V6 Performance Advice Please?
6/18/08, 12:33 PM
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Newbie V6 Performance Advice Please?
Greetings All, thanks for reading my first post!
After years of LUST-ANG for a Mustang, I finally found a sweet deal on a 2005 Black V6 5-spd... totally stock, in primo condition. Now (of course) I want to gradually add more performance as money allows, starting with simple, inexpensive stuff.
So, what's the consensus for best "bang for your bucks" bolt-on V6 performance mods?
From what I've picked up reading posts here, it looks like (as one adds more money) :
1 - Tune (XC-3, or Predator?)
2 - CAI + re-Tune
3 - CAI + Underdrive Pulley + re-Tune
4 - CAI + Underdrive Pulley + Exhaust system + re-Tune
Much appreciate all advice you guys can provide (if you prefer certain brand names, by all means mention them) THANKS!
After years of LUST-ANG for a Mustang, I finally found a sweet deal on a 2005 Black V6 5-spd... totally stock, in primo condition. Now (of course) I want to gradually add more performance as money allows, starting with simple, inexpensive stuff.
So, what's the consensus for best "bang for your bucks" bolt-on V6 performance mods?
From what I've picked up reading posts here, it looks like (as one adds more money) :
1 - Tune (XC-3, or Predator?)
2 - CAI + re-Tune
3 - CAI + Underdrive Pulley + re-Tune
4 - CAI + Underdrive Pulley + Exhaust system + re-Tune
Much appreciate all advice you guys can provide (if you prefer certain brand names, by all means mention them) THANKS!
6/18/08, 05:22 PM
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I think most would do CAI and Xcal/tunes at the same time. (even if $ is kinda high)
from what it seems to me anyway, pulleys aren't that popular around here
There is no tune adjustment need for exhaust (duals or single). at least that's wat doug from bamachips says.
from what it seems to me anyway, pulleys aren't that popular around here
There is no tune adjustment need for exhaust (duals or single). at least that's wat doug from bamachips says.
6/18/08, 05:36 PM
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I started with JBA plug wires (primarily for appearance) yet I did feel a difference with them. Then I installed GT passenger take-off. Again felt and heard difference. Then onto CAI, I chose the K&N aircharger (1 for cost, 2 didn't require tune for starters). This also added to the seat-o-meter and sound.
Then I went for the X-cal and tunes from Brenspeed. Wholy crap what a difference.
All of my upgrades took place over a 2 year period (as I had money to spend).
I'm pretty happy with these results. Brenspeed Dyno day showed 189 RWHP (~236 @ Flywheel) that's an increase of ~26hp.
Then I went for the X-cal and tunes from Brenspeed. Wholy crap what a difference.
All of my upgrades took place over a 2 year period (as I had money to spend).
I'm pretty happy with these results. Brenspeed Dyno day showed 189 RWHP (~236 @ Flywheel) that's an increase of ~26hp.
6/19/08, 01:13 PM
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Thanks for the responses!
Sounds like I'd be off to a great start by getting the CAI + Tune, which is what I had in mind.
I see Breenspeed has an NICE package deal of C&L CAI with the SCT X-2 for $599. Sound good?
As soon as I have time, I'll create an avatar & signature. I'll update you all as I continue mod'ing my 'STANG!
Sounds like I'd be off to a great start by getting the CAI + Tune, which is what I had in mind.
I see Breenspeed has an NICE package deal of C&L CAI with the SCT X-2 for $599. Sound good?
As soon as I have time, I'll create an avatar & signature. I'll update you all as I continue mod'ing my 'STANG!
6/20/08, 10:44 PM
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For the best bang for the buck, start off with some longtube headers and a tune. This will allow you to put 220-225RWHP to the ground. Then do the LSD setup to get that 225RWHP to the ground properly.
Once thats done, your next step will be a power adder.
Don't waste alot of time BSing with nonsense mods. Get the longtubes first, along with the CAI and a tune.
Also the longtubes will help the sound out quite abit, which will lead to a nice performance muffler, and a little respect on the street. The biggest thing the longtubes will do is get you to 225RWHP. Thats money you can count on in 3rd and 4th gear.
Once thats done, your next step will be a power adder.
Don't waste alot of time BSing with nonsense mods. Get the longtubes first, along with the CAI and a tune.
Also the longtubes will help the sound out quite abit, which will lead to a nice performance muffler, and a little respect on the street. The biggest thing the longtubes will do is get you to 225RWHP. Thats money you can count on in 3rd and 4th gear.
Last edited by MSP; 6/20/08 at 10:45 PM.
6/22/08, 05:18 PM
#11
Intake and a tune, along with a single axle back are the best bang for the buck. I've seen cars go mid 14's with these three mods.
6/28/08, 11:02 PM
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VMP's intake/tune/axleback package would be my first recommendation. Way better sound, huge improvement in driveability, better mileage, just a night and day difference. It's $599 for everything. http://www.vmptuning.com/store/index...=200&parent=92
Then, LSD. I use a Ford Trac-Lok ($200 plus install) and am hugely happy. The LSD should be factory. You need it. Now.
Do these and you won't be disappointed!
Then, LSD. I use a Ford Trac-Lok ($200 plus install) and am hugely happy. The LSD should be factory. You need it. Now.
Do these and you won't be disappointed!
6/29/08, 03:13 PM
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VMP's intake/tune/axleback package would be my first recommendation. Way better sound, huge improvement in driveability, better mileage, just a night and day difference. It's $599 for everything. http://www.vmptuning.com/store/index...=200&parent=92
Then, LSD. I use a Ford Trac-Lok ($200 plus install) and am hugely happy. The LSD should be factory. You need it. Now.
Do these and you won't be disappointed!
Then, LSD. I use a Ford Trac-Lok ($200 plus install) and am hugely happy. The LSD should be factory. You need it. Now.
Do these and you won't be disappointed!
6/30/08, 11:58 AM
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I see why you're called "Glacial" you are TOO COOL!
Thanks a MILLION! - that's the best price I've seen for such a package & it includes all the stuff I'd had in mind... I'll probably be buying it in a week or two! I'll let you guys know how it works out...
Thanks a MILLION! - that's the best price I've seen for such a package & it includes all the stuff I'd had in mind... I'll probably be buying it in a week or two! I'll let you guys know how it works out...
7/3/08, 11:13 PM
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absorb all you can
I had a C&L cai,sct xcal 87 tune, GT takeoff exhaust with a pypes x pipe, magna flow muffs, JBA hdrs, I dyno'd 214 rwhp and 253 rwtq, on May 1st 08. Now I'm running # 76 X Charger. I was satisfied before the X, I daily drive mine. try to ignore the whiners...
7/7/08, 01:07 PM
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Yeah, I sure will keep you guys posted... one thing I've noticed just from looking at the pics in the advertisements is that C&L CAI kits have a NICE-looking METAL intake tube (presumably better performing as well), whereas most CAIs for the V6 are plastic tubes.
Now that I've gone ahead and ordered it, I hope the VMP CAI is a good choice and not just a cheap one they used to keep the package price low... I'm not sure the VMP even has an air box... anyone here who can comment?
Now that I've gone ahead and ordered it, I hope the VMP CAI is a good choice and not just a cheap one they used to keep the package price low... I'm not sure the VMP even has an air box... anyone here who can comment?
7/9/08, 09:11 AM
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I have a C&L powder coated mirrored black that I have for sale 100.00 plus shipping, I'll attach a pic so you can see, all you will have to do is buy a tuner...cheaper this way, it will save you some money. I just added an X Charger.I also have a MWG plenum that can easily be painted for your car. 100.00 obo plus ship.
Last edited by mustangcr8z; 7/9/08 at 09:34 AM.