New to Muscle Cars - First Modification Questions
Mach 1 Member
Joined: August 15, 2012
Posts: 937
Likes: 3
From: Boob City, Indiana
OP, I think you have already decided not to make any modifications that will affect your new car warranty, so you are going to have an extended period of driving and familiarizing yourself with the machine before giving yourself the "green light" to begin making mods to enhance performance. By the time you reach that point, you will likely have a wish list of mods to put in place... but if you tote up the costs of those mods (plus installation, if you aren't able to do installs yourself), you are bound to come to the conclusion that you shoulda just gotten the GT. Face it man, you bought a V6 auto; it will never be a MUSCLE car. Learn to live with it, or trade it off. I speak as a well-satisfied V6 owner, myself. The 3.7 is no slouch.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 4
Most people are familiar with "pay-to-play". And while that is true, that coupled with the "fear-of-voiding-warranty" shouldn't scare you away from simple bolt on modifications.
While the 4:10 gears would give you a substantial increase in acceleration, they do result in ****ty gas mileage, cost-prohibitive to install, and could possibly void your warranty should something arise.
But I see no harm in going to your local dealer to ask them about their stance on simple bolt-ons.
The right tire set-up, with a CAI, throttle body spacer and axle back exhaust should keep you happy for now.
And if you happen to have a huge mechanical failure, Ford has to PROVE that your mod caused the failure. If you install a Cold Air Intake and suddenly your rear axle snaps from you digging in at a stop light, I don't think they can void your warranty based on that alone.
Like other suggested, search is your friend. Take advice with a grain of salt. Take your time. And just enjoy your beautiful new Stang!
Welcome to the forums!
Regards, Joey .K
While the 4:10 gears would give you a substantial increase in acceleration, they do result in ****ty gas mileage, cost-prohibitive to install, and could possibly void your warranty should something arise.
But I see no harm in going to your local dealer to ask them about their stance on simple bolt-ons.
The right tire set-up, with a CAI, throttle body spacer and axle back exhaust should keep you happy for now.
And if you happen to have a huge mechanical failure, Ford has to PROVE that your mod caused the failure. If you install a Cold Air Intake and suddenly your rear axle snaps from you digging in at a stop light, I don't think they can void your warranty based on that alone.
Like other suggested, search is your friend. Take advice with a grain of salt. Take your time. And just enjoy your beautiful new Stang!
Welcome to the forums!
Regards, Joey .K
End of game for the OP I'm afraid.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 4
OP, I think you have already decided not to make any modifications that will affect your new car warranty, so you are going to have an extended period of driving and familiarizing yourself with the machine before giving yourself the "green light" to begin making mods to enhance performance. By the time you reach that point, you will likely have a wish list of mods to put in place... but if you tote up the costs of those mods (plus installation, if you aren't able to do installs yourself), you are bound to come to the conclusion that you shoulda just gotten the GT. Face it man, you bought a V6 auto; it will never be a MUSCLE car. Learn to live with it, or trade it off. I speak as a well-satisfied V6 owner, myself. The 3.7 is no slouch.
297 rwhp , 276 rwtq, Sounds like muscle to me. 0-60 mph 4.7 seconds. Oh yeah.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: January 12, 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Hello Everyone,
First and foremost, I would like to thank each of you for your responses, as I know you've taken time out of your schedules to respond to my post - and for that, I'm very appreciative!
Based on the responses, I've decided that performance modifications may not be the way to go for me right now. I take the warranty very seriously, as that is the primary reason I buy new vehicles. I like the comfort the warranty offers.
As for the GT over V6 argument... it just wasn't cost justifiable for me at this juncture in my life. While I knew going in that the GT would have been the obvious choice for power and "muscle", I also knew that it wasn't an option.
For now, I'll stick with aesthetic/sound modifications until I run out of the warranty period. I went to the tint shop this morning and had her tinted, and might attempt to paint my brake calipers red one weekend if the temperatures ever rise. Next will be speakers/in-dash navigation, followed by exhaust.
Thanks again for all of the input!
First and foremost, I would like to thank each of you for your responses, as I know you've taken time out of your schedules to respond to my post - and for that, I'm very appreciative!
Based on the responses, I've decided that performance modifications may not be the way to go for me right now. I take the warranty very seriously, as that is the primary reason I buy new vehicles. I like the comfort the warranty offers.
As for the GT over V6 argument... it just wasn't cost justifiable for me at this juncture in my life. While I knew going in that the GT would have been the obvious choice for power and "muscle", I also knew that it wasn't an option.
For now, I'll stick with aesthetic/sound modifications until I run out of the warranty period. I went to the tint shop this morning and had her tinted, and might attempt to paint my brake calipers red one weekend if the temperatures ever rise. Next will be speakers/in-dash navigation, followed by exhaust.
Thanks again for all of the input!
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 4
Hello Everyone,
First and foremost, I would like to thank each of you for your responses, as I know you've taken time out of your schedules to respond to my post - and for that, I'm very appreciative!
Based on the responses, I've decided that performance modifications may not be the way to go for me right now. I take the warranty very seriously, as that is the primary reason I buy new vehicles. I like the comfort the warranty offers.
As for the GT over V6 argument... it just wasn't cost justifiable for me at this juncture in my life. While I knew going in that the GT would have been the obvious choice for power and "muscle", I also knew that it wasn't an option.
For now, I'll stick with aesthetic/sound modifications until I run out of the warranty period. I went to the tint shop this morning and had her tinted, and might attempt to paint my brake calipers red one weekend if the temperatures ever rise. Next will be speakers/in-dash navigation, followed by exhaust.
Thanks again for all of the input!
First and foremost, I would like to thank each of you for your responses, as I know you've taken time out of your schedules to respond to my post - and for that, I'm very appreciative!
Based on the responses, I've decided that performance modifications may not be the way to go for me right now. I take the warranty very seriously, as that is the primary reason I buy new vehicles. I like the comfort the warranty offers.
As for the GT over V6 argument... it just wasn't cost justifiable for me at this juncture in my life. While I knew going in that the GT would have been the obvious choice for power and "muscle", I also knew that it wasn't an option.
For now, I'll stick with aesthetic/sound modifications until I run out of the warranty period. I went to the tint shop this morning and had her tinted, and might attempt to paint my brake calipers red one weekend if the temperatures ever rise. Next will be speakers/in-dash navigation, followed by exhaust.
Thanks again for all of the input!
I give you credit for having enough discipline not going the route of performance modifications on your powerhouse 3.7. I tried so hard and after my Flowmaster axle backs, I lost all control. I got on these mustang forums and these dudes got me spending my money. Lol! Heck , I'm fighting the urge to go on AM and buy a pair of lower control arms and a pan hard bar. I don't really need them but better traction can't hurt. Those two mods should help ones off the line acceleration greatly by reducing wheel hop and keeping the car straight at launch. I need professional help.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: January 24, 2012
Posts: 2,352
Likes: 2
Lol, I suggest these because they are pretty dealer friendly and the stock suspension definitely needs help, so you can gain some performance by improved handling, better traction, less wheel hop, weight savings (wheels), etc. It's what I'm doing.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: November 26, 2011
Posts: 2,633
Likes: 4
Your certainly right about better suspension set up and tires will help with off line 0-60 acceleration. A set of lower control arms, panhard rod and high performance tires should keep the car from any wheel hop, keep completely straight and keep the power train warranty in tact along with the 3/36 month warranty. Unless something breaks on your live rear axle and Ford wants to blame the pan hard rod or lower control arms. Lmao.
Bullitt Member
Joined: September 19, 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
From: NoVA
Hi Folks, I've seen quite a few threads about modifications, but I'm new to muscle cars and really don't know where to start. I have a base v6 auto mustang and really don't want to break the bank. I was thinking about a performance tune, but don't want to void warranties or anything like that. While I know that each has their own opinion as to what are the "best mods" for them, I should tell you that my Mustang is an around-town driver, as my wife has a Civic Hybrid for road trips. Thanks in advance for suggestions! -Adam
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: February 26, 2012
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 392
From: Down south in Dixie
I agree with the wheelman. These mods will keep your warranty in tact, and with the right wheels, and tires the car will take on a completely different attitude.
As far as the 3.7L engine, these little motors are tough SOB's. Coming from what was called the real muscle car era, I can tell you that these engines have more torque, and HP than most of the V8's of yesteryear. They may not have the sound, but it will be down the road while those old car are still deciding to move or not.
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