Complete car noob that found a gem and needs help polishing it :)
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Joined: July 4, 2008
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Complete car noob that found a gem and needs help polishing it :)
Little history, I drove a 1995 Ford Probe since I was 16, and it finally died on me last year (I am 25 now). My father is good friends with a Chevy dealer, who happened to have a stock 2005 v6 mustang on the lot he wanted to move since it was a Ford. It only had 10k miles on it and I got it for well below blue book at the end of last year.
Going from a dinky 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder to something with double the power was quite an upgrade. I was never really a "car guy" until now, and I am in love with this car. I am in the IT business, I build electronics, computers, deal with software, and I appreciate knowing how things work inside and out.
On that note, I have some questions.
One of the first things I wanted to do is get smoked head lights and tail lights. My mustang is black, and thought that would look pretty sweet. I found them for around 60 dollars a set. Is this low, high and are there some websites that are just the best for parts and things like this, also, are these legal in all states?
I have seen this asked before, but where to start with performance enhancements? Try to lay off the abbreviations, I know a few like CAI is cold air intake, but some leave me with my mouth open drooling on myself. Also, do most people on these forums work on their own cars? Or have someone do it? Is there some mainstream auto place that you trust to do this sort of work? My options are sort of limited where I live.
Lastly I guess is how hard is it too install stuff yourself? I know this is probably getting snickers from some people, and believe me, I understand, I wouldn't dream of using a computer I didn't build myself. I am not opposed to learning, just need some direction, and maybe a suggestion what would be a nice and easy first thing to try and do.
Also, question about the car, I am not thrilled with the automatic tranny. It seems really slow to respond when trying to respond to quick acceleration from a dead stop, and sometimes the shifts into 3rd seem a bit rough. Is this normal? Can I improve this?
Thanks for the help guys.
Going from a dinky 2.0 Liter 4 cylinder to something with double the power was quite an upgrade. I was never really a "car guy" until now, and I am in love with this car. I am in the IT business, I build electronics, computers, deal with software, and I appreciate knowing how things work inside and out.
On that note, I have some questions.
One of the first things I wanted to do is get smoked head lights and tail lights. My mustang is black, and thought that would look pretty sweet. I found them for around 60 dollars a set. Is this low, high and are there some websites that are just the best for parts and things like this, also, are these legal in all states?
I have seen this asked before, but where to start with performance enhancements? Try to lay off the abbreviations, I know a few like CAI is cold air intake, but some leave me with my mouth open drooling on myself. Also, do most people on these forums work on their own cars? Or have someone do it? Is there some mainstream auto place that you trust to do this sort of work? My options are sort of limited where I live.
Lastly I guess is how hard is it too install stuff yourself? I know this is probably getting snickers from some people, and believe me, I understand, I wouldn't dream of using a computer I didn't build myself. I am not opposed to learning, just need some direction, and maybe a suggestion what would be a nice and easy first thing to try and do.
Also, question about the car, I am not thrilled with the automatic tranny. It seems really slow to respond when trying to respond to quick acceleration from a dead stop, and sometimes the shifts into 3rd seem a bit rough. Is this normal? Can I improve this?
Thanks for the help guys.
Last edited by b4t3m4n; Jul 5, 2008 at 12:47 AM.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: July 4, 2004
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
I cant answer all your questions but Im sure the smoked light are illegal in a few states but not all. Also a tune from Brenspeed or Bamachips will definetly improve the shifting. There are several advertisers on this sight and Brad makes sure they are relieable. Prices very just shop around and support the advertisers on this site. The tune and cai you can do your self easy. Some of the more extinsive mods will require more knowledge skill and tools. P.S. Welcome to the sight check out the v6 section for more info. http://www.brenspeed.com/mustang2005v6/airkittuner.html http://www.bamachips.com/store/index..._9_34&products
Last edited by Greywolf; Jul 5, 2008 at 05:10 AM.
Cobra Member
Joined: April 26, 2004
Posts: 1,061
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i try to do everything myself except fuel filter changes and tranny fluid flushes i take to the dealer.
i had the dealer do a oil change and tire rotate this saturday because i was lazy lol but gave them the mobil 1 to put in.. and they only chrge 10 bucks when you bring the oil..but i still like knowing i did it myself.
so fa i changed:
spark plugs
coolant change
thermostat housing
throttle body cleanings ( took it off completely to clean once)
upgraded all 4 rotors
replaced front calipers to GT calipers
replaced stock muffler with pypes violator
stereo system w nav
replaced alternator (**** stereo..lol)
brake fluid flush
not to mention every mod i did was done by me and most things were the first time i ever did them..lol trial and error..
i have the chilton book and for things like the brakes i downloaded the ford racing pdf brake sheet
i broke off the passenger rear caliper mounting bolts..that sucked lol thank god i was able to drill them out ..penetrating lube rules ;p
now i know the lube em before putting them in
its a learning experience
i had the dealer do a oil change and tire rotate this saturday because i was lazy lol but gave them the mobil 1 to put in.. and they only chrge 10 bucks when you bring the oil..but i still like knowing i did it myself.
so fa i changed:
spark plugs
coolant change
thermostat housing
throttle body cleanings ( took it off completely to clean once)
upgraded all 4 rotors
replaced front calipers to GT calipers
replaced stock muffler with pypes violator
stereo system w nav
replaced alternator (**** stereo..lol)
brake fluid flush
not to mention every mod i did was done by me and most things were the first time i ever did them..lol trial and error..
i have the chilton book and for things like the brakes i downloaded the ford racing pdf brake sheet
i broke off the passenger rear caliper mounting bolts..that sucked lol thank god i was able to drill them out ..penetrating lube rules ;p
now i know the lube em before putting them in
its a learning experience
Last edited by jcopin; Aug 24, 2008 at 11:20 PM.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: August 7, 2006
Posts: 16,113
Likes: 789
From: In Boredom
I cant answer all your questions but Im sure the smoked light are illegal in a few states but not all. Also a tune from Brenspeed or Bamachips will definetly improve the shifting. There are several advertisers on this sight and Brad makes sure they are relieable. Prices very just shop around and support the advertisers on this site. The tune and cai you can do your self easy. Some of the more extinsive mods will require more knowledge skill and tools. P.S. Welcome to the sight check out the v6 section for more info. http://www.brenspeed.com/mustang2005v6/airkittuner.html http://www.bamachips.com/store/index..._9_34&products
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: January 4, 2006
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 32
Welcome to the site.
The mail order tunes from our recommended guys are very good.
You stated: "My options are sort of limited where I live."
What part of the country are you in that makes you so isolated?
We may be able to find some one near you to help out.
The mail order tunes from our recommended guys are very good.
You stated: "My options are sort of limited where I live."
What part of the country are you in that makes you so isolated?
We may be able to find some one near you to help out.
Former Vendor
Joined: January 11, 2007
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 0
From: Aston, PA
Welcome to the site! Feel free to give me a call and I will set you up with a great intake and tune combo that will completely change the vehicles driveability.
Chris Rose
Tillman Speed Inc.
www.TillmanSpeed.com
610-497-5776
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