[INSTALLER020]

I recently puarchased a 1990 Mustang GT Convertible. The car has 109,000 miles and is an automatic with overdrive.

I used to ride a Harley 1200 Sporster that I had moderately upgraded. I recently turned 33 and am married with 2 young kids, 2 & 4. Since my wife is terrified of motorcycles I decided to sell my Sportster and buy something my family could all enjoy. After much looking I found this car that had a nice list of maintenance and upgrades done.

Last year he had the tranny scoped and the downshift linkage replaced. Rebuilt the top end. Upgraded to headers and 2.5" exhaust all the way back. 15" wheels with new Cooper tires. New PVC valve and idle control module. No body rust whatsoever and a clean carfax. I was sold.

After driving the car for 2-3 days I have decided I would like a little more get up and go. I have ordered a Hypertech chip for it and have been talking to some friends about what I should do next and as expected have come across a couple differing opinions.

Suggestion #1: Upgrade rear end to 4.10's, was told to do this before anything.

Suggestion #2: Put in a cold air intake and MSD Ignition.

Suggestion #3: Put in a small NOS kit.

I was speaking to a friend in Orlando and he recommended I join this forum and start talking to you guys. He told me you are the nicest group of guys around and even though I am new to the V8 and Mustang scene you are all easy going.

That being said, let the education begin.

P.S. I do have pictures, but the camera is in the Mustang glovebox and we are having some seriously crappy weather here in Iowa, as soon as there is a break in the weather I will get the camera and post up a couple pictures of what i bought.

Thanks for all the help,
Matt

[INSTALLER020]

And my wonderful boys enjoying the stang.


Thanks,
Matt

[ThreeHonks302]

I would definately get new gears asap, and since it is a vert I would also get frame ties and a strut tower brace to stiffen up the chassis a bit... Gears are one of the 1st mods anyone should do to a 5.0 IMO. BTW, the car looks good and welcome

[91cobra5.0]

gears

[INSTALLER020]

Gears are where i will go first then. Are 4.10's going to be to deep for cruising around town? I have no intention of going super fast toher then taking it to the track and seeing what i can run.

Thanks,
Matt

[SALIV8]

i'd go 3.73s for gears, and grab a shift kit- transgo has good inexpensive products- go to summitracing, and i think it'll be about 100bux. i dont know what tranny shops are around you but the labor price could be good/bad. get estimates ne ways before you buy the shift kit. then before much else id stiffen the chassis, and think about a cam.

[ujslost]

I think 4.10s are to steep also. 3.73s IMO.

Btw welcome to the forums. Have fun with your new toy.

[r.barn]

4.10's are ok with automatics.
The automatics in those cars are pigs.

Start from the bottom up.
Gears, Rear control arms, Front end bushings, brakes
other small bolt ons like MAF meter and cold air intake.

You wont believe how much better it handles and rides after
stiffing up the chasis and replacing all the 20 yr old worn out suspension bushings.
The bushings are cheap, but a royal pain to get to.


Hate to be a flamer, but you gotta get rid of the ghey ass
purple and pink 3 tone paint.

Great look'n kids !, Loads of family fun

[91cobra5.0]

your rear bumper looks like its been replaced

[Iownastang]

no that car has just been taken care of;

[ryans88gt]

Biggest bang for your buck

#1 nitrous, for $500 I can install a kit with a full bottle that will add 100 hp and shave at least a full second off your quarter.

#2 Gears, they will make huge difference driving around town, and will also cost you a little bit in gas mileage on the highway.

#3 Cold air and MSD will do very little for a car with out supporting mods like heads/cam/intake...I would say nitrous, gears, and good drag radials (Mickey's) would be the next logical mods.

[INSTALLER020]

I believe it is the original Bumper.

I have added a poll to help decide on rear gears.

Will add a cold air intake when i do the shocks, brakes, bushings and strut tower brace.

Thanks,
Matt

[INSTALLER020]

Up.

[86_Notch]

410 gears, some underdrive pulleys and get rid of the smog pump, free up some nice hp and the motor will rev quicker also, Check the timing and make sure it's at least 12 - 14 degrees without the spout connector

[INSTALLER020]

Originally Posted by 86_Notch 410 gears, some underdrive pulleys and get rid of the smog pump, free up some nice hp and the motor will rev quicker also, Check the timing and make sure it's at least 12 - 14 degrees without the spout connector

My air con needs to be converted to be able to use it. I have been thinking about pulling it, it is a convertible afterall. Will that give me any performance gains?

Matt

[r.barn]

No.

It only engages when on. Spins free otherwise.

[83fox]

+1

youll only be shaving weight when taking out the a/c

[yojoe600]

get some 3.73

[petyweestraw]

not doin alot of racing? 3:73s.cute kids.but that bottom trim color has to go

[e3sean]

i say keep the pink and purple it will make the car lighter cause it will be as light at the fairy driving it.. j/k ya man i would say do the gears first. welcome to the forum yor buddy in orlando was right this is the best stang forum around.