[Robbie]

For a long time I have wanted to get into modifying a Mustang, but have just recently had the opportunity present itself. I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the term, but also am not afraid to learn. I have spent the last week or so reading every Mustang forum I could find, and trying to understand the terminology better before bothering anyone with this question. I feel comfortable enough to ask now, but please pardon my ignorance through the learning process.

I was recently handed a 1996 Mustang V6 3.8L Coupe. I realize that this is not a high performance car, and there are better models to work with. However, I would really love to make this car work to it's max potential. At this point, the car is 99% stock, with the 1% being rims installed by the previous owner (Still 16"). I won't be racing it on a track or any high performance running like that, but would like to be able to hold my own against friends if/when the situation calls for it. I don't plan to go supercharged or with nitros, so I beleive the term is "naturally aspirated".

The question I guess, would be "What mods would you suggest with the information provided, to reach this cars maximum potential without changing the engine itself?". I realize there is probably more information required for a full list of suggest mods, and I'll do my best to answer them as asked.

So far the only things I really have planned is the a CAI I found a decent deal on, and Bassani O/R X-Pipes w/ Bassani Catback (I like a deep grumble). Still open for negotiation on both though.

Thank you in advance,

Robbie

[ChrisJ]

There are alot of guys on here that have done wild things to their V6's...

Check out the V6 forum and you can see some of the awesome things people have done with their V6 stangs...

[xx9gt6xx]

You can definatly give the v6 some get up and go. For starters, all the bolt-on good will do (Cold Air Intake, Throttle Body, Intake Manifold, Underdrive Pulleys, Long Tube Headers/Midpipe/Catback, Tuning & GEARS!) A lot of the guys see mid-low 15 seconds in the quarter w/ all the bolt-on's and a Traction Lock & Gears. If you do plan on adding a blower or nitrous, that's considered a power adder motor. Naturally aspirated is all motor w/ no nitrous, blower or turbo. A lot of guys have thrown on blowers and seen awesome results from it. Nitrous can be dangerous if not used right. So read up on what you think is best for you and go from there. If you have any questions let us know!

[99mustang232]

Originally Posted by Robbie would like to be able to hold my own against friends if/when the situation calls for it. I don't plan to go supercharged or with nitros, so I beleive the term is "naturally aspirated". ..."What mods would you suggest with the information provided, to reach this cars maximum potential without changing the engine itself?".

you wont hit the maxiumum potential without changing the engine or going with some sort of poweradder... but if i was looking at going natually aspirated, would seriously look at stroker kits, heads, cam and intake swaps because without them you will still be a 14 or 15 second 1/4mile car.... so i hope your friends don't have fast cars??

[blackbear2469]

Hey here is a v-6 site you might be interested in.

http://www.supersixmotorsports.com

[99mustang232]

Originally Posted by blackbear2469 Hey here is a v-6 site you might be interested in. http://www.supersixmotorsports.com

here is a list of all of the v6 sites: http://www.moddedmustangs.com/forums...st-vt3770.html

[Robbie]

I am looking for more information on this "PI" reference so many of you seem to use. If I'm not mistaken, it has something to do with the -98 to 99+ header change? If this is the case, and the below quote is accurate:

Headers are one of the easiest bolt-on accessories you can use to improve an engine's performance. The goal of headers is to make it easier for the engine to push exhaust gases out of the cylinders.

Then I can, provided the new headers will fit the old cars (I thought I read that), go to a scrap yard and try to dig up some of the new headers for a quick an easy performance boost?

[ChrisJ]

Originally Posted by Robbie I am looking for more information on this "PI" reference so many of you seem to use. If I'm not mistaken, it has something to do with the -98 to 99+ header change? If this is the case, and the below quote is accurate: Headers are one of the easiest bolt-on accessories you can use to improve an engine's performance. The goal of headers is to make it easier for the engine to push exhaust gases out of the cylinders. Then I can, provided the new headers will fit the old cars (I thought I read that), go to a scrap yard and try to dig up some of the new headers for a quick an easy performance boost?

The "PI Thing" is for GT's...

The 99-04 GT's have better heads then the 96 - 98 GT's...Alot of people swap them out and gain some decent power...

As far as I know the V6's dont have PI heads...

[Robbie]

Thank you for the clarification, much appreciated.

I am looking into gears, and after reading around it sounds like 4:10 seems to be the way to go. FRPP also appears to be the most suggested brand to go with, but I failed to find any for the V6 (7.5"?).

Again, please pardon my ignorance but I'm attempting to learn as I go. The V8 has an 8.8" which most FRPP gears appear to be, and the V6 has a 7.5". I found some that appear to be compatible here. Is "Motive Performance" a decent brand to go with as well?

[itschristorres8]

for a 96 i'd recommend a swap to a split port then a single port...and then like 99mustang232 sed
heads
cam
stroker kit
and bolt ons will get you damm near 300hp or on it or a bit more. but around that general are
you'll beat any GT with that set up if the GT is stock or lightly modded and maybe handle some old cobras

[itschristorres8]

Originally Posted by Robbie Thank you for the clarification, much appreciated. I am looking into gears, and after reading around it sounds like 4:10 seems to be the way to go. FRPP also appears to be the most suggested brand to go with, but I failed to find any for the V6 (7.5"?). Again, please pardon my ignorance but I'm attempting to learn as I go. The V8 has an 8.8" which most FRPP gears appear to be, and the V6 has a 7.5". I found some that appear to be compatible here. Is "Motive Performance" a decent brand to go with as well?

thats a decent price and good i'd say, gears is also a good mod, its been sed to take off half a second in the 1/4 which isnt bad