[Mr.James]

Hi guys, I'm new to the site and would like to start off with a bunch of questions on my car...
My grandparents bought me ( im 16) a 2000 3.8l v6 Mustang and i'm dying to start upgrading it
I only have a part time job so bolt-ons are what im looking for
this is what i have in mind..
CAI
Exhaust..i'm keeping the single pipe but im getting a new, wider pipe put in with a straight through muffler because i have very little money but want something better than stock
and im thinking about throwing in some sway bars and things similar to that to help tighten up the handling a bit

if anyone has an idea on anymore upgrades, the pros and cons and cost that would be great!!

Thanks!!

[00BlueMustang]

Look Here Before Asking About Mods

There you go

[00BlueMustang]

Also dont go for single muffler, save your money and then go with duals

[RFM 40th V6]

^ +1

For sure. You won't be happy with a single pipe. A solid place to start is with the exhaust and a tuner/chip. At least in my opinion. Although if you want to feel like you've got a lot more pep I'd suggest gears and a t-lok.

If handling is what you're after do a lot of research first, based on what you're looking for.

If you want a huge improvement in handling get a good set of springs and adjustable struts. Don't forget the CC plates either.

[Mr.James]

I've seen some people with a MAC 2.5" Y Pipe catback
would that be any better? i found one for around $320

some people say they love it, a bunch say it sounds like crap

[RFM 40th V6]

if you check out the exhaust clips you'll get an idea of what sounds good and what doesn't.

A catback is good for the look of a dual setup but usually sound pretty bad.

An H pipe with high flow cats and some sort of high performance mufflers will give you a deeper tone and sound way better than a catback.

If you start looking at kits it can get expensive fast.

Here this should tell you everything you want to know.

http://www.moddedmustangs.com/forums...ead-clips.html

[Safi]

Thrush weld mufflers + straight pipes = win

[RFM 40th V6]

Originally Posted by commandersafi Thrush weld mufflers + straight pipes = win

Yes, yes. Of course you would say that.

Even though you are completely right I still like my setup.

[Safi]

Originally Posted by RFM 40th V6 Yes, yes. Of course you would say that. Even though you are completely right I still like my setup.

My Stang :: MVI_0921.flv video by commandersafi - Photobucket

My Stang :: MVI_0921.flv video by commandersafi - Photobucket

Video does no justice for either car sadly

[RFM 40th V6]

Originally Posted by commandersafi My Stang :: MVI_0921.flv video by commandersafi - Photobucket Video does no justice for either car sadly

I know the feeling.

[Mr.James]

would getting duals but running them straight back with no H or X sound decent?
im looking for the cheapest way to get a deeper louder tone, and also would the CAI add a deeper tone like some people say it does?

[00BlueMustang]

Look at Safi's video, he is running straights and Thrush welded mufflers and it sounds great.

[Mr.James]

"Let me make a suggestion before you get true dual exhaust. The factory mustang six cylinder usually come with headers from the factory. Buy a 3 inch single exhaust from the headers back. Dump the cats. over the hill. Run the exhaust straight back into a quality muffler. Jegs sells some great mufflers for good prices.
Put some nice tips on it also. Since you have a 6 cylinder your car doesn't move alot of air. A dual exhaust in not needed. It just cost you more money. Think about it,will a 3 inch no cat. exhaust, with a high flow muffler flow as much or more than a 2 1/2 in dual exhaust with 2 cats. The answer is yes. I installed exhaust systems once upon a time. Take it from experience a 3 inch single exhaust with NO cat and free flowing muffler you will be extremely satisfied. Good luck."
found that on another website....is the mans thinking semi accurate?

[00BlueMustang]

Yes because we are a even firing engine but you will have a better sound with two mufflers.

[Mr.James]

okay i would imagine 2 mufflers would sound better also
i will talk to my bud who does custom exhaust and get some prices

now about the CAI...does it change the exhaust tone any?
and BBK shorty headers, what difference can i expect if i installed those?

[00BlueMustang]

Don't get the shorty headers, they will not do anything for you. Many will say either get the Mac long tube headers or just keep the stock ones.

A CAI will make it a little bit louder, but thats it. Also don't expect any horsepower gains from one either

[Mr.James]

would getting a larger throttle body give me a few horses or anything?
or is my best bet just to change the exhaust and throw in a $100 CAI
and save up for a tuner and forget everything else basically ?

[00BlueMustang]

If you get a throttle body for the sixxer then you would be getting an expensive paper weights.

Figure out what kind of exhaust you want, flowmaster, thrush or whatever. Also as for the CAI you can get an eBay one but I would recommend one from American Muscle. But if your heart desires you can go out and buy a BBK or K&N.

[Mr.James]

i have my eye on one from AM for about $70 lol
im not going to pay extra $ for a brand name CAI
okay so i think im going to just redo the exhaust and get the CAI
does the exhaust tip really matter or can i just pick whatever one i think looks nice?...any suggestions on tips?

[00BlueMustang]

No not really. Personally I would love to have the SLP double walled tips.