[Barkey1201]

So, i was going to post this in the thread engine troubles but I thought if I was going to do it wrong I might as well post in the v6 thread.
Anywho, freshly bought 2001 3.8l, I know enough about cars to be dangerous to myself but not enough to know what I'm talking about
I am going to follow the mod ideas in the threads that I've been researching but for now, I've got a rough idle and a sluggish 1st gear, when the mustang kicks out of first gear it starts to really get after it, so my question is, exhaust manifold causing this leak? IAC causing it? I've already gone through and replaced the spark plugs, went ahead and did the wires too just in case, replaced the air filter. So if anyone has any thoughts on it I'd sure love some help...i've been scared to seafoam it if it is a leak somewhere I don't want to make it worse...
Again sorry if I posted in the wrong area, but this is an awesome forum and thanks to everyone for all the great info in all the threads

[khaos]

Welcome!



Check your coil pack, too, since you already did the spark plugs and wires.
Mine had a weird idle and felt like it was losing power and sluggish until it went into second and over 1300k rpms. It was misfiring badly. Replaced the coil back (it was bad) and it was as good as new. Just pull the wires off one at a time and see if you're getting a spark at each port while it's running.

[v6kid]

^Don't get zapped, it's not fun.

[khaos]

You're not kidding. I did it accidentally. But I was dumb and pulled a second wire off with my first by accident. Ouch!

[Rich J]

Question: Are you guys pulling the wires off the plugs or the coil pack? I need to do this myself and have been hesitant because idk which side of the wire to pull lol.

[Mr. Red Pony]

Eh. 1st is not so great, second is better. We have the same trans as the GTs (if it is a manual) and they are made for the GT power band more than the V6. It takes some getting used to. But you are right. Once you hit 2nd, it really opens up.

[Barkey1201]

thanks for the idea on that one khaos, I'm going to try to see if that'll help
So red pony, is the only way to overcome that to get the taller gears? I was thinking that would be an okay mod that wouldn't destroy what's left of the engine, at least until I get the 4.2 put in it that is.
And I've tried to see if this was answered already but I can't find anything that states for sure one way or the other, but if I get a tuner and try to put a tune on the motor before I get the new engine can it tear up the engine? Most of my experience with cars are with carb cars and the closest thing to a computer they got was the cd player lol. It's my daily driver atm so I'm stressed about breaking the motor apart, because I drive it really hard, first manual i've had in awhile and definetely the lightest car I've ever driven...had a 64 ford thunderbird, a buick appollo and 69 oldsmobile cutlass, so I'm enjoying the lightness and quickness of it.
Gonna get pictures up for you guys soon, I got a steal of a deal on it, paid a grand and got a good running toy out of the deal
oh, and fair warning, i'm going to be the guy to ask a boatload of questions, but I try to do my research beforehand