[kds0628]

Hi, I've had this slow 96 GT for a few years now and am ready to start moding it. Problem is, it's got 107,000 miles on it...mostly highway, but high none-the-less. The car still runs strong and I can't feel anything major wrong with drivability / oil consumption / acceleration, etc. I'm worried though, that when I start adding horsepower, the car's age will show. Should I look at doing a minor engine re-build or refurbish prior to heavily modifying? Hoses, belts, wires (new), I've checked all the "obvious" stuff, but the internals, I'm kinda dumb on. What kind of things should I think about replacing or at the least inspecting before moding? The car will be built mostly for show, but I still want a mean street stang. Projected mods are:
70 mm TB, headers, catted X-pipe, after-cat, timing adjuster, 3.73's Later down the road - new heads or a good P&P job w/ cam. Maybe a SC, but would like to stay N/A.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Ken

 

[TroyV]

I'd do the PI headswap. (99 or later 2v heads on a 96-98 4.6 2v)

Run a search on headswap or PI heads. Some guys are putting down some very serious gains from that alone.

Gears.....do those too. 3:73's will definitely perk that puppy up, but do your own research and make sure the mods you choose fit your specific purpose. I went 3:73 on my 99, but with how free this thing revvs, I can't help but feel like the new 3:90 or 4:10 would have been better.

Good luck newbie.

 

[the_wizard01]

skip the TB, and get the headswap first. you will love it. just make sure to continue with headers/exhaust. (longtubes are nice )

 

[kds0628]

Thanks, I've heard a lot about the PI headswap, along w/ the heads I also need to swap the intake manifold as well, correct? But do you think w/ the current mileage, I should have someone look at it or replace bearings or anything, even if in my unprofessional opinion the car runs great? I would just hate spending that kind of money on the swap or any other expensive mod just to have the engine blow cause of my lack of knowledge. Thanks again, all suggestions welcome.
Ken