New to S197 Mods - Where to Start, Looking for some advice and suggestions!

[marcossandreww]

Hey everyone,

I am new here and just bought my first S197 Mustang GT ('05-'14). I am really excited to start modding it but don't want to dive in without a plan. I have done some reading: but there are so many options out there.., I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.

I am looking for advice on where to start with mods that make a noticeable difference but also keep things reliable. Should I prioritize performance upgrades (like intake and exhaust), suspension or maybe even handling improvements: ?? And if anyone has recommendations for specific brands or products that work well with S197s,,, I would love to hear them.

I am aiming for a nice balance daily driver capable but with a bit of extra punch. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated !! I have also read this thread https://www.s197forum.com/threads/where-to-start.117285rpa/ but need more assistance.

Thanks in advance for helping a newbie out. This community seems awesome...., and I am looking forward to learning from you all !!

With Regards,
Marcos Andrew

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

I am aiming for a nice balance daily driver capable but with a bit of extra punch.

That's exactly where I am with my 06 GT. Here's a list of my mods:

Parts

You didn't mention if your car has the 4.6 3V engine or the 5.0 Coyote engine but the most popular entry-level performance mod for a N/A set up is a CAI & tune.

 

[JC SSP]

What year mustang did you buy?

 

[07 Boss]

The old tried and true method to building any car is have a comprehensive plan and build from the ground up.

 

[JC SSP]

We still need to know 4.6 or 5.0?

FYI An engine is an "air pump" the more air in and the more air out faster it will generate more power. So simply start on the intake and exhaust with a good tune and you will make power.

 

[DieHarder]

IMHO I'd recommend taming handling first (tires along with better struts/shocks; front & rear LCA's & sway bars). If you can't keep it on the road it doesn't matter how much power you have.

 

[Candy10]

IMHO I'd recommend taming handling first (tires along with better struts/shocks; front & rear LCA's & sway bars). If you can't keep it on the road it doesn't matter how much power you have.

I second this. Shocks and struts, then rear LCAs. UCA may not be that big a deal unless you go lowering springs, but the bushings on it may be shot. Sway bars are gonna come down to driving style and preferred feel, but again, bushings. Id include every bushing under the car while under there. S197s 10 to 20 years old now.

 

[JC SSP]

To quote a great man…

 

[1 Alibi 2]

Welcome to the forum.
Have an end goal for the car & a budget.
If there is local tuning talent, that may a good place to start..

 

[GriffX]

Best mod I did was the noise insulation. LOL

 

[ShelbySteve]

Best mod I did was the noise insulation. LOL

The “raw” if you will sound is why I love my 07 over newer ones.

 

[GriffX]

The “raw” if you will sound is why I love my 07 over newer ones.

Well after 3 hours at 90-100 MPH, wind, tire, and rear axle noises can become annoying

 

[ShelbySteve]

Well after 3 hours at 90-100 MPH, wind, tire, and rear axle noises can become annoying

I turn the radio up lol

 

[JC SSP]

For the 80's metal heads in the group...

 

[GriffX]

For the 80's metal heads in the group...

 

[bullitt1011]

Like everyone said, you need a plan. Asimple relatively inexpensive mod start would be rear gears, tires and underdrive pulleys. Great seat of the pants start. For all around street/strip gear I feel 3.73 are perfect. I love Indy 500's and I have BBK UDP. My Bullitt has a few more mods Cams, Kooks LTH Catted H-pipe CAI. No that I don't track or take it down the 1/4 mile anymore (delegated to weekend cruiser) I would opt to go back to stock. The traffic these days is crazy and make driving at times not nearly as much fun as it was in the 80's and 90's. So adding more power is always nice but if your not going to use the power stick with gears and prioritize upgrading the handling. Just have fun and make the Mustang your own and enjoy. Don't let people talk you into mods you don't want. Let us know what S197 you picked up and add picks.

 

[Pentalab]

What YEAR is the car ????? What eng ??? Hardtop or convertible ?? Manual or auto tranny ?? What model ?
The 11-14 cars have a huge head start over the 05-10 cars.

 

[asdrew]

BTW this thread is from 2024 and the OP never returned, one post only.

 

[bullitt1011]

Didn't even notice the date

 

[Squirrely]

Oops