Advice Needed On Upgrades - Dropping Off Tomorrow!

#21
Subframe connectors!! Even in a "stock" car with limited hard driving should be one of the first mods everybody should do. Good struts and shocks go along way. I personally can't stand the 4x4 stance of a stock mustang so I would lower it a little. Problem with suspension mods(like everything else) is it's an entire system approach to get the most out of it and starts adding up quick. But do the connectors no matter what.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

  • Sponsors (?)


#25
Frame connectors are really important especially with a convertible!! You'll twist the crap out of the frame without them. You will tighten the car substantially. Is it something as "cool" as exhaust/gears? Nope. Good set is around 150$ and are welded in. Even with labor it should only be a few hundred.
 
#26
Yeah maybe I will have another shop do that then. The place I'm taking it to is a little pricey. Like I said I was quoted 330 for labor not including parts. I think doing the gears (with new bearings etc) and mufflers are going to be around 1500. They are raping me on labor it seems.
 
#27
koala33 said:
is this a DIY? Not even sure I know what a clutch quadrant is..
Click to expand...
Its tight to get under the dash, search for a video and threads with pics. I paid a guy to do mine a long time ago. Removing your front seat and laying on your back is the way to do it if you choose to do it. Your stock quadrant is plastic, it WILL break, the only variable is where you'll be when it happens.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
#32
I'd start with the subframe connectors and do a good catback (not flowmaster or mac). I'm partial to bassani because quality and fit is great. Maybe a bassani x pipe while you are at it.

Then do the gears and a full rear rebuild kit while it's apart.

That should hold you over.

Suspension is a whole new can of worms, going to get expensive fast. I agree with doing it, just not on a whim without thought or any real planning.

Try not to get A.D.D, it's easier and cheaper to work on similar items at once than it is to do a little of this and a little of that.
 
#33
koala33 said:
stock. that might not be a bad idea either if not too much money. any recommendations for springs?
Click to expand...

To me, lowering springs are a must. Eibach springs are very popular, and they work well. On a Fox, upgrading the rear upper & lower control arms is absolutely critical. It is a MUST DO mod, from a restoration standpoint AND a performance standpoint.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
#34
Wanted to thank you all for the great advice! This forum is so useful - you guys are really awesome. I got some good ideas for future upgrades. I ended up doing stainless steel American Thunders with stainless steel super 40s. Also doing 3.73s with new bearing kit (he's putting the speedometer gear in too). Gave him the SR Performance cold air intake that I got on sale for $50 and told him to throw it on. I know it's easy to do but just figured why not, it will be ready to go when I get back. He is also going to put stop rings in the steering rack so my rims don't rub when I cut the wheel all the way. Labor came out to $720 which is a lot - total was just under $1,500 out the door. It is a performance shop, so I know the job will be done right (there are a bunch of other foxbodies in the shop).

Future plans (a lot of it came from your advice)...

- sub frame connectors
- lowering springs (I think the car just had new struts so I don't want to fix it if it isn't broken kind of thing) ?

Stuff I need to do myself:
- put on my white lettering kit when I get some time
- need to put a little bit of money into the stereo - just need some more sound in the front
- light bar is starting to fade underneath - need to clean it up a bit (maybe repaint it??)
- need to re-glue the front speaker grills
- new shifter (can't decide on the Steeda tri-ax or the short throw shifter for $100 less)
- replace clutch quadrant (hopefully not too much a pain in the @$$)

MAYBE
when I feel like dumping more money into it.. Do headers and midpipe.

Other than that, I am getting there. A month ago I said I was going to leave everything stock... Oh well. Not going to get all crazy with the motor, but I think these little things will give me a little bit more power.

I'd really love to go back to the stock paint job with the grey two-tone, but don't want to dish out the money for a paint job - the paint is a 9/10 as it is.

--Shawn
 
#37
Virtual said:
So what are a good subframe connectors to get? I think a vert needs more support, and I was never sure if I needed to look for something very specific?
Click to expand...
no clue I haven't got that far yet. I'm sure there are some threads on here though that talk about them. I'll update you if I find more out. I know that convertibles specifically need them even more so than a coupe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Need advice: 93 Cobra audio upgrade with no permanent modifications
Replies
7
Views
793
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
TIGGER
TIGGER
C
Drivetrain 8.8” gear install
Replies
14
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
General karthief
General karthief
L
Torsen T2R (M-4204-T31H), excessive play?
Replies
0
Views
590
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
letumeternum
L
AeroCoupe
Should I Get a New Clutch Fork and Pivot Ball Stud?
Replies
13
Views
3K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
96pushrod
96pushrod
O
TransGo shift kit question?
Replies
8
Views
1K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
AeroCoupe
AeroCoupe
Top Bottom
Back
New
Hot
Menu