'02 GT Owner Needing a Little Help

[matty02gt]

I'm new to the forum and looking for a little guidance...
I've got an '02 GT with about 60k miles on it. The only mod I've done is put a K&N Air filter on it in about 3 years. I've finally got some money stashed away from the wife and was looking to upgrade.
I've considered headers (long and short tube), X and H pipes (cat and catless), exhaust systems, chips, tuners and the works. I just don't know what's going to be the biggest bang for my buck or what pieces work well together (kinda got overwhelmed with all the options). What I'm really looking for is some added power without having to start upgrading the suspension.
Any help with what I should do or what's worked for you would be appreciated.

 

[COramprat]

Exhaust is a good start. Depending on where you live you can go catless and get better results. Also your long term goals come into play. What are your goals?

 

[VEE EIGHT]

I'd say start with a catback exhaust system for sound and some gears for performance. Gears are definitely the best bang-for-the-buck mod on the 4.6's.

As for headers, dont waste your time/money on short tubes. Get some longtubes.

Also, if you don't live in CA, go catless on your exhaust. MUCH better performance/sound.

 

[squeak93]

I picked up 3 tenths from a mid pipe swap (o/r) and weld in mufflers. More than my gears gave me.. (4.30's at that).


But suspension and tires will go a LONG way as well. No reason you can't get well in the 13's on a BONE stock motor and suspension. Plus every mod you do from there will add up more.

 

[bdcardinal]

Also, if you don't live in CA, go catless on your exhaust. MUCH better performance/sound.

might as well go catless in CA since the high flow cats are illegal too, so they consider the car catless if they are on.

 

[02nightmaregt]

If i could go back i would actually start with suspension. Other that that, gears, flsfc's, exhaust(full), shifter

 

[matty02gt]

The car's in Washington state right now, but registered in Pennsylvannia (I'm military), so as long as I don't get stationed back in PA I won't have to worry about emissions.
You guys have any brands for the exhaust? I was looking at Magnaflows for the mufflers, but am clueless about the X/H pipes or headers.
Thanks for the help so far.

 

[matty02gt]

As for the goals, I'm looking to keep this car for a long time and keep throwing money at it when I have the chance. It'd be nice to have it sitting in the garage for my kids when the go off to prom (long term). Short term I'm looking at adding some performance and sound till I save up some more money and actually start looking at upgrading the suspension.
Sorry it's taking me so long to get back on the posts, but I'm deployed right now, so finding time to get on the internet is a little scarce.
Thanks again for the help.