I've read a lot on both sides of the fence, both have some valid points but it mostly comes down to name calling. But anywho, my ride. 98 3.8 that was just abused and manhandled before I saved it from the clutches of an idiot. "It needs a new lower intake manifold gasket and I don't want to do the work. I'll sell it to you for 800 bucks" Sold See before that I was driving a 1990 Bronco 2 until the brakes locked up and damn near caught on fire (another in a continuous line of problems I had had with the car) Before that was a 92 Escort Also an 89 Club Wagon. 8MPG and needed a 200 dollar part to fix a 300 dollar value van So the first time I got my mustang running and took it for a spin it was a huge improvment in performance over my previous vehicles. I'm just a shade tree mechanic. I really don't know anything about cars but I can change out parts. Plus I have a willingness to experiment in uncharted waters =D Now I got the car running pretty good and I'm planning out possible mods. There isn't nearly as much available as for the GT's but theres still some stuff out there. My income is fairly limited so pretty much every penny I put in my car counts. After adding up all the stuff to make my 3.8 where I want it (theoreticlly) the tag is quite high. Close to 6k for everything, about the same price for a crate 302. I'd like to know what else would need to be done before I could drop in a 302 (or if possible the new Boss 351, but I don't know about size constraints.) Everyone likes to go fast. Its great. Just mash that accelerator down and feel your back press into the seat. Woo! But in terms of reality what do I really need vs what I want... I don't care about beating GT's. At all... really. But even though its a daily driver I still want to be able to have some more power, like when I'm passing people on the highway it shouldn't be a chore. I guess what I'm trying to ask through long digression is would I be better off modding my 3.8 or just saving up more for a Boss 302 engine? And what does stroking entail?
I don't think its a waste to mod if you are planning to keep your vehicle for a long time. You can buy a decent GT for 6K instead of modding out a V6. I don't really plan on doing to much to my 04 V6 Vert. This is my second V6 Mustang, my previous was a 96 5speed V6. The next Mustang I am going to purchase will be a GT. Only then will I really get into modding out the engine and suspension. But if you really want to mod out your V6, go for it! And keep us informed of your progress. Those kinds of swaps entail a lot of sweat and blood.
I modded mine with minor things, like CAI, Mac shorty headers, GT catbacks, and frame stiffeners. I noticed some improvement , but just enough to hve he power to merge onto a highway. It is not a racecar, but it is a srt of hobby. I did some body mods, and that is the more effective project, making it just a little bit different, not faster. Even though a 3.8 can run high amounts of HP, I think I would start by using a GT with a 5.4 or a 351 Winsor. The parts to get a 3.8 into the 13's cost too much.
I think modding is one of the main reasons to have a Mustang. That being said, with the 94-98 Mustangs, there's no quick or easy way to get it up to 300hp unless you want to supercharge or turbo it. V8 engine swap is possible, but to do it correctly will probably cost more than you paid for the car, after parts and labor are figured in. Believe me, I have wanted to do that to mine. It's just not worth it. But you can still make it look better, sound better, and go way quicker than stock without breaking the bank. I'd start with the basics, like dual exhaust, better wheels, cold air intake and a throttle body spacer. Also I did a tune on mine with a Diablosport Predator tuner and that woke it up a little.
It was a hole of darkness and despair.. no wait, I've just been busy. Then I decided to post a question about rear gears, so I came back. Good to be back!
