Recommend Three "Must Have" Modifications to Me

[PurdueRifleman]

I'm a new owner of a 2003 300A Marauder who is interested in getting the most out of the car's performance. Right now, my car exists purely stock and I'm wanting to fix that!

So, here's my question. Given a budget of of say $400 per upgrade, what do you all think would be some good first mods to the car?

Thanks in advance.

[-Matt-]

a tune, then maybe 4:10s or an exhaust

[SC Cheesehead]

1. Tune

2. 4:10 gears

3. Addco sway bars

4. U/D pulleys

5. Cold Air Intake

[CBT]

I'm a new owner of a 2003 300A Marauder who is interested in getting the most out of the car's performance. Right now, my car exists purely stock and I'm wanting to fix that!

So, here's my question. Given a budget of of say $400 per upgrade, what do you all think would be some good first mods to the car?

Thanks in advance.
Better tires than stock, a cold air intake, a tune. THE tune.

[LANDY]

first a tune from a GOOD TUNER.
cold air intake (K&N) or (JLT)
elminate all cataltic converters, put x pipe.
those were my first 3 except the good tuner part, and it was alot of fun till i wanted more.
Congrats on the purshase

[ntd]

4.10s
Tune
cold air intake or under-drive pulley

Be careful modding is addictive, soon after you'll find yourself looking at superchargers:D.

[PurdueRifleman]

When you all say tune, what do you mean? Something like an xcal2 or 3?

[PurdueRifleman]

4.10s
Tune
cold air intake or under-drive pulley

Be careful modding is addictive, soon after you'll find yourself looking at superchargers:D.


I figured that lol! I build my own rifles and I hate to guess how much I've wound up investing in those once I really got into it! :eek:

[musclemerc]

1) JLT cold air kit
2) Xcal2 with a Zack tune
3) UDP's
4) Mid pipe conversion
5) 4:10's

[ImpalaSlayer]

IMO:

tune, makes all the difference
4.10s, another huge difference
then the cold air. if you want more after that, buy a super charger and have alota fun. skipp all the other crap

[ntd]

contact
http://www.alternativeauto.com/index.html
or
http://www.reinhartautomotive.com/

both know these cars very well and can sell you the tuner X3 with the tune, I have a Lidio tune from Alternative Auto and would recommend Lidio:beer:.

[ntd]

I figured that lol! I build my own rifles and I hate to guess how much I've wound up investing in those once I really got into it! :eek:

I don't believe you I will need visual confirmation:P. Start a new thread, I would love to see some pics of what you have made

[ImpalaSlayer]

contact
http://www.alternativeauto.com/index.html
or

sparta!

both know these cars very well and can sell you the tuner X3 with the tune, I have a Lidio tune from Alternative Auto and would recommend Lidio:beer:.


FIXED :beer:

[ntd]

FIXED :beer:

:lol:I was trying to be polite for the new guy, but Yes Dave is right contact Lidio

[SpartaPerformance]

I sell FRPP 4.10 gears for $159.99, I also carry Steeda Underdrive pulleys!

Marauder parts (https://ssl111.webhosting.optonline.ne t/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=32)

When you start making a lot more power then stock you may want to also check out our lower control arms set to help put that power to the ground.

Tommy

[ImpalaSlayer]

I sell FRPP 4.10 gears for $159.99, I also carry Steeda Underdrive pulleys!

Marauder parts (https://ssl111.webhosting.optonline.ne t/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=32)

When you start making a lot more power then stock you may want to also check out our lower control arms set to help put that power to the ground.

Tommy

i always forget about you!

[chapel1]

First you get a Dyno Tune or a (flash). Then you go to Kentucky or Maraudervilie 8 and see the cars and the people. There you get an idea what mods may work best for you. But, the tune or flash will take the hesitation out of the transmission and give you more Torque.

[FordNut]

1. A Tune
2. 4.10 gears (and a tune update so they work right)
3. A driveshaft upgrade (the 4.10 gears commonly cause vibration that can damage the trans)
4. 3000 stall torque converter

Those are the ones you'll feel the most difference from. Until SC time!

[SpartaPerformance]

i always forget about you!

Don't I shamelessly promote myself on here enough where you could remember!! :D

[Mr. Man]

Is Steeda the only UDP available? I understand there is a dampening issue with some other brands.

[chader]

save the $400/mod 15 times and just put a blower on it. So many people told me this and I did not listen close enough. for sure the smartest way!

[SC Cheesehead]

When you all say tune, what do you mean? Something like an xcal2 or 3?

The xcal is the hardware that you need to load the tune into your car. Any one of the tuners mentioned above can provide you with the xcal loaded with the tune that you'll in turn upload to your car.

Basically, the tune will change some of the stock performance parameters, the most noticable being the shift schedule and TC lock up to noticably enhance the way the car shifts and responds. Also, 4:10 gears will make a big difference in performance off the line, they'll help make up for the lack of low-end torque in the car while at the same time only having minimal impact on the mileage (most folks see 1/2 to 1 mpg difference). Tell your tuner you plan to install 4:10s and he'll probably include an upgraded tune on your xcal when he sells it to you.

[FordNut]

Is Steeda the only UDP available? I understand there is a dampening issue with some other brands.

It's the most foolproof.

[Mr. Man]

It's the most foolproof.

Danke Schein :beer:

[DOOM]

Lidio tune & intake (jlt or K&N)
exhaust or gears. :up:

That's a good start.

[vkirkend]

IMO:

tune, makes all the difference
4.10s, another huge difference
then the cold air. if you want more after that, buy a super charger and have alota fun. skipp all the other crap

What he said....

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

So with a tune, you just plug it in and it downloads its self?.. no need to take it to the dyno or mechanic? (newbie into "tuning" here)

With the tune installed, can I go back to stock, incase I want to sell it or for some other reason?.

also, whats the best tune?.. I see alot of you guys talking about Lidio..



BTW, OP.. sorry to highjack your thread!

[ntd]

So with a tune, you just plug it in and it downloads its self?.. no need to take it to the dyno or mechanic? (newbie into "tuning" here)YES You only have to push a few buttons

With the tune installed, can I go back to stock, incase I want to sell it or for some other reason?.YES

also, whats the best tune?.. I see alot of you guys talking about Lidio..YES call him, tell him what mods you have and he will set you up



BTW, OP.. sorry to highjack your thread!


see above :beer:

[ctrlraven]

Tune
Better Tires
4.10 Gears

[Granite]

i gotta jump in...i've been really on the fence about the 4.10s i bought a set and haven't installed them because of the price of gas (lol) and how it would effect that, i know most people didn't buy the car for the gas milage but i think i'm getting pretty good milage now with the tune and the intake/exaust...is it a big difference? i could deal with 1 or 1/2 a mpg's less, but 5mpg's less???? is that possible

[SC Cheesehead]

i gotta jump in...i've been really on the fence about the 4.10s i bought a set and haven't installed them because of the price of gas (lol) and how it would effect that, i know most people didn't buy the car for the gas milage but i think i'm getting pretty good milage now with the tune and the intake/exaust...is it a big difference? i could deal with 1 or 1/2 a mpg's less, but 5mpg's less???? is that possible

I've had my 4:10s installed for several years now, and have regularly checked mileage since I purchased the car. On the highway, I've seen less than 1 mpg difference between the 3:55s and the 4:10s. Around town the difference has been greater, but I attribute that to my driving style more so than the gears. The 4:10s make the car much more responsive from a standing start, and I routinely take advantage of that...;)

[ctrlraven]

i gotta jump in...i've been really on the fence about the 4.10s i bought a set and haven't installed them because of the price of gas (lol) and how it would effect that, i know most people didn't buy the car for the gas milage but i think i'm getting pretty good milage now with the tune and the intake/exaust...is it a big difference? i could deal with 1 or 1/2 a mpg's less, but 5mpg's less???? is that possible
If you want MPGs I suggest you go buy a Hybrid. :lol:

I will gladly use the gas you would save with driving a Hybrid for more romping around in my MM :burnout:

If you drive more aggressively after having them installed yes your mpgs will go down but if you keep driving the car the way you already do you're really not going to notice much and honestly the better performance is worth the mpgs.

[tbone]

Better tires than stock, a cold air intake, a tune. THE tune.

What's wrong with the stock tires, other than the lousy availability?
I think they look awesome, handle/drive great, don't squeal, and give good traction, even in the snow in my opinion. The other tires I've seen all have goofy/fugly tread patterns, and you have to compromise on the rear tire size. Longevity of course is a trade off between stickyness and wear.
I'll take sticky.

[CBT]

What's wrong with the stock tires, other than the lousy availability?
I think they look awesome, handle/drive great, don't squeal, and give good traction, even in the snow in my opinion. The other tires I've seen all have goofy/fugly tread patterns, and you have to compromise on the rear tire size. Longevity of course is a trade off between stickyness and wear.
I'll take sticky.

They don't last, and the traction is lousy. Probably because they don't last.

[SC Cheesehead]

What's wrong with the stock tires, other than the lousy availability?
I think they look awesome, handle/drive great, don't squeal, and give good traction, even in the snow in my opinion. The other tires I've seen all have goofy/fugly tread patterns, and you have to compromise on the rear tire size. Longevity of course is a trade off between stickyness and wear.
I'll take sticky.

Centers wear out quickly on the OEM rears, front tires are okay.

To each his own, I've had it with the OEM rears, switched to an aftermarket brand and don't intend to go back to BFGs.

[fastblackmerc]

Centers wear out quickly on the OEM rears, front tires are okay, once you set the alignment to Carfixer's specs

To each his own, I've had it with the OEM rears, switched to an aftermarket brand and don't intend to go back to BFGs.

Fixed it for you Rex :-)

Same here. I've had Hankook Ventus on the rear and am planning to install Hankook's on my widened rims this summer.

[SC Cheesehead]

Fixed it for you Rex :-)

Same here. I've had Hankook Ventus on the rear and am planning to install Hankook's on my widened rims this summer.

Thanks, bubba! ;)

You're right, without aligning to Carfixer's specs, NOTHING will wear worth a darn on the front. :rolleyes:

[Granite]

If you want MPGs I suggest you go buy a Hybrid. :lol:

I will gladly use the gas you would save with driving a Hybrid for more romping around in my MM :burnout:

If you drive more aggressively after having them installed yes your mpgs will go down but if you keep driving the car the way you already do you're really not going to notice much and honestly the better performance is worth the mpgs.


:lol:@Hybrid. :puke: i'll take the Marauder anyday...unless there are 30in of snow for the CAM area

[fastblackmerc]

i gotta jump in...i've been really on the fence about the 4.10s i bought a set and haven't installed them because of the price of gas (lol) and how it would effect that, i know most people didn't buy the car for the gas milage but i think i'm getting pretty good milage now with the tune and the intake/exaust...is it a big difference? i could deal with 1 or 1/2 a mpg's less, but 5mpg's less???? is that possible

You'll lose 1MPG on the highway, RPM's at highway speeds will be about 200 higher. IMHO... the 4.10's are what the Marauder should have come with from the factory.

[FordNut]

Centers wear out quickly on the OEM rears, front tires are okay.

To each his own, I've had it with the OEM rears, switched to an aftermarket brand and don't intend to go back to BFGs.

Rears wear just fine if you run 40 psi.

[SC Cheesehead]

Rears wear just fine if you run 40 psi.

Tried that, Brian, still didn't get them to wear worth a crap...

Even running the same tires on all four corners and rotating didn't help much, 18K miles and I had FOUR tires with worn centers.:mad2:

[PurdueRifleman]

Thanks for the information, all! With the wealth of information here, I can see why this place is so popular amongst marauder owners.

Looks like I'll be talking with Lidio this summer about making a trip up that way!

And a K&N intake along with some 4.10's before that.

[4play]

so whats a good tire that has the same tread design as the bfg's?

[ntd]

Thanks for the information, all! With the wealth of information here, I can see why this place is so popular amongst marauder owners.

Looks like I'll be talking with Lidio this summer about making a trip up that way!

And a K&N intake along with some 4.10's before that.

If your just doing simple bolton's. You could just get his tune and the X3 tuner shipped to you. You'll be amazed how much better your car will drive, But if you want every last bit out of your car or plan on bigger mods like headers dyno tuning would be good. If you do decide to make the treak up to Michigan let me know first few rounds are on me:beer:.

[Blackened300a]

so whats a good tire that has the same tread design as the bfg's?

The popular upgrade is Nitto 420s in 255/55/18 I had them on the rear and the stock BFGs on the front.
I later upgraded to the Nitto 420s for the front in 235/55/18.

[babbage]

$400 bucks isnt' a lot for much. BUT

1) K&N Cold Air Kit $279
2) New plugs
3) New Fuel Filter
4) AMSOIL Oil for the Engine and Rear End.
5) Trans filter + pan drop and 5 quarts of Mercon V

$400 spent.

[PurdueRifleman]

$400 bucks isnt' a lot for much. BUT

1) K&N Cold Air Kit $279
2) New plugs
3) New Fuel Filter
4) AMSOIL Oil for the Engine and Rear End.
5) Trans filter + pan drop and 5 quarts of Mercon V

$400 spent.


That's $400 per modification, not total. Still not enough for some of the really big upgrades, but this is what I can manage.

[Blackened300a]

That's $400 per modification, not total. Still not enough for some of the really big upgrades, but this is what I can manage.

Go for the tune first. These cars are very de-tuned from the factory and the stock shift pattern is annoying. You'll notice a huge difference with the tune alone.
The cold air intake also makes a nice improvement as well as the 4.10s but you'll need a tune for the gears so you may as well go for the tune first.
Depending on your goals, pullies make a noticable improvement and a torque convertor will have you smoking tires at will.

[babbage]

$400 bucks isnt' a lot for much. BUT

1) K&N Cold Air Kit $279
2) New plugs
3) New Fuel Filter
4) AMSOIL Oil for the Engine and Rear End.
5) Trans filter + pan drop and 5 quarts of Mercon V

$400 spent.


That's $400 per modification, not total. Still not enough for some of the really big upgrades, but this is what I can manage.


Um no it's not.

1. $279
2. $12
3. $15
4 & 5 about $94 dollars.

Add it up and that's $400 - Duh?

[SC Cheesehead]

Um no it's not.

1. $279
2. $12
3. $15
4 & 5 about $94 dollars.

Add it up and that's $400 - Duh?

The OP is saying that he's budgeting $400 for each modification that he'll undertake.

He can get a tuner for around $400

4:10's plus install is going to cost over $400, but IMO will be well worth it.

CAI is under $400

U/D pullies are under $400

[PurdueRifleman]

The OP is saying that he's budgeting $400 for each modification that he'll undertake.




This is what I'm saying. Perhaps I could have phrased that another way. I've got ~$1200 that I can allow for modifications so what three would you absolutely recommend given that constraint. It looks like the top three are

1) K&N Air Intake
2) 4.10 gears
3) Lidio tune

[Black_Kannin]

These 4.10 gears...what's the average installation cost?!?!

The flash Tuner or Lidio Tuner, is it a do it yourself application or another operation you have to take to the shop?!?!

[FordNut]

This is what I'm saying. Perhaps I could have phrased that another way. I've got ~$1200 that I can allow for modifications so what three would you absolutely recommend given that constraint. It looks like the top three are

1) K&N Air Intake
2) 4.10 gears
3) Lidio tune

The K&N (or JLT) will make virtually no difference in performance.

[babbage]

The K&N (or JLT) will make virtually no difference in performance.

Dyno showed 17 on K&N and 12 on JLT....

[babbage]

This is what I'm saying. Perhaps I could have phrased that another way. I've got ~$1200 that I can allow for modifications so what three would you absolutely recommend given that constraint. It looks like the top three are

1) K&N Air Intake
2) 4.10 gears
3) Lidio tune


Sorry! I misunderstood.

1) Tune: Lido doesn't do mail order tunes anymore. Try http://www.blueovalchips.com he can sell you the Xcal2 or Xcal3 and a tune for probably around $379 + $125 for the tune.

2) Flush and fill your transmission, get a new trans filter and trans pan.
(the trans in these cars will die early if you do not take care of them)
I got the PML aluminum 4r70w pan for $175. There are others.

3) Plugs, Fuel Filter, Oil, Flush and fill cooling system. Complete tune up.
If 2 & 3 aren't $400 each - get a JLT or K&N kit.

How many miles are on your MM?

[FordNut]

Dyno showed 17 on K&N and 12 on JLT....

Not when I did a before/after dyno test on my car... Only about 5 hp gain.

Underdrive pulleys were about double that.

[SC Cheesehead]

These 4.10 gears...what's the average installation cost?!?!?!?!

The gears and installation kit (seals, etc.) will cost you about $250 or so, you can get them through FRP or maybe through one of the site vendors.
http://www.fordracingpartsdirect.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=4%3A1 0+gears&Search.x=13&Search.y=10

Any experienced Mustang shop can do the install, cost will be between $200 to $400 depending on labor rates.



The flash Tuner or Lidio Tuner, is it a do it yourself application or another operation you have to take to the shop?!?!

if you buy an xCal with the tune loaded on it, it's basically plug 'n play, very simple to do yourself.


Dyno showed 17 on K&N and 12 on JLT....


The K&N (or JLT) will make virtually no difference in performance.

^^^^^^ what Brian said ^^^^^ A CAI looks much nicer than stock, and makes a great sound under WOT, but I doubt you'll see a big difference in HP.
FWIW, frdwrnch and I talked about this a while back, and he told me that Ford spent a fair amount of time researching and designing the OEM airbox, and that it actually flows air quite efficiently.

[PurdueRifleman]

Sorry! I misunderstood.

1) Tune: Lido doesn't do mail order tunes anymore. Try http://www.blueovalchips.com he can sell you the Xcal2 or Xcal3 and a tune for probably around $379 + $125 for the tune.

2) Flush and fill your transmission, get a new trans filter and trans pan.
(the trans in these cars will die early if you do not take care of them)
I got the PML aluminum 4r70w pan for $175. There are others.

3) Plugs, Fuel Filter, Oil, Flush and fill cooling system. Complete tune up.
If 2 & 3 aren't $400 each - get a JLT or K&N kit.

How many miles are on your MM?

It happens. Don't worry about it lol. But my mm has 42k on it.

[FordNut]

A CAI looks much nicer than stock, and makes a great sound under WOT, but I doubt you'll see a big difference in HP.

Looks a whole lot better! On my wife's car I used only the intake tube from the K&N and adapted it to the OEM airbox. Looks a lot better than the OEM tube. She doesn't like the noise so I didn't use the conical filter on her car. I do have a K&N replacement drop-in panel filter in the airbox, not for any performance gain but because I can clean and re-use it virtually forever.

[ctrlraven]

Save a few extra bucks and get the JLT over the K&N. Over a $100 cheaper and still allows you to wash and clean the filter just like K&N plus JLT is a vendor here.

Honestly just get a tune and see how you like that. Also maybe look into doing the J-mod which is cheap and good to do since your trans is still young on mileage.

[babbage]

It happens. Don't worry about it lol. But my mm has 42k on it.

I think it's a good idea to do a complete tune up and make sure everything is in top working order before you start modding. Then you'll know when what was done and have a good baseline...

No mod is going to give you a ton of HP gains except S/C ($!) but if you start adding them all up it makes a big difference.

[ctrlraven]

If you do a tune up make sure to get some GMS coil-on plug connectors to replace the stock ones. Makes future plug changes easier and get a little better idle and throttle response.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GRN-28-1705S/

[Black_Kannin]

The gears and installation kit (seals, etc.) will cost you about $250 or so, you can get them through FRP or maybe through one of the site vendors.
http://www.fordracingpartsdirect.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=4%3A1 0+gears&Search.x=13&Search.y=10

Any experienced Mustang shop can do the install, cost will be between $200 to $400 depending on labor rates.




if you buy an xCal with the tune loaded on it, it's basically plug 'n play, very simple to do yourself.





^^^^^^ what Brian said ^^^^^ A CAI looks much nicer than stock, and makes a great sound under WOT, but I doubt you'll see a big difference in HP.
FWIW, frdwrnch and I talked about this a while back, and he told me that Ford spent a fair amount of time researching and designing the OEM airbox, and that it actually flows air quite efficiently.




^^Sweet, deffinitely going to save up for the Tuner!!

[J-MAN]

My $.02 worth. I got the big 3, Lidio tune, 4:10 and JLT CAI. If I was doing it over I would just get the tune, it's the biggest return for the $. Actually just short of amazing. 4:10 not so much, CAI more bling than anything. Get the tune and spend the rest on a good polisher and some detailing supplies and learn how to maintain the finish and interior of your Marauder.