Modification Decision HELP

[MyO4Rawdur]

so i have about $225 to spend and im stuck with one really hard decision.
ive been looking to buy a spoiler for my car because it didnt come with one from the factory and i kind of like the look of it.

my choices for spending my money would be
k&n cold air intake ($225)
godshead badges + h.i.d. kit ($170 + $50)
godshead badges painted gloss black ($170 + $50)
trunk spoiler ($160-$220 Primered)
rear bumper metal inserts + h.i.d. kit + fog light h.i.d kit ($105 + $50 + $50)
rear differential upgraded to 3.93s or 4.10s

im severely stuck on what my christmas present to myself should be. im already buying a spare set of stock wheels and having them painted gloss black to match the silver with black accented theme. pros and cons ???

[slickster]

if you want proformance then save another 200 for a tune. if its looks do the spoiler. if you care about the health of your car get a rear head cooling mod or + a real full tune up and fluid change

[tallpaul]

If you can get the differential upgraded to 4.10's for $225 then good luck and go for it. You will then need a tuner for your car. It just depends on what you are after, looks or performance.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

so i have about $225 to spend and im stuck with one really hard decision.
ive been looking to buy a spoiler for my car because it didnt come with one from the factory and i kind of like the look of it.

my choices for spending my money would be
k&n cold air intake ($225)
godshead badges + h.i.d. kit ($170 + $50)
godshead badges painted gloss black ($170 + $50)
trunk spoiler ($160-$220 Primered)
rear bumper metal inserts + h.i.d. kit + fog light h.i.d kit ($105 + $50 + $50)
rear differential upgraded to 3.93s or 4.10s

im severely stuck on what my christmas present to myself should be. im already buying a spare set of stock wheels and having them painted gloss black to match the silver with black accented theme. pros and cons ???


JLT CAI - $159:


http://jlttruecoldair.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=93_94&products_id=65&zenid=007rb15rcherc832rn7c625g 46


$65 bucks left - Get some good wax/car washing/detailing stuff and go to town


Or, save up for a Lidio Tune ($420 shipped)

[slickster]

also the mach1 chin is $75

[WhatsUpDOHC]

I was going to suggest a chin spoiler.

[DOOM]

Save your money for a tune!

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK!

[MyO4Rawdur]

if you want proformance then save another 200 for a tune. if its looks do the spoiler. if you care about the health of your car get a rear head cooling mod or + a real full tune up and fluid change

im not a big fan of the chin spoiler because i think im going to be lowering the car a bit and that will scrape constantly. i do all of my own mechanical work so i do the maintenance as often as 1000 miles on oil, 10k on coolant, 5-10k on trans fluid, 5-10k on differential and spark plugs like once a year at the beginning of driving season. anything else like filters are based on needs. tires and breaks are good. cooling mod though im not sure im familiar with what youre talking about. care to elaborate ?

[MyO4Rawdur]

If you can get the differential upgraded to 4.10's for $225 then good luck and go for it. You will then need a tuner for your car. It just depends on what you are after, looks or performance.

i can do the rear end myself with maybe the assistance of my uncle if need be. i found the parts for about 140-160 bucks so im not sure what that total may be but thats also something ill need a tune for so im not sure that im totally financially prepared for that. the performance isnt my main concern right now because i dont have enough for a supercharged haha

[MyO4Rawdur]

JLT CAI - $159:



http://jlttruecoldair.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_in fo&cPath=93_94&products_id=65&zenid=007rb15rcherc832rn7c625g 46



$35 - Get some good wax/car washing/detailing stuff and go to town.


$30 for some Bob White bumper inserts - I like my Black inserts that reflect silver:

See post #13:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82231


http://www.bobwhitedecals.com/


Or, save up for a Lidio Tune ($420 shipped)


those inserts look pretty bad ass. i like the whole reflective look because they really stand out just as much as the license plate but they arent overpowering. i like how you can still see what the letters are. how are they holding up though because something like that has what i assume to be some type of special coating on them?

[WhatsUpDOHC]

i can do the rear end myself with maybe the assistance of my uncle if need be. i found the parts for about 140-160 bucks so im not sure what that total may be but thats also something ill need a tune for so im not sure that im totally financially prepared for that. the performance isnt my main concern right now because i dont have enough for a supercharged haha


Hmmmmmmm. Somebody in Philly who knows how to install gears.....

[WhatsUpDOHC]

those inserts look pretty bad ass. i like the whole reflective look because they really stand out just as much as the license plate but they arent overpowering. i like how you can still see what the letters are. how are they holding up though because something like that has what i assume to be some type of special coating on them?

I'm very satisfied with them.

I've had them installed for a while (Don't know exactly) but there is no peeling or fading.

I haven't gone through a winter, however.

[MyO4Rawdur]

I'm very satisfied with them.

I've had them installed for a while (Don't know exactly) but there is no peeling or fading.

I haven't gone through a winter, however.

haha yea im a mechanic. i did work for toyota but its not the same when youre replacing spark plugs on some rice rocket with a "stage two clutch" and it stalls at 3000rpms when you try to shift into first. i had to separate from there because of other reasons but i can do some maintenance and mods if you need anything or even lend a hand. during winter my car is going to be under a car cover plus a tarp on top of that so im not too worried as far as the winter but i might have to grab them instead.

[MMBLUE]

For about 120 bucks you could get a tune and used JLT from me and have some money left over for other things.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82384

[bigmerc'03]

do this first and get rid of those nasty yellow head and fog lights

rear bumper metal inserts + h.i.d. kit + fog light h.i.d kit ($105 + $50 + $50)

[MyO4Rawdur]

For about 120 bucks you could get a tune and used JLT from me and have some money left over for other things.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82384

That tune is it set with the cai installed ? Ive never used one of those handheld things before. Ive only ever used like actual computer tuning software

[Curless]

i can do the rear end myself with maybe the assistance of my uncle if need be. i found the parts for about 140-160 bucks so im not sure what that total may be but thats also something ill need a tune for so im not sure that im totally financially prepared for that. the performance isnt my main concern right now because i dont have enough for a supercharged haha


You are going to need more than just the gears...you need an instal kit as well and it would be a good idea to rebuild the posi while your there. Then you will need a tuner along with a tune to finish it off.


BTW, the gears and tune are the FIRST thing I would do...I just did mine and the difference is absolutely WRONG!!!! Its AWESOME! Save up your money and do it!!!:burnout:

[SC Cheesehead]

You are going to need more than just the gears...you need an instal kit as well and it would be a good idea to rebuild the posi while your there. Then you will need a tuner along with a tune to finish it off.


BTW, the gears and tune are the FIRST thing I would do...I just did mine and the difference is absolutely WRONG!!!! Its AWESOME! Save up your money and do it!!!:burnout:


^^^^^^ What he said.

[MMBLUE]

That tune is it set with the cai installed ? Ive never used one of those handheld things before. Ive only ever used like actual computer tuning software


It's plug and play. You don't need a special tune for a CAI :help:

If you don't have a bunch of bucks to spend this is a good deal to wake that beast up until you can save your money for bigger and better upgrades. ;)

[MyO4Rawdur]

You are going to need more than just the gears...you need an instal kit as well and it would be a good idea to rebuild the posi while your there. Then you will need a tuner along with a tune to finish it off.


BTW, the gears and tune are the FIRST thing I would do...I just did mine and the difference is absolutely WRONG!!!! Its AWESOME! Save up your money and do it!!!:burnout:

Theres a speed shop by me that sells the whole kit for $169 with seals, gears etc. Someone from mm.net showed me who they are because he did the 4.10s and got a tune from lidio. Im not sure that the gears are what I want to do first because I cant afford new exhaust yet. I want to do all my performance stuff around the same time so I can go with one tune but a dyno tune. Not too big on the portables

[MyO4Rawdur]

It's plug and play. You don't need a special tune for a CAI :help:

If you don't have a bunch of bucks to spend this is a good deal to wake that beast up until you can save your money for bigger and better upgrades. ;)

Ive played around with mods on my old trans am before I got rid of it and I wasnt really happy with just doing a cold air intake without doing the intake manifold and then without doing the exhaust. Youre forcing a lot of air in to a stock intake which is (without even a skightly adjusted tune ane stock timing) not moving that extra air in and once its in if youre exhaust its stock its not getting out fast enough. An anaology ive heard is comparing the air intake and outlet to a nascar pit stop if you dont change the middle portion of the system. Its just going to slow down in the center anyway. I like the stuff you have for sale but id only be interested in the tuner because I dont buy used parts unless its wheels. I think you had it listed for 65 right ?

[Curless]

Theres a speed shop by me that sells the whole kit for $169 with seals, gears etc. Someone from mm.net showed me who they are because he did the 4.10s and got a tune from lidio. Im not sure that the gears are what I want to do first because I cant afford new exhaust yet. I want to do all my performance stuff around the same time so I can go with one tune but a dyno tune. Not too big on the portables


Like I said, I just did mine. Like you I am a tech, I have owned my own shop for 12 years. I would NEVER do it again without using the Ford Racing parts...Just my opinion...carry on!

[MyO4Rawdur]

Like I said, I just did mine. Like you I am a tech, I have owned my own shop for 12 years. I would NEVER do it again without using the Ford Racing parts...Just my opinion...carry on!

How much did your kit cost ?

[Rockettman]

"Sparta" (one of the vendors on here), has a GREAT price on the 4:10's and the install package!

[marauder21]

"Sparta" (one of the vendors on here), has a GREAT price on the 4:10's and the install package!

Do you know how much?
I saw that in latemodelrestoration.com they have the gears going for $250 I think. That includes the gears rings gear lube installation kit practically everything..lol

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[Rockettman]

Go here:
https://id144237.webhosting.optonline. net/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=32_62

It's been said before...DON'T CHEAP OUT ON THIS MOD!! You'll be sorry if you try and get a bargin.

[marauder21]

Go here:
https://id144237.webhosting.optonline. net/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/index.php?cPath=32_62

It's been said before...DON'T CHEAP OUT ON THIS MOD!! You'll be sorry if you try and get a bargin.

Does that kit^^ sell everything that's on this kit:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4209FRC-K/Mustang-88-410-Ratio-Rear-End-Gear-Kit
?? Just curious which is the better kit.

[Rockettman]

You'll have to email the company to get part numbers. I am not going to say either way (because I'm just not sure).

[Curless]

My total from Sparta was $433.97, that was for gears, master instal kit, posi rebuild, and the correct spring for 28 spline axles....the tuner was from Lidio. The cover was $154.88 from speed unlimited. Then the gear lube and posi additive I got from napa.

Don't skimp out, these products are absolutely complete. The instal kit had everything...EVERYTHING, shims, bolts, Prussian blue, bearings, seals, locking nut, oil slinger...EVERYTHING. The nice thing is, with it all being FORD its a perfect fit. No fussing around trying to get the wear pattern correct it comes right in the first or second try.

As for the tune, I agree an individual tune (your car on a dyno) is the way to go...however after talking with Steve Babcock himself, and having him tell me which tune to put in my car, I could not be happier. I too signed on here and made the exact same statement "I don't believe in cookie cutter tunes"...this is NOT a cookie cutter tune. Its been proven over and over again. I am NOT saying that there is not more available from dynoing or from a different person than I went with. I am not bashing anyone else' abilities out there, I am simply saying that I am very happy with Lidio's tune and he will update my car to go along with any further mods I do at a reduced cost since I went with him in the beggining (most all tuners will do the same for you)

The choice is your but the gears are SO WORTH THE $$$$:beer::up::rock::woohoo:


When my car swings into the other lane from a dead stop I'm like :awe:!!!!

[MyO4Rawdur]

My total from Sparta was $433.97, that was for gears, master instal kit, posi rebuild, and the correct spring for 28 spline axles....the tuner was from Lidio. The cover was $154.88 from speed unlimited. Then the gear lube and posi additive I got from napa.

Don't skimp out, these products are absolutely complete. The instal kit had everything...EVERYTHING, shims, bolts, Prussian blue, bearings, seals, locking nut, oil slinger...EVERYTHING. The nice thing is, with it all being FORD its a perfect fit. No fussing around trying to get the wear pattern correct it comes right in the first or second try.

As for the tune, I agree an individual tune (your car on a dyno) is the way to go...however after talking with Steve Babcock himself, and having him tell me which tune to put in my car, I could not be happier. I too signed on here and made the exact same statement "I don't believe in cookie cutter tunes"...this is NOT a cookie cutter tune. Its been proven over and over again. I am NOT saying that there is not more available from dynoing or from a different person than I went with. I am not bashing anyone else' abilities out there, I am simply saying that I am very happy with Lidio's tune and he will update my car to go along with any further mods I do at a reduced cost since I went with him in the beggining (most all tuners will do the same for you)

The choice is your but the gears are SO WORTH THE $$$$:beer::up::rock::woohoo:


When my car swings into the other lane from a dead stop I'm like :awe:!!!!

So pretty much ill need about $200-300 more for the gears which im not sure that im really even ready to do yet because I dont have anything else done to it plus winter is comimg and I dont drive my car too often in the winter if at all. Im probably just going to save up and wait until early spring for that

[Curless]

Ask for the rest of the stuff as Christmas gifts!

[MyO4Rawdur]

Ask for the rest of the stuff as Christmas gifts!

Not a bad idea. Hahaha ill have to come up with some ideas.

[ctrlraven]

Honestly, save the money towards a tune. You'll need it to take any benefit from doing 4.10 gears because the transmission shift schedule is different than from the 3.55 gears.

[MyO4Rawdur]

Honestly, save the money towards a tune. You'll need it to take any benefit from doing 4.10 gears because the transmission shift schedule is different than from the 3.55 gears.

Thats what I think im going to do. I just kind of fell into that money so I figured id use it but ill just hold on to it

[Rockettman]

Here's a cheap mod...
the wiper arms on these cars, were put on "backwards" at the factory.
(left / right type thing).
Swap them around. If I'm not mistaken, I think they have markings on them to indicate which side they are supposed to be on.

[WhatsUpDOHC]

........I just kind of fell into that money so I figured id use it...........
Happens alot around here.

[Mebot]

Here's a cheap mod...
the wiper arms on these cars, were put on "backwards" at the factory.
(left / right type thing).
Swap them around. If I'm not mistaken, I think they have markings on them to indicate which side they are supposed to be on.

haha wait what?

Sent from my handheld Zack Morris iShoe 4S.

[Rockettman]

^^^ really.
I remember ages ago, someone made a note of it on here. Checked mine that evening; and yup! They were on the wrong sides.
(I'll see this weekend if I can't peel back the cover, and check if they're labelled "L / R").

[Mebot]

^^^ really.
I remember ages ago, someone made a note of it on here. Checked mine that evening; and yup! They were on the wrong sides.
(I'll see this weekend if I can't peel back the cover, and check if they're labelled "L / R").

well I guess you learn something new every day. I had not heard that one before. interesting

Sent from my handheld Zack Morris iShoe 4S.

[Rockettman]

Haha...it was me that posted this!!! DOH!

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=57350

:stupid:

[MyBlackBeasts]

Does that kit^^ sell everything that's on this kit:
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-4209FRC-K/Mustang-88-410-Ratio-Rear-End-Gear-Kit
?? Just curious which is the better kit.

At that price i'd bet the bearing/install kit is not Ford Racing parts. Notice in the ad they don't say FOMOCO by the kit in description.

[marauder410]

all good thing to do and they were all on my list and knocked them out the first 6 months i had my rauder

i went with the 6k white hid heads/fogs and looks awesome

i wouldnt paint the godheads black they look and fit awesome with the chrome finish they look factory

a c.ai is a must first mod i went with the k&N bec looks better but can save 50 bucks a go with the jlt which perform exacually the same

if u want looks k&n if you wanna save few bucks go wiht jlt

i also went with the chrome metal incerts and they are a must if you ask me

the combo of the ss intcerts and the godhead chrome 3 peice badges should have been facotry

also if you havent grabbed a set of the 4' megs tips they are limited and a run is happening right now might be last chance to get a set and these are a mustttt, fitsa the bumper cuts out perfectly

but in my book a TUNE is a first mod mustt will see the moist differcne from that first

[cj7chris]

First mod should be a tune.

If you want some cheap appearance mods, you could always plasti-dip the stock emblems and wheels.

[slickster]

Oh yea grab a set of 4inch tips before they stop making them. Everything else will be there

[WhatsUpDOHC]

YO!

Check in on this meet/link:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1238372#post1 238372

We'd love to see you (and the car).

Mark

[MyO4Rawdur]

First mod should be a tune.

If you want some cheap appearance mods, you could always plasti-dip the stock emblems and wheels.

Not. A fan of plastidip. It looks awful and you can tell its not paint. Id much rather get them professionally painted for next to nothing by either my uncle or a family friend. Getting my rims painted for $25 a wheel. Cant beat that at all and I need to get my grille teeth painted so he told me like $15 and he would do it. The badges might cost 15 each at most because certain paint might have to be used. Plastidip looks ghetto and it might be nice on like a cv but mm are worthy of the real thing.

[MyO4Rawdur]

Oh yea grab a set of 4inch tips before they stop making them. Everything else will be there

How do they sound compared to stock ? Whats the cost look like ? I kind of like the stock rumble since my car has no performance mods yet. I dont like to be a ricer when it comes to performance.

[MyO4Rawdur]

YO!

Check in on this meet/link:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=1238372#post1 238372

We'd love to see you (and the car).

Mark

I might be in im not sure. December may have its snow or rain and I dont like driving in eitherof those. Let me rephrase - I dont drive my marauder in that haha.. id be in otherwise even those its going to be an easy 90 miles on my odometer.

[SC Cheesehead]

How do they sound compared to stock ? Whats the cost look like ? I kind of like the stock rumble since my car has no performance mods yet. I dont like to be a ricer when it comes to performance.

The res-delete tips aren't much louder, but the tone is a little deeper, I've got 'em on my car and love them.

Not sure if any are left from the last run, but you can check:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=82118&highlight=cone+engineering

[Ozark Marauder]

Not to go to far off topic, anybody got the black reflective inserts on a Black. It does sound a little strange, but I prefer to think subtle, seen only at night.

OZ

[marauder21]

Not to go to far off topic, anybody got the black reflective inserts on a Black. It does sound a little strange, but I prefer to think subtle, seen only at night.

OZ

I believe 2.4Shofast has it on his...

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