Any advice to newcomers considering modding their cars?

[BoostRabbitGT]

(Disclaimer: If it isn't clear, I'm speaking in hypotheticals at the moment. I do not currently own a GT at the time of this post.)

In my case, a GT would be the first car I'd consider modding. However, I would not consider myself a remotely good handyman or mechanically inclined. If I could, I'd let professionals do all the installation work for me.

The non-visual mods I'm currently considering are either progressive lowering springs or the street handling package from Ford Performance. And if I really want to be ambitious, I'd be looking for mufflers and resonators that would still allow the car to sound close to stock with the active exhaust, but sound quieter yet bassier with reduced rasp outside of the car. A sleeper GT if you will. (Blasphemy I know, I'd like to try something different if I can, okay?)

Thoughts? I'll gladly discuss visual mods later, but I think this is a good starting point for discussion. Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

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[roadpilot]

Buy it, drive it, and do lots of research (e.g., on these forums) before spending any money on mods. You don't want to do something and spend the money until you are sure you will like it.

 

[allenquanobi]

As someone who has been modding a GT as their first car for the past year, I would say drive it around for a bit. If you have problems with some of the driving experience, tackle those first.

Lowering springs are nice, but they definitely affect the stock ride quality. It is more harsh and the steeda progressives actually lower the s650 quite a bit and introduces bottoming out depending on the roads of where you live (currently in the process of swapping them out for BMR minimum drop).

Exhaust is a safe mod for sound. If you're looking for close to stock/quiet, I'd recommend the Ford Performance Touring exhaust. I have this paired with a Borla Switchfire pipe and really love the sound. Other than that, MRT exhaust is relatively tame. Resonator deletes/mid pipes will make the car louder.

 

[JAL]

What Roadpilot said, also keeping in mind what kind of thing you like. I enjoy driving on road course tracks. So the way I mod will be significantly different vs someone who enjoys the dragstrip, or cars and coffee with the occasional canyon carving session. Find out what you enjoy and research that before spending. I'm glad I did: saved me a ton of time and money.

 

[Zig]

Each mod will have a trade off otherwise it would be stock to start with.

 

[Crew4991]

I've seen too may 'modding gone wrong' stories on the forums over time that my only piece of advise is don't mod your car unless you know what you are doing.

 

[robvas]

1. Try to figure out what you want to do with the car so you don't re-do stufd

2. Don't buy the cheap stuff. Heck, avoid the mid-range stuff in a lot of cases. Buying twice sucks

3. if you aren't 100% sure on what you want don't buy it yet. Don't settle for brand B or your second option

4. quieter is always better for exhaust

5. higher is always better for lowering

6. Be 100% sure on stuff like tire sizes, wheel offsets, etc

 

[BoostRabbitGT]

Thanks for the help and advice everyone! Looks like I have some more homework to do on mufflers and resonators, along with learning more about progressive lowering springs and handling kits. Maybe if not those two (or maybe alongside those two), I could go for some tire/wheel spacers instead?

Oh, do they make anything (OEM or aftermarket) to improve steering weight or at least give off the impression of heavier steering weight/feel?

 

[Zig]

1. Try to figure out what you want to do with the car so you don't re-do stufd

2. Don't buy the cheap stuff. Heck, avoid the mid-range stuff in a lot of cases. Buying twice sucks

3. if you aren't 100% sure on what you want don't buy it yet. Don't settle for brand B or your second option

4. quieter is always better for exhaust

5. higher is always better for lowering

6. Be 100% sure on stuff like tire sizes, wheel offsets, etc

No 1. Is number one.

 

[roadpilot]

... I could go for some tire/wheel spacers instead?

Personally, I would avoid using wheel spacers for safety reasons. I'll buy different wheels and tires when the time comes.

Oh, do they make anything (OEM or aftermarket) to improve steering weight or at least give off the impression of heavier steering weight/feel?

Put your steering in Sport mode?

 

[BoostRabbitGT]

Put your steering in Sport mode?

You're not wrong. That's what I've done every time I've test driven an S650. Maybe I could attach some "weights" to the steering wheel? Meh, I'm sure I can get used to the lighter feel over time.

 

[tj@steeda]

Some good information our team has put together here works for both the S650 & S550: https://www.steeda.com/beginners-guide-to-modifying-your-s550-mustang




TJ

 

[BoostRabbitGT]

Thanks @tj@steeda for the information! What do you recommend for improved handling while being as close to stock comfort as possible (if not exactly as or better than) for daily driving?

 

[93-Oct Mayne]

Thanks @tj@steeda for the information! What do you recommend for improved handling while being as close to stock comfort as possible (if not exactly as or better than) for daily driving?

If you're driving a non performance pack, definitely a strut tower brace and stiffer sway bars

 

[tj@steeda]

Thanks @tj@steeda for the information! What do you recommend for improved handling while being as close to stock comfort as possible (if not exactly as or better than) for daily driving?

Shoot me an email to [email protected] - it will depend on your budget, long term goals & budget - the Progressive springs are fantastic - so are the minimum drop springs if you don't want to go too low. We would then look at the Pro Active shocks & struts ... or the Pro Action shock & struts (fixed) ... but if you wanted to get crazy (but the ability to fully dial in your Mustang) we have our coilovers.

We will & can get you dialed in - let's chat!

Best,

TJ

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