V-6 PerformanceI have a '94 Coupe with a 3.8-liter V-6 and a five-speed. I'm looking into what I can do get a little more power and have been thinking about a Borla exhaust system. Are there better choices for a V-6? What else can be done to assist the breathing? I have replaced the air filter with a K&N, but it's still in the factory box. Does the throttlebody need replacing? Can you also give me a laundry list of other enhancements I could do, keeping in mind I am one of the poorer folks out there? As such, I'm looking at doing it in stages to spread the cost out over time.
I would also like to know what I could do to reduce the clutch pedal travel. There seems to be a lot of travel before engagement. Is the only solution clutch replacement? If so, what is the best one to go with? Also, will the stock or aftermarket sway bars for a GT or Cobra bolt onto the V-6 car without any extra hassles?
One more thing: If I put on a set of 17-inch wheels from a newer GT or Cobra, will it affect speedometer accuracy? Thanks very much for your assistance.Michael CoxHalifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
A supercharger is a great way to go for real V-6 performance, but they're pricey. A mild nitrous kit with about a 75hp hit would also wake up the flavor on your car for a lot fewer Canadian bucks compared to a blower. The Borla exhaust system would make a fine upgrade on your car, as would just about any of the others. Shop with an eye on price and let that help guide your decision. And don't let another effective change go unnoticed-lower rear-axle gears. Your car has a 3.27 ratio. Switching to a 3.55 or 3.73 gearset would make a big difference in how quickly the car accelerates off the line.
As far as your clutch, it sounds like the cable might need to be adjusted for wear. If, or when, the clutch might need to be replaced, a factory Ford one would work fine or one from aftermarket sources such as Centerforce (928/771-8422, www.centerforce.com).
Larger antisway bars from either the aftermarket or from a GT/Cobra should bolt onto your car with no trouble. Finally, the 17-inch wheel combo might affect your speedometer accuracy slightly, but not enough to cause any worry. For those wheels, tires, and antisway bars, check out a story in the June, 2002 issue of Mustang Monthly that takes a look at Saleen's (800/888-8945, www.saleen.com) takeoff parts program. "Clear for Takeoff" appears on page 86 of that issue and it discusses a great way to acquire parts to upgrade V-6 Mustangs.
Better Fuel Economy?Besides owning a '71 Mustang convertible, a '71 Mach 1, and a '71 Shelby Europa SportsRoof, I recently acquired an '87 GT convertible with an AOD automatic. I have a few questions about this car. At about 65 mph, the car gets about 15 mpg. Is this typical for a 5.0L? Since fuel here in Europe is nearly $4 a gallon, I'm wondering if there's any way to improve this a little. The car has the factory 2.73:1 gears, the stock AOD, and has about 108,000 miles on the odometer. Is it a good thing to swap the gears to a lower ratio (higher number)?
Also, can I change the way the transmission shifts so it shifts at a higher engine speed without any added throttle input? Because of the really tall 2.73 gears, the car shifts at about 2,000 rpm and the engine runs about 1,600-1,800 rpm at 60 mph.
I also have a problem with the headlights. When I drive with them on for a long period, sometimes the lights go off for a while and then come back on. Is this a common problem on these cars? How can I fix it? Thanks in advance.Edwin Van BeurdenVia the internet
I've recently run across the same situation on a '95 GT convertible with an automatic. Unfortunately, you're both in sort of the same boat as far as owning the heaviest type of Mustang-a GT convertible-with an automatic transmission. As far as my friend's thirsty '95, a colleague of mine suggested maybe the car just needs a new pair of oxygen sensors to improve fuel consumption a little. That might help for your car, too.