[If I put 410s in with the aode would I have shifting issues? I have some sitting in my trunk and thats the only reason I havent put them in yet..
Nope, it will shift just fine and it will finally feel like it's balls dropped too. How many miles are on the car?
You can do any of these upgrades for under $300:
1] 1.7 roller rockers
2] Get good cold air intake [I prefer an Anderson Ford Power Pipe but its your choice]
3] B&M Shift kit
4] Moates QuarterMaster chip [then contact
Addermk2 for a tune]
5] adjustable fuel pressure regulator
6] tubular rear control arms
7] Eibach drag springs
You can do any of these upgrades for under $500:
1] Headers [these can be hadf much cheaper if bought used, but YGWYPF]
2] H/X pipe
3] Gear swap [go ahead and rebuilt the differential and axle bearings while youre at it]
4] upgraded stall convertor
5] 90/10 drag struts / 70/30 Drag struts
What you can do *before* going to the track
1] remove passenger seat, back seat, jack, spare tire, door panels, center console and anything else you can remove
2] Borrow [or buy] some skinnies and drag radials
3] This is fun.. Find a spot you can peel out and inspect the black marks. WTF? Yes, I'm SERIOUS!!! You wanna see a consistant "patch" that will indicate proper air pressure. Too much air psi will leave a darker in the middle mark and too little psi will be darker on the edges. Without proper traction, this is all pointless.
4] remove the "dogbone" from the rear end
5] Figure out what RPM you can "brake torque" to without spinning the tires. You want to load the suspension without moving the car at the starting line.
Now... The "free" way to go faster at the track:
1] perform the vaunted 5 minute tune up
a] fuel up with some 93 [no more than a half of a tank] and with a timing light, bump the timing to 12*-14* advance
b] swap out the stock 195* thermostat for a 160* unit
c] install a short belt to bypass the a/c, power steering and smog pumps [if its still there]
d] disconnect and/or remove the front sway bar for better weight transfer and/or weight savings
2] Keep your seat in an upright and other wise straight position. You want the steering wheel to be at your wrists [with your arms extended] and your leg to be bent with it resting on the gas pedal. This is the optimal driving position to control the car,
3] contact [MENTION=10730]duff daddy[/MENTION] or
Musturd for more advice beyond this!!!