Newbie Mod Info Appreciated

[Slykin]

Hey guys, i'm pretty new to engine work and auto-mechanic stuff in general so i'm trying to learn as much as I can. I have a 94 GT with the usual mods: New exhaust, stripped the emissions crap, BBK CAI, headers and that's about it. I'm wondering what you guys would suggest as a good next step that isn't too expensive since i'm 17 with little income lol. I've heard of underdrive pulleys? Not sure what these even are, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh, and I'm pretty sure i'm running 3:73 gears in the back.

 

[Paul]

Verify you've got gears.

If not, get gears.

 

[Slykin]

Stupid question lol.. how do I figure out what they are? I'm guessing you don't have to pull the rear end cover off.. at least that would be nice.

 

[CC'S95GT]

you don't have to drop the diff cover. Jack up the rear and place on jackstands (duh). Mark the drive shaft and rotate the rear wheels 1 revolution (both HAVE to spin together). Count the # of times the the drive shaft turns.
3 3/4 times=3:73, just over 4=4:10's, 3 1/2 times= 3:55's, you get the idea.

 

[duh09]

^+1

Make sure you have gears and if you dont, well theres your next purchase.
How long have you had the car? If you haven't had it too long, drain and replace all the fluids and clean the car up good (engine bay, interior, exterior, etc) and get to know your car. Then after all the maintence stuff is done, then start looking into upgrades. If it isn't already, then you need to lower it. Stock mustangs have 4x4 status.

 

[Slykin]

Ahh yeah, i've been told that before but thanks for reminding me. Now, if I was to go about 4:10's what kind of gas mileage drops would you be looking at? I run it hard enough and get about 17.5 to 18 mpg going back and forth to school everyday, though i've heard 4:10's can get you better city mileage. And to duh09; i've had it since this last Thanksgiving, it is lowered a couple inches in the front and the fluids are all good except for the rear end which we just got the friction modifier for. I've pretty much gone through everything I know how to, had to replace a ball joint a month back.. ugh that sucked.

 

[duh09]

I have 4.10s and love them, of course they came in my car so I really can't imagine it any other way. They are fine around town and whatnot but they will killl you gas mileage wise on the highway. It wasn't that bad for me when I got my car (I was coming from a 95 Bronco with a 5.8L and mud tires haa) but you should be aware of it.

 

[Slykin]

Alright thanks, i'll have to think on that one.. not even sure if my parents will let me tear into the gears lol. My dad's pretty weary of having me take all the crucial stuff apart.

 

[CC'S95GT]

gears should be done professionally. otherwise you could mess things up and end up costing more money in the long run. if you have 3:73's already leave it as is. It's a good all around gear

 

[94 DropTop]

i get 20-21 mpg city and highway, I drove from wichita to KC which is alost 200miles and got 21.5 so they arent bad on gas. 4.10 FTW if you dont already have them

 

[Rice_slayer]

5spd here and I get usually 17-19mpg pure city(Canadian measurements) and I recently got 31mpg on the highway with 3.73s. You would be able to tell if you have gears, how fast does 1st/2nd/3rd go by .