Since high school I have owned/modified the following Fords:
1979 Granada (3.3L 1V 94hp auto)
1978 Mustang II (2.8L 2V 90Hp auto)
1983 Mustang GT (5.0L 4V 175Hp 4-spd manual)
1982 Capri (5.0L 2V 157Hp 4-spd manual)
1980 Capri (3.3L 1V 94hp auto to 5.0L 4V 230Hp auto conversion)
1979 Mustang (2.3L 2V 88Hp 5-spd manual)
1983 T-Bird (2.3L EFI turbo-4 145Hp 5-spd manual to 5.0L 4V 300 Hp 5-spd manual conversion)
1980 T-Bird (2.3L 2V turbo-4 132Hp 5-spd manual to 5.0L 4V 300Hp 5-spd manual conversion)
1986 Mustang (5.0L EFI 200Hp 5-spd manual)
1999 Mustang (3.8L EFI 190Hp 5-spd manual)
Who would have thought back in the 1970's (when the Fox platform was designed) that this would be the final result? The 'Edge' Mustang replaced the 'coke-bottle' curves of the '94-98 (a throwback to the Mustang II) with a 'compromise' that hints at '68 (grille, side scoops, & taillights) while retaining the cost-effective Fox-body. This car was the final nail in the coffin for the Camaro & Trans Am. As the '05 Mustang proves, it's best to have 'classic' styling with 'modern' drivability (reliability, handling, braking, etc.).
After purchasing this ride in '06 (43k original miles on the odometer), I have invested untold afternoons/evenings/weekends of personal sweat equity (and a few grand worth of 'upgrade' parts) to make it what you see now. Performance modifications are mainly replacement/bolt-on parts. Appearance modifications center on keeping it uncluttered, smooth & clean -- no rear wing, stripes, decals, or big scoops. I'm also thinking about removing the white "MUSTANG" lettering from the rear bumper ... what do you think?
Performance
��� CAI w. Holley Performance blue air filter (eBay, all the way)
��� ASP 25% UDP (frees up some HP/TQ for the larger/heavier rims/tires)
��� 180-degree thermostat (the UDP slowed the water pump, so this puts back some cooling efficency)
��� Pro 5.0 short-throw shifter (to shorten the time I'm off the throttle)
Suspension
��� DropZone springs (2.5" front, 1.75" rear drop to improve handling)
��� KYB shocks/struts (inexpensive dampeners, smooth ride)
��� UPR caster/camber plates (essential to sort out camber alignment beyond leaving it at -2 degrees)
��� BBK strut tower brace (don't really notice a difference, but it's there anyway)
��� T-bird rear sway-bar (1st mod for anyone without one, dramatically improves cornering/handling)
��� Energy Suspension bushings/isolators (keeps everything in place & squeak/rattle free)
Wheels/Tires
��� 17x8 Bullitt rims (even though it seems like everyone has them, I gotta have 'em too, love the look)
��� Kuhmo 245/45/17 tires (good handling, quiet, inexpensive tires)
Audio
��� Pioneer MP3/iPod control head unit (MP3's on disk or iPod, essential to any cruise)
��� Jensen 3-way 6x8 speakers (much better than stock without spending a fortune)
��� Bazooka 50w. amplified 8" sub (fills out the bottom-end, doesn't take much space or $$$)
Appearance
��� MAC white-face gauges (it's what you spend most of your time looking at behind the wheel)
��� Kirban billet shift knob (cool hand shift)
��� Two-tone leather WheelSkin steering wheel (great looking, comfortable grip)
��� SHO dash compartment (additional dash storage space, with a door to hide my stuff)
��� Mach1 grill delete (not a big fan of the stock honecomb grill)
��� Mach1 chin spoiler (gotta back off the curbs when you park)
��� Smoked headlamps (pictured on page 3)
��� Brushed aluminum fuel door (Billet Bullitt Bling)
��� Sequential rear turn signals (homage to the 60's Shelby, T-Bird & Cougar's, love the effect)
��� Carbon-fiber taillights (updated pictures coming soon)
��� Smoke rear reflectors (updated pictures coming soon)
��� Smoked headlamps (updated pictures coming soon)
��� Visus rear louvers (updated pictures coming soon)
Page 1 - You Are Viewing
Page 2 - Pictures & Future Upgrades
Page 3 - Stock vs. Upgrade Comparison Pictures
Page 4 - Riding Through The MidWest
