Noob questions

[bryanscle]

First off I'm a noob to cars, I've driven a truck for the past 6 years and my dad took care of all the maintenance. I'm reading up on how everything works, but overall I don't know a whole lot about cars. Anyways, I've got a stock 2004 3.9, and have some basic questiions:

1) I don't race, but what can I beat (just in case )? Eclipse, 240's, hondas, toyotas, etc.

2) Are there any mods that won't decrease my gas mileage much? My future line of work doesn't pay all that well so I'm looking to keep my gas mileage up there a little, but wouldn't mind modding some

[slvr2000stang]

Well performance mods will affect your gas mileage based on how you drive.
Depending on what you do. Some of the basics like exhaust, CAI, even gears should not make a big change unless you drive it harder now that it will be more fun.

[97Stallion]

Well you honestly can't beat too much, but you can take the stock honda's. LOL As far a modding wise, are you sure you want to modify your car. Having a 2004, you're still under warrenty and certain mods if not all will null and void your warrenty. But if you decide to do so, I would definately just do the basics. Dual exhuast will give you a better sounding Mustang. An Underdrive pulley will definately increase your gas mileage and hp at the same time. And a CAI will do the same. When I had just those mods on my car a long time ago, I was getting 33mpg. Now I'm getting only 25-26mpg on the highway. But if you'd like, PM me or LMK somehow and I can give you a price quote for each of the items.

[Ponycarman]

Quote: Originally Posted by 97Stallion As far a modding wise, are you sure you want to modify your car. Having a 2004, you're still under warrenty and certain mods if not all will null and void your warrenty.

That would be wrong.

The only time a mod can cause a warranty rejection is if, and only if, it either is a direct cause of the failure OR if the aftermarket part fails itself. In other words Ford isn't gonna replace, in example, your aftermarket throttle body if the aftermarket throttle body failed.

Nor are you likely to get your engine replaced if you blow it whilst running a turbo setup.

However, Ford cannot legally reject a warranty claim for a failed MAF if you are running non-stock gears, for example.

Steve

[SpectorV]

They have to proove that the modification you did caused the damage to the car. Some dealerships are still very anal about this and will make all kinds of very outlandish claims to void the warranty... so check out the dealership first... you could fight them of course and what not but in the end you will have spent more than fixing it yourself.

Go talk to your dealership and see what they say...

[bryanscle]

Good idea, hadn't thought of the warranty thing. Throw out some more beatable cars. Mainly wanna know if the 3.9 could beat a 96 240sx or a 2001 eclipse, both stock. What's a CAI?

[97Stallion]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ponycarman That would be wrong. The only time a mod can cause a warranty rejection is if, and only if, it either is a direct cause of the failure OR if the aftermarket part fails itself. In other words Ford isn't gonna replace, in example, your aftermarket throttle body if the aftermarket throttle body failed. Nor are you likely to get your engine replaced if you blow it whilst running a turbo setup. However, Ford cannot legally reject a warranty claim for a failed MAF if you are running non-stock gears, for example. Steve

I understand your point Steve, but I'm just letting "junior" know the worst case scenerio and a dealership fought not to replace a damaged or broken part if they saw something under the hood that wasn't factory like a chrome CAI. That mod alone brings alot of attention to itself being that it's chrome and not stock. And we all know a CAI will hardly be the direct result of almost any damage, but some companies will find a way to link the too.

[NorwegianMustang]

CAI = Cold Air Intake