Another change is in electronic tuning. In the beginning, there almost wasn't any, then custom chip burning in conjunction with a dyno test session was the way to go, and now the small, dedicated electronic tuners (the DiabloSport Predator was mentioned continuously) are the cost-effective method.
Another interesting observation was the market for aluminum driveshafts seems to have peaked and fizzled. They were $159 from FRPP, but when the price went to $259, it seems everyone decided they could live without one.
Vendors also say they used to sell many coil packs for the '96-'98 GTs. But this dried up as the '99 and later cars don't seem to need them.
Now, before sending those flaming arrows our way, all of the parts listed here do make power, and are being sold for 4.6 engines daily. But they are going on the more modified cars, so these are parts to consider after you've exhausted the easier bolt-ons.
What You Should Be BuyingOur second question to the aftermarket specialists was what parts should '99-'04 owners put on their cars? Like all open-ended questions, the answers varied, and everyone agreed that to a certain extent it depends on what you want to do with the car. But several key components were repeatedly mentioned.
The common theme with everyone we talked to was almost everybody wants a Mustang that does it all-well mannered on the street, with more power, and better handling and braking. It isn't just about straightline speed anymore.
And we'll say we were pleased to note that what the market is buying and what the market should be buying are pretty much the same thing, save for one point. Everyone goes for more power first, then upgrades the suspension and brakes. Those items should be tuned up first, then more power added, but few people do it that way because they're all excited about more power.
This is doubly true of supercharging. Do the suspension and brakes first, then add the blower. You'll save a ton of wheelspin and possibly a trip backward into something hard and expensive in the process.
Ultimately, we'll repeat our long-standing advice on Mustang modification. There are two things you need-besides money-to make the best time of tuning. Most importantly, you need a goal and a plan on reaching it. Interested in drag racing? Then you'll want power producers, tons of rear axle gear, and to eliminate as much weight as is practical (removing the air conditioning is the big one here). The drag guy is also interested in a soft suspension tune, and must budget for slicks and small front wheels and tires. He's a prime candidate for a blower or nitrous, too.
On the other hand, an open-track fan can put up with more weight without real penalty, needs a stiffer suspension, and has durability under tough conditions-namely summer heat-high on his priorities. And the open-tracker really does need to step up his braking and suspenders before adding more power.
As you can see, it depends on what you want your car to excel at when you are finished modifying it, so give your ultimate goal some thought at the beginning.
The second must-have is opening a dialogue with a tuner or parts vendor. Work with these people on establishing a parts purchase and installation plan that suits-or at least comes close to-your budget. Information on what is available, and what works in your region, or even what your tuner is capable of handling, play a great practical part in achieving a fun Mustang with a minimum of false starts and lost money on so-so parts purchases. This is true if, like the vast majority of owners, all you really want is a nicer, more capable street car that will likely never see a racetrack.