Hello everybody.

New here, I have a 1998 Expy XLT, totally stock. It has the 4.6L engine, dual A/C, and power amenities. I have been considering if I should sell it or keep it. It was bought coming out of lease with 36K miles on it, it has 70K now. Been good, had A/C work done and tranny work at dealer under the extended warranty. The car was bought for my EX, and I kept it on the divorce.

I have two problems : handling (sucks) and power (not enough). I like the expy and I think I can mod it to taste. I rather keep it, sentimental value I guess. Also, FYI, it is all for street use, driving to work and hauling some furniture every now and then.

Suspension : sway on turns, mushy on straights. I think if I drop it 1.5 to 2", go to better shocks and install better sway bars the problem will be resolved. Also considering 18" rims and lower profile <a href="http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=37919709&siteid=39251846">tires </a>to stiffen it up a bit.

Q) Are there OEM 18" rims? Or is it aftermarket for them? Also, what width would you recommend?

Power : Not sure what to do with the 4.6L. I used to have a TBird, same engine, but felt much better (less weight). This one feels very tired. I am going to do spark plugs and wires just because. I am considering a CAI and Flowmaster exhaust. At that point I will evaluate where I am at. I would think there would be lots of parts out there for 4.6s. Do Mustang parts bolt on the same (in general)?

Other stuff : the speakers on the doors might be gone, so 4 door speakers on stock mounts just to make it nicer. I have the CD changer in the console and it is enough for me.

Anyway, sharing, saying hello. I gathered lots of part names, etc from all your sigs! Thanks.

 

Slaponte,

Welcome to FTE!!
I think your on the right track with the suspension, better shocks, lower center of gravity, wider <a href="http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=37919709&siteid=39251846">tires </a>would make it handle alot better. You can put 18" ford OEM lightning wheels on your expy.

To liven up the 4.6 you can add a intake kit, headers, and a catback for a lil more pep, how about some laughing gas(NOS) still not enough, supercharge it!! Add a chip......custom turbo...!!!

Door speakers are 5x7's i just replaced mine with some infinity kappas...sounds awesome.

Hope this gives you some ideas, good luck if you decide to keep it.

 

Here is the shopping list so far, reviewing posts here, old threads, a couple of other sites and many of your sigs! :

A) Suspension improvement

Tire Rack : Moda R7 Silver Machined with
Clearcoat 18x8.5 $169ea
Tire Rack : <a href="http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click?bfmid=37919709&siteid=39251846">tires </a>sugested for above : 285/60-18

Shocks : Monroe Reflex or Rancho RSX

Springs : 2" Beltech drop (with 295/45/18's) (BST404/BST405)

or

Springs : Ground Force 9912 (2"Front and Back) Kit includes shocks

Sway Bars : Hellwig

B) More power

- Flowmaster Force II Exhaust
- K & N Cold Air Intake
- Plugs : Motorcraft Double Platinum
- Investigating headers...
- Investigating Flow meter

 

Want some dubs? I know a place that has 20's for less than those moda's your lookin at. BRAND NEW!! let me know.

 

I'm looking for 20's.

 

Nah.. I don't go for 20s... sorry, this is a matter of taste, but huge rims make me think the car has.... "bicycle wheels"... I don't like them. 18" is as big as I want them.

This was just initial research. I have to look up the local trades, I might find a set of Lightning rims (take offs) or some other 18s at a better price. I like Tirerack to see what the rims look like on the car.

I like more "solid" looking rims, not thin wall see through. I also have a hard time to visualize them unless I see pictures, so the more pics I see of expys with rims the better I get a sense of what I want/like.

Thanks for the offer.

 

Check eBAY for some real cheap prices and good selection on wheels.I paid $550 shipped for some real nice name brand chrome 16s.There are a few sets of chrome 18 Lightning wheels on there now for $600.

 

no problem slaponte, just lookin out.

tyger25, heres the link to the dubs i was referring to.

http://www.bigjimsrims.com/product_i...63dfce1ee1c236

he has other ones as well.