Ok...here's the deal. I have a 2003 Lariat Supercap 5.4L 2wd. The only mods I've done so far are the headlight lightbulbs and the full taillights (I know...I'm just getting started ). I also have a new exhaust tip on the way.

So in June I'm going to have about $800 to play with. My question is, with that amount, what would you guys recommend as a MUST HAVE NOW mod??

hood? cat back exhaust system? sub/amps/speakers?.....ect...I'm looking for any advice...


-Stu

 

cat back exhaust system and if enough money left, a superchip

 

My vote is for the catback exhuast.

 

Thanks for the replies so far guys, I also don't want to do anything that will void the warranty.

 

The warranty will only be voided on the part of the exhaust that you change unless the rest of the system is somehow damaged in the process.

 

One thing that I think is a must is vent visors. It's nice being able to have the window rolled down a bit when you're parked and not worry about rain etc getting in.
A remote starter is sure nice. You can have the inside of the truck cooled down in summer or warmed up in winter before you get in

 

As far as a remote starter goes, as Racerguy says, it is nice. Now for the downside. My Ford Dealership, every time I have the truck in for any kind of warrantee work, tells me again that the problem may be related to the remote start, and if it is, my warrantee is void. They will use any excuse to attempt to not warrantee your vehicle, so you need to make a decision to either leave your truck bone stock till the warrantee is finished - or do what you want - IT'S YOUR TRUCK. The exception to the remote start BS is if you get a Ford remote start and have the dealer install it. Cost is about triple from my dealership, but it won't void your warrantee. Everything else will tho. My answer to my dealership has always been "Refuse the warrantee - talk to my lawyer in court - no exceptions - no second chances - I won't take crap from anybody including a Ford dealership" So far they haven't refused me anything. As I don't even have a lawyer, that's good, right????

 

When you get 5 or 10 service messages about problems incurred resulting from remote start installs on the aftermarket side you can see their point. I think what they are trying to do, is warn you BEFORE doing a diagnostic, that if your concern is related to having a remote start installed then the diagnostic and repairs to correct it would fall on you. Many times a customer will have damage related to an aftermarket accessory installed and cry foul when you tell them the repair is on them if they want it fixed and are really PO'd when they refuse to have it repaired and find they still owe for the diagnostic. So its just a pre-emptive warning that if the concern is not related to a Ford installed component the onus is on you to make the repair and for the diagnostic to identify the aftermarket accessory as the cause. A dealer installed remote start is often more expensive because it is often more complex to install (twice as many wiring taps) and because labor at say 60.00 per hour for say a 7 hour install is the greatest difference to say an accessory shop with some guy working for 6 or 7 bucks an hour slamming in a less complex cheaper design. Also the dealer cost is higher on the kit. Also the dealer remote start if installed on a new vehicle is covered for the entire 3 warranty period of your vehicle. Try to get that from an aftermarket install.

 

Homer, you are correct in all that you said, but it still does not make it easier to put up with a service writer with a little sh@# eating grin, telling you that your warrantee is going to be voided if you do anything to your own vehicle. I know the manufacturers are trying to make vehicles which absolutely MUST be serviced only at a dealership at their exorbitant costs, but it does not make me happier. However, all that said, how about lifetime warrantee on the remote from the non dealer installer. (yeah, I know, that is the lifetime of the shop in most cases <chuckle>)

 

You are right, a service writer who is arrogant and presumptious is not a good thing. His job is to identify the problem, relay it to the technician, and advise the customer. Unfortunately some writers deal with a load of bad attitudes from customers till they aquire one themselves. Then its time to consider a new occupation. Kinda like a cop who has taken too much.

Lifetime warranty? Ok, "umm, sorry sir we dont carry that brand any more, you will have to contact the manufacturer"

 

Thanks for the advice so far guys. Can some of you also post maybe a list of what your first 5-10 mods were? I think that will help me in my choice as well...

 

1) Flowmaster muffler with dual tail pipes
2) Vent visors for windows (So it can breathe as Dave said)
3) K&N stock replacement air filter
4) will be a Superchips programmer when funds allow.

 

On the truck I just sold...
1.cd/video/subs.
2.wheels
3.lower 3-5
4.Supercharger/throttlebody/MAF/fuel pump/ air filter
5.headers and dual exhaust

And for the stock one I get to play with finally...
1.lighting
2.cd/ subs
next...I dunno?