Modifications
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville, NC
Modifications
2003 F150 4x4 SCab Flareside Lariat w/5.4L and auto tranny
I will only spend $1000 for the first "real" mods on my truck. I will eventually put new tires/rims so don't talk about those. I would like to upgrade the mechanical, performance, and/or aesthetic sides first. Of course, larger tires/rims will affect the performance side so maybe some suggestions.
This is what I'm thinking about: programmer, air intake, throttle body spacer, brakes? Perhaps upgrade the sound department as well? New headlights, taillights, and 3rd brake light?
I realize that $1000 won't buy much so what would y'all suggest if you only had $1000 to spend on your first modification(s)?
I will only spend $1000 for the first "real" mods on my truck. I will eventually put new tires/rims so don't talk about those. I would like to upgrade the mechanical, performance, and/or aesthetic sides first. Of course, larger tires/rims will affect the performance side so maybe some suggestions.
This is what I'm thinking about: programmer, air intake, throttle body spacer, brakes? Perhaps upgrade the sound department as well? New headlights, taillights, and 3rd brake light?
I realize that $1000 won't buy much so what would y'all suggest if you only had $1000 to spend on your first modification(s)?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Programmer would be first on my list, never mind the spacer and intake cause they don't do a damn thing except make your engine bay prettier. Run dual exhaust with an X-pipe with no mufflers for a nice sound, spend remainer on a nice Alpine deck (just my preference).
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Pretty good advice really from XTRFORD. With only $1000 I would say programmer, then true duals leave cats (cat back) no mufflers, is my preference, mainly for looks...wont notice much power gain! Dont waste money on air intake etc, waste of money. My real suggestion...is gears all the way. I would take gears over my programmer any day. Do on a search on here bud...this is a hot topic for many people, go to the search section and type it in...you will find anything/everything on this topic!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 3
From: GANS
Originally Posted by xtrford
Gears are a great mod, but what are the costs to change gears compared to a whole axle swap stang 302?
gear swap is probably a little cheaper in the long run.. you might be able to do it for $1000.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
XTRFORD...bremen242 is about right compared to prices here in Indy where Im at. $500 or so for 4x2. And Ive looked around and can get 4x4 done for around $1000 and up to $1500 for parts/install, etc...looking at 4.56, ive got 35s, figured its the way to go!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville, NC
Wow, what responses! Thanks y'all for the suggestions. I realize that I'd need to upgrade the gears but should I do it now before the new tires/rims? As for the pipes, I'd be concerned about getting the sound right after the engine mods. They would change the sound and I'd hate to spend the $ and not like what I've got.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
The exhaust recomendations as mentioned above without any mufflers and true duals will make it sound good, but will probably actually decrease your power because you won't have enough back pressure. Before I put my Gibson Cat-Back on with a muffler, I drove around with the old muffler cut off and it was really loud, but also alot less powerfull. If you are looking for power out of a stock engine, than I would go with a cat back of mufflered dual setup.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote