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Well, just about done with the mods.
Pro-M 77mm mass air will be the last piece for my "stage 1" build-up; due in next week from Dugan Racing.
NOTE: if anyone is in the Atlanta area & looking for an excellent speed shop to do
some CV performance work for you, check out Ford
Performance Specialists in Douglasville, GA. 770.949.7191 -- ask for Doug
or Bob...great guys who really know their
sh*t & modify rice-KILLING SHOs, T-birds, Vics & Trucks. Ok, enough
kudos -- here is my progress this week:
- Monday (4/17) new: two
weeks ago, I had duals custom bent at Andy's Muffler
& Lube Snellville (770.972.8222 -- ask for Jeremy or Newton): an H to Dynomax
Super Turbo mufflers out to stock-looking turndowns. I thought it was 2
+ 1/2" pipe until I actually got my hands on it & looked at it --
they put on 2" pipe. Soooo, I went back to Andy's for my FREE upgrade,
done right, the way I asked for it -- 2 + 1/2" pipe. While they had to
cut off all the old 2" pipe, I asked Newton, if he could make an X-pipe
this time ---"no problem". To make a long story short, it came out
great & the 2+1/2" pipe is the way to go: deeper, louder
sound...more BALLS! Also, I don't know if it's the X-pipe or what but,
leaving the muffler shop, I *know* I picked up some HP/TQ -- plus a more
exotic, NASCAR sound at revs !!!
- Tuesday (4/18) new: I
went to All-Pro radiator for my yearly coolant system flush. I had them add
the Red Line Water Wetter
I picked up...did NOT swap the 190 thermometer for a 180 degree version.
Too many things that could go wrong with my EEC, like "open loop" mode. Plus not
worth the nominal gains. I'll probably just look into an electric fan at some point.
The '93 is definitely running cooler with this stuff in place. Nice & cool when running around
and just gets under the R in "NORM" when the AC is on at idle for awhile.
- Wednesday (4/19) new: I
went to Ford Performance Specialists for the TransGo
shift kit install. Ed did an incredible job -- I don't see how the
kit could have come out better the way it shifts & feels now. Firm, fast shifts
& the new line pressure keeps the car constantly in it's power bands -- no
more low rpms (blub-blub) after shifts! I had them put in
Red Line D4 ATF...feels like a
new transmission as far as i can tell. With the firm TransGO shifts, the pure
synthetic ATF smooths things out a bit -- feels great. Did i mention I am squealing tires when 2nd gear
engages ? =) Also, had my front rotors done: again, Ed did a great job. Turned them & then
cut 6-7 "slots" in them for brake dust to fly out of -- looked very similar to Paul's Power Slots,
but not as big.
- Tuesday (4/25) new: My Pro-M 77mm
mass air is due in today from Dugan Racing. Calibrated for a conical K & N and 19 pound injectors
on my '93. I am crossing my fingers that this perfectly calibrated mass air
will cure the PINGING that i'm experiencing with the current 70mm SHO mass air (with my stock sensor). The
Pro-M also is supposed to add 4 or 5 HP/TQ. We will see...
Mods two weeks ago:
- Friday (3/31): Superchip
was installed at FPS (killer price!). Doug flashed
it for no top speed, firmer shifts at higher rpms, higher rev limiter &
advanced timing & fuel delivery. The result: feels like another 10 to 15
HP...car feels "tighter", more responsive throughout the entire
power curve....especially driving around town at low rpms. On the throttle
response: I feel like I am "communicating" with the
throttle/engine more. Top end boost is very noticable, shifting is great --
firm & quick shifts. Also, top-shelf install: Doug took off the
factory coating off the connectors & then applied solder on each contact
for the *ultimate* in chip connectivity & max thruput. I may come back
at some point & re-flash the chip for changes...it feels just right to
date.
- Saturday (4/01), I had duals custom bent at Andy's Muffler
& Lube Snellville (770.972.8222 -- ask for Jeremy or Newton): 2+1/2 pipe
(not 2+1/4 pipe as recommended for mild-mannered 4.6Ls. I AM planning on the
SVO/Eaton supercharger at some point) with an H to Dynomax
Super Turbo mufflers out to stock-looking turndowns. Sounds freakin'
awesome: deep (mellow), exotic & powerful at half-throttle or WOT; but
pretty stock-sounding at idle -- very nice, exactly what I was after. Plus I
must have another 20-30 HP with the duals & chip combined...the top end
is getting scary!! It just pulls & pulls past 100 ! From 45 to 100 is
VERY fast...and the exhaust note at start-up is a beautiful thing. I am glad
I went with Dynomaxes, after being scared away from Flowmaster by 4.6L 'Stang
guys who were sick of the cliché sound & low rpm (2000 - 2500) droning.
If i want more volume, I can move to Race Magnums or Ultra Flows...SOLD on
the Dynomax brand. Also, I feel
another level of engine "communication", as I can hear the rpms
very clearly & choose upshifts & downshifts easier.
- Wednesday (4/05), i have these new mods in place:
superchip, duals/H/Dynomax, 3.73s with
new Traction-Lok, FPS underdrive pullies, 70mm SHO Mass Air (to correct all
the pinging from my ported stock mass air), Ford (blue oil)
conical K & N, poly bushings on the rear sway bar, NGK TR-55 copper
plugs...
- Thursday (4/06), mods are done. total
combo: FMS 3.73s, 23-tooth speedo gear, new traction-lok, FPS pulleys(not
FMS), 70mm SHO mass air with my old sensor (to run slightly rich), conical k
& n, duals/H/dynomax super turbos, superchip, 9mm GT wires, motorsport
copper plugs, synthetics. will do bushings & NGKs later...
- The Verdict: i must say the addition of the chip,
duals, 3.73s, pulleys & mass air and k & n have really turned this
'93 into a growling cat ! off the line it is really feeling great...around
town very aggressive speed & throttle response - the top end is insanely
fast & the car really comes alive up there, rides smooth with the stock
suspension. the 85 mph speedo might as well be a grinning clown face it is
so useless...beyond the *obvious* pick-up, the gears are as silent as the
OEM 3.08s...no vibration from the driveshaft at 100 mph. only downside is
the tranny that sticks out like a sore thumb, now. =( the car revs up so
fast, the AODE is asleep for the very slow-feeling shifts -- manly 1st into
2nd gear that is the most noticable. i think i will have to put the TransGo
in very soon for my own sanity. looking at $400 installed or $100 to get it
& do it myself. opinions ?
The above combo added around 30-35 HP; from my old mods under My
'93 Vic.
Geoff « ggill@hotmail.com »
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