Kate's story (with pics)

Mach1Run · 08-15-2006, 08:49 AM

I decided to try and create a single thread for my car to discuss what I would like to do with it since you guys tend to know a lot more than I do. And that it would be nice to keep it in a single place. My cars have all been named Kate because the #1 woman on my "doable stars" list has been:

The first Kate was a 2001 GT I bought from carmax and yes i overpaid for it. But oh well, i enjoyed the hell out of it and got the mod bug from it, even though the mods were limited to a tri-ax shifter, bassani o/r x and catback.

After a year of beating around town i decided I wanted to get into the 300hp club. Did some thinking and came to the conclusion that the most cost efficient way for me to get there was to start a bit closer to the mark. 03/04 Cobra was out of the question.

I found the latest Kate after several weeks of shopping online, it was Buy New & Used Cars, Research Prices, Sell My Car, Find Auto Dealers that she turned up on. Price was $19.5 with 24k miles. A pretty good deal I thought since most of the other machs were in the 23-24k range. Only problem was that she was at a mom and pop dealer out in Ft. Worth and after talking to the on the phone I really did not want to deal with them even though I really wanted the car. After another week of shopping I had an idea. I contacted another dealer that sells a ton of cars through the local DFWstangs.net board, North Texas Nissan. Yeah thats what I said, WTF is a Nissan dealer doing with so many mustangs? Turns out they love preformance cars and mustangs are just one of the ones they like to sell. Great guys btw if you are in this part of texas, Default North Texas Nissan Corinth TX. i contacted the used car buyer, Chris Tatum, and the owner, Rob Cele, and they said they would buy the car from the other dealer and sell it to me for the 19.5 so I could finance through them and trade through them. They got me out of the GT and gave me another $500 for the trade. After more problems from the mom and pop shop and a 6 hour wait (not NTNs fault, though they did buy the wife and I lunch) I took the keys.

Here is kate when I brought her home. What you can't see in the picture are the things I ripped of right after getting home, the green and black vinyl ford racing windshield banner, the MACH 1 lettering in the rear window, and the cheap ass foglights on either side of the running pony in the grill.

Cosmetic mods were the first thing I wanted to do. I still want it to be recognized as a Mach but not just like all the other ones. Spoiler was the first thing to come off.

The stock skirts were a bit dinged up and needed to be replaced. Both sides had some deep gouges in them and the paint seemed kinda thin. I decided to get a set of 03 Cobra Skirts. Randy over at CRE Loaded 6 - Modular Depot hooked me up, $300 painted and shipped to my door.

Next to go were the stock wheels. My biggest complaint was how far in the rears seem to sit. So i decided on some 10.5x17s out back and 9x17 out front. Which brings us up to date.

Not sure what my ultimate goal wil be but for now i would like to have a daily driver with 300+ to the pavement and lots of torque. Especially in the lower RPM.

Starting Point - Stock Dyno

Here is the list of mods I am considering and what links I have regarding them. Please teach me what goes well with what and help me keep from making too many mistakes. Suggestions and discussions are welcome.

Quote:

Show:
99/01 Cobra Fog Lights

Dark Charcoal Shifter Bezel - Installed

Dark Charcoal Radio Bezel - Installed

Fix scuffs on trunk from wing

MM CC Plates

Shocks /Struts / Springs

Hood Struts
Hood Struts - MRT Direct

Go:
Custom Subframes

Headers

Bassani O/R X - Installed
Exhaust - Exh, X-pipe, 03-04, 4v, Offroad, Alum, Bassani - Early Model Classic Mustang Restoration Parts

Bassani Catback
Exhaust - Exh Cat 99-04, 2v, 2.5" Bx - Early Model Classic Mustang Restoration Parts

Mil Eliminators - Installed

MGW Shifter - Installed
Mustang Short Throw Shifter

Line Lock

4.10
http://www.mustangtuning.com/mopepl4ge.html

PHP Intake Spacer - Installed
PHP Intake Spacer w/Gasket

C&L 85mm System 2003-04 Mach 1 + Power Pipe
http://www.partshopper.com/shop/C&L-...ch-1-m246.html

Aluminum Driveshaft

T56 Transmission - Installed

Meghan · 08-15-2006, 08:53 AM

all that means nothing to me...buuut id definatly do Kate Beckinsale

**timeless2** · 08-15-2006, 08:54 AM

Kate Beckinsale

Cali Korleone · 08-15-2006, 09:15 AM

Bassani X = yes
Bassani Cat Back = yes
4.10's = yes
MGW shifter = yes

I have had experience with those parts in the past. Except the 4.10's, I have 3.73's.

**U r B a N 96** · 08-15-2006, 09:29 AM

love the car but i think it looks a bit better with the spoiler

Cali Korleone · 08-15-2006, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by U r B a N 96

love the car but i think it looks a bit better with the spoiler

Yeah put it back. It needs the black spoiler to match the black chin spoiler, black hood scoop, and black stripes. Car need balance.

Therapist · 08-15-2006, 10:25 AM

I'd do the full exaust with longtubes, a good tune, you should see 300+rwhp then go for your subframes and whatever else you want

edit: you will love 4:10's with the 4valve...

Cali Korleone · 08-15-2006, 10:34 AM

Oh yeah. I would recommend skipping the sub frames if this will be a daily driver and your satisfied with 300hp. You really won't need them if you don't plan on major power and/or autocrossing.

Therapist · 08-15-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Korleone

Oh yeah. I would recommend skipping the sub frames if this will be a daily driver and your satisfied with 300hp. You really won't need them if you don't plan on major power and/or autocrossing.

I'd put subframes on before anything else... if youve ridden in any subframe mustang thats had them on since it was new or close to new, vs. one without that has a few miles on it, you'll know why

Cali Korleone · 08-15-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sn98gt

I'd put subframes on before anything else... if youve ridden in any subframe mustang thats had them on since it was new or close to new, vs. one without that has a few miles on it, you'll know why

Hmm. Everyone I'm talked to is like meh to subframes. They were like yeah you can tell the difference but said they could have did without them and it wouldn't have mattered. Now the convertible guys have said it's the best thing they ever did.

**timeless2** · 08-15-2006, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Korleone

Now the convertible guys have said it's the best thing they ever did.

I thought verts had them stock. Or are you referring to an upgrade?

Cali Korleone · 08-15-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timeless2

I thought verts had them stock. Or are you referring to an upgrade?

An upgrade. A friend of mine put full lengths in his '03 Cobra vert along with a strut tower brace. That car rides solid. He's putting 440 to the ground and he said it use to twist when he launched but not anymore.

Ernad · 08-15-2006, 11:56 AM

1. Please put the spoiler back on

Quote:

Not sure what my ultimate goal wil be but for now i would like to have a daily driver with 300+ to the pavement and lots of torque. Especially in the lower RPM.

2. Your goals are still in the realistic realm, though by a hair. You can put 300+ to the pavement without much trouble. However, 4.6s are not known for their amazing low TQ. Nonetheless, 4.10s should be your savior here.

So my advice is as follows:

- Longtubes are a must! Kooks are the best for our Machs, as far as I know. Their LTs + X-pipe do cost a little over a grand, but they're well worth it.

- Tune! You can get a xcal 2 for around $350-ish, I believe, and a good shop may charge you $200 for a dyno tune.

Those two things will be your major improvement engine wise. You can also get a CAI and catback, but I personally doubt that either will help much powerise. However, a catback would be recommended because the stocker sucks!

So figure another $400 here.

- Gearssssss! Yesssss! 4.10s should work nice and give you plenty of 00mph. And since your car has some mileage on it, add new components to the diff.

- Other mods: if you still have the stock clutch, this would be a good time to get rid of it. And the flywheel too. Put an aluminum flywheel (Fidanza) with a good clutch (CF DFX/McLeod) and if you like an aluminum D/S and you'll be golden. All those will set you about $800 back.

Your other mods are than personal prefference. Subs are a nice idea if you plan on draggin the car and have extra cash after all that above. Overall, with those mods above, you should be easy over the 320rwhp territory.

Therapist · 08-15-2006, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali Korleone

An upgrade. A friend of mine put full lengths in his '03 Cobra vert along with a strut tower brace. That car rides solid. He's putting 440 to the ground and he said it use to twist when he launched but not anymore.

you can feel them, but it doesnt really make much of a difference (feel wise) on a coupe, but they hold the car together, most of the cars with them on that I've ridden in dont rattle,squeak or make any other annoying noises like teh pre 05 mustangs are known for. so imo there inexpensive to buy and install and there very much worth the monies (wich is also something any shop that builds stangs will tell you)

**madmatt** · 08-15-2006, 03:56 PM

Ill comment on the suspension, since the others too the power mods.

Subframes : DEFINATELY and get Maximum Motorsports full length ones. These will tighten up your car like no other. Mmm love mine. Also get rid of a lot of "ford sqeaks" Next, shocks struts springs. H&R springs, look through their list, see which drop is best. Sports are worth about an inch and a half to .75. Supersports are almost a 2 inch drop, which looks good, but at a certain point, its detrimental to the suspension geometry. As far as C/C plates, its really car dependent and depends on what springs you get. Usually the rule is anything over 1.5 inches-1.75 inches lower and you need c/c plates to get it back into alignment. I have steeda sport springs, which are about 1.25-1.5 lower all around, and I didnt need c/c plates for the guy to get mine aligned to spec. Shocks and struts, get Bilsteins. They work great with H&R's and MM even has a specially valved setup. I will have some on my car soon, the mach 1s just dont cut it. Strut bars arent really necessary on our cars, but if you find a great deal on one, and feel like dealing with the PITA install, go for it. DO NOT PAY FULL PRICE FOR ONE! You can find em used all over. www.stangsuspension.com has great prices on all the stuff Ive mentioned, plus more. Also, 5 percent off with the code CORRAL. Oh yea, and if you want cobra foglights, youll have to get a cobra front bumper, and yes, put the wing back on

Good luck, hope this helps.

Therapist · 08-15-2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

Ill comment on the suspension, since the others too the power mods.

Subframes : DEFINATELY and get Maximum Motorsports full length ones. These will tighten up your car like no other. Mmm love mine. Also get rid of a lot of "ford sqeaks" Next, shocks struts springs. H&R springs, look through their list, see which drop is best. Sports are worth about an inch and a half to .75. Supersports are almost a 2 inch drop, which looks good, but at a certain point, its detrimental to the suspension geometry. As far as C/C plates, its really car dependent and depends on what springs you get. Usually the rule is anything over 1.5 inches-1.75 inches lower and you need c/c plates to get it back into alignment. I have steeda sport springs, which are about 1.25-1.5 lower all around, and I didnt need c/c plates for the guy to get mine aligned to spec. Shocks and struts, get Bilsteins. They work great with H&R's and MM even has a specially valved setup. I will have some on my car soon, the mach 1s just dont cut it. Strut bars arent really necessary on our cars, but if you find a great deal on one, and feel like dealing with the PITA install, go for it. DO NOT PAY FULL PRICE FOR ONE! You can find em used all over. www.stangsuspension.com has great prices on all the stuff Ive mentioned, plus more. Also, 5 percent off with the code CORRAL. Oh yea, and if you want cobra foglights, youll have to get a cobra front bumper, and yes, put the wing back on

Good luck, hope this helps.

correct... but if you lower your mustang at all you will need cc plates to bring the aligment specs within tolerable wear range... most stock mustangs that come into my work dont have enough adjustment to bring camber within ford specs... + 1 on the MM valved bilsteins and coilover kit... my car rides and handles much better than it did with sportlines.

**madmatt** · 08-15-2006, 04:13 PM

I want Bilsteins soooo bad.

for being poor.

3 more months of this crap oh so close

Scottyboy · 08-15-2006, 05:33 PM

Damn. I forgot you had a yellow stang. Nice color BTW.

Mach1Run · 08-15-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danre

- Other mods: if you still have the stock clutch, this would be a good time to get rid of it. And the flywheel too. Put an aluminum flywheel (Fidanza) with a good clutch (CF DFX/McLeod) and if you like an aluminum D/S and you'll be golden. All those will set you about $800 back.

Well i have about $700 saved so far and I was actually considering dumping the 3650 if the shifter doesnt fix the notchiness. Plus either the tranny or the rear has a whine that I hate.

**madmatt** · 08-15-2006, 05:42 PM

To get rid of some of the whine, I may suggest getting a shifter gasket set from www.cobrabob.com

Therapist · 08-15-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

I want Bilsteins soooo bad.

for being poor.

3 more months of this crap oh so close

there very worth it... I had tokico illuminas on it before and there is just no comparison.

Ernad · 08-15-2006, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greensix

Well i have about $700 saved so far and I was actually considering dumping the 3650 if the shifter doesnt fix the notchiness. Plus either the tranny or the rear has a whine that I hate.

Unless you REALLY have a piss poor tranny, don't replace it. Only reason I say this is money. It's not cheap.

08-15-2006, 08:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
Meghan David tried PIITB to me but was denied due to sub par equipment Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: in a house Posts: 7,476	all that means nothing to me...buuut id definatly do Kate Beckinsale __________________ Meghan Life is like a dick; when it gets hard Fuck It.

08-15-2006, 08:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
timeless2 I <3 Asian dishes. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 30,802	Kate Beckinsale __________________ Tim 2010 Ford Mustang \| MagnaFlow Exhaust \| Toy Reviews & Recalls She's back and she's bad...or is she good?

08-15-2006, 09:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cali Korleone Megaman says that I'm Too Gangsta 4 A CT. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Redtube.com Posts: 10,575	Bassani X = yes Bassani Cat Back = yes 4.10's = yes MGW shifter = yes I have had experience with those parts in the past. Except the 4.10's, I have 3.73's. __________________

08-15-2006, 09:29 AM	#5 (permalink)
U r B a N 96 Bringin sexy back Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 7,979	love the car but i think it looks a bit better with the spoiler __________________

08-15-2006, 10:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
Therapist attacked by rabid cocks...........again! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 11,892	I'd do the full exaust with longtubes, a good tune, you should see 300+rwhp then go for your subframes and whatever else you want edit: you will love 4:10's with the 4valve... __________________ ............- Jordan - ..

08-15-2006, 10:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cali Korleone Megaman says that I'm Too Gangsta 4 A CT. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Redtube.com Posts: 10,575	Oh yeah. I would recommend skipping the sub frames if this will be a daily driver and your satisfied with 300hp. You really won't need them if you don't plan on major power and/or autocrossing. __________________

08-15-2006, 03:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
madmatt suffers from cracking due to shrinkage Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Riding shotgun with Stig Posts: 24,788	Ill comment on the suspension, since the others too the power mods. Subframes : DEFINATELY and get Maximum Motorsports full length ones. These will tighten up your car like no other. Mmm love mine. Also get rid of a lot of "ford sqeaks" Next, shocks struts springs. H&R springs, look through their list, see which drop is best. Sports are worth about an inch and a half to .75. Supersports are almost a 2 inch drop, which looks good, but at a certain point, its detrimental to the suspension geometry. As far as C/C plates, its really car dependent and depends on what springs you get. Usually the rule is anything over 1.5 inches-1.75 inches lower and you need c/c plates to get it back into alignment. I have steeda sport springs, which are about 1.25-1.5 lower all around, and I didnt need c/c plates for the guy to get mine aligned to spec. Shocks and struts, get Bilsteins. They work great with H&R's and MM even has a specially valved setup. I will have some on my car soon, the mach 1s just dont cut it. Strut bars arent really necessary on our cars, but if you find a great deal on one, and feel like dealing with the PITA install, go for it. DO NOT PAY FULL PRICE FOR ONE! You can find em used all over. www.stangsuspension.com has great prices on all the stuff Ive mentioned, plus more. Also, 5 percent off with the code CORRAL. Oh yea, and if you want cobra foglights, youll have to get a cobra front bumper, and yes, put the wing back on Good luck, hope this helps. __________________ Matt

08-15-2006, 04:13 PM	#17 (permalink)
madmatt suffers from cracking due to shrinkage Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Riding shotgun with Stig Posts: 24,788	I want Bilsteins soooo bad. for being poor. 3 more months of this crap oh so close __________________ Matt

08-15-2006, 05:33 PM	#18 (permalink)
Scottyboy Legendary Veteran Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: San Antonio Posts: 499	Damn. I forgot you had a yellow stang. Nice color BTW.

08-15-2006, 05:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
madmatt suffers from cracking due to shrinkage Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Riding shotgun with Stig Posts: 24,788	To get rid of some of the whine, I may suggest getting a shifter gasket set from www.cobrabob.com __________________ Matt