Newly Acquired '07 V6 Mustang w/ 95k miles. Modding questions.

[Drew727]

This is my first thread as I am a new member and just purchased an 2007 V6 Mustang. It has 95K miles on it, normal wear but still runs/drives fine. I had it looked at before buying and was told I will need to replace the engine thermostat housing soon because it should be done for any '05-'09 Mustang reaching 100K miles (its not leaking yet). Also just normal maintenance (serpentine belt, fluids, rear gear oil, etc.) to be done. Other than that i was told it is in great shape for the mileage. I purchased this car because it kinda fell into my lap and as i just recently left my previous employer who was supplying me with a company truck to drive, I needed a reliable car and quick.
So now I'm curious if i can add some upgrades without risking engine life or if it is even worth it on a car nearly 10 years old with 95K miles. My question is their any risks to modding a vehicle of this age/mileage? I wont be looking to boost crazy HP, just looking to add rear end gears (3.73), CAI, throttle body, have it tuned and add an exhaust. Other than that maybe struts and coils? Any input would be appreciated!

 

[Vic]

First thing I’d recommend is spending money on a metal thermostat housing and not another plastic one (they’re notorious for splitting). This is the one I have:
https://www.amazon.com/2005-2010-Mustang-Thermostat-Housing-Outlet/dp/B00G9AYWRM

An 8.8 T-Lok with lower gears is a really nice upgrade. I have 3.73s in mine and it’s a great all around gear. Other than gears, a tune and CAI are definitely worthwhile. I wouldn’t waste any money on TB or coil upgrades - there’s no real benefit and they’re much less reliable (OEM is best for these). Dual exhaust looks good and sounds good, and you can get used GT mufflers to save money (that’s what I have).

If the engine was well maintained you can still boost it. I added a supercharger on my 2009 at 99k, and others have done it well past 100k. The most critical thing for boost is the tune, and a good dyno tune from a reputable tuner is best.

 

[Drew727]

First thing I’d recommend is spending money on a metal thermostat housing and not another plastic one (they’re notorious for splitting). This is the one I have:
https://www.amazon.com/2005-2010-Mustang-Thermostat-Housing-Outlet/dp/B00G9AYWRM

An 8.8 T-Lok with lower gears is a really nice upgrade. I have 3.73s in mine and it’s a great all around gear. Other than gears, a tune and CAI are definitely worthwhile. I wouldn’t waste any money on TB or coil upgrades - there’s no real benefit and they’re much less reliable (OEM is best for these). Dual exhaust looks good and sounds good, and you can get used GT mufflers to save money (that’s what I have).

If the engine was well maintained you can still boost it. I added a supercharger on my 2009 at 99k, and others have done it well past 100k. The most critical thing for boost is the tune, and a good dyno tune from a reputable tuner is best.

Right on! Thanks for the info! I have also been told to get the transmission serviced as well. So i will adding that to my list of maintenance to be done. I've heard good things about the 4.0 V6 engines so im hoping if i take care of it i can get it to last a long time. Once again thanks for the help. Ill be upgrading soon.[/QUOTE]

 

[Vic]

Replacing (not flushing) the transmission fluid along with a new filter is an excellent idea. You might consider a flush/fill for the coolant, power steering, and brakes, too, as general maintenance.
You can also upgrade like I have to the larger GT front brakes with this kit. The V6 already has the same rear brakes as the GT.
https://www.cjponyparts.com/front-disc-brake-upgrade-kit-v6-12-4-rotors-2005-2010/p/M2300D/

 

[Drew727]

Awesome. I will definitely do that with all the fluids. Where do you recommend to purchase after market parts?

 

[JCStang]

I'm also new to the game of daily driving and old 4.0 mustang, but for a deal and the feel of driving a mustang it's worth it! There's nothing wrong with scratching the itch of modding an older car either. So far my mods have been an Ebay cold air intake, BBK 70mm throttle body, throttle body spacer, and 3in JBA exhaust from the y-pipe back. The CAI will make little difference on its own, from my experience. Definitely a fine mod to start with, same with a little bolt-on exhaust, just to help the engine breath in and out a little easier. However, my throttle body (which I got for deal on ebay with the matching spacer) was the biggest gain for me so far.
Some people say that the throttle bodies aren't worth it, or even troublesome, but if you install it right, it is the most noticeable bolt-on gain I've noticed. The seat-of-the-pants dyno finally felt the extra power complimented by the intake/exhaust.

 

[alexzander]

My 08 V6 has all the afore-mentioned mods without the throttle body. IMHO GT mufflers are nice and louder but I'd prefer two Quiet Flow mufflers instead. I cannot find one for the left(drivers) side though so I'm stuck with the GT Mufflers. And a tune alone is the best and only mod that should be done. But if you're still looking for more get shorter gears. Swapping a GT rear end will cost the same as getting 3.73's installed for the 7.5(V6) rear end. A lowering kit is nice but for a daily driver, every bump is a lot more noticeable. I actually prefer stock springs. you should get Koni Street(orange) shocks and struts though. that will help the ride a lot especially if it has the original ones still on there at 100k miles.

Ona side note;
Putting a GT rear end(8.5) will add weight.
Putting a dual exhaust will add weight.
Putting an adjustable Pan-Hard bar will add weight.
Putting a larger Sway Bar will add weight.
Adding weight will lower the Power to weight ratio and will potentially offset any HP gains from these mods.
Have fun!