Think my cougar is worth modding?

[lazybum]

I just bought a 2001 cougar with 89k miles on it, used obviously. (only paid $3700) It's an automatic, and I'm gonna have a bit of extra time and money that I planned to put into the car already. It's got the 2.5 liter duratec, and I'm already planning to put a cold air intake and a new exhaust. Everything on it is stock, currently. Worth modding or no?

[ND4SPD]

Of course it is

Just make sure everything is running well... and if its not, replace it with better stuff

Springs/struts are a good place to start after the intake/exhaust (which, btw... should be a single muffler/dual exhaust)

[lazybum]

That's what I was planning on getting, a dual exit single muffler. Thinking either Flowmaster or Magnaflow, depending on the kind of cash I have on me at the time. And sorry for this stupid question... but where would I go to get performance springs/struts >_>. Sorry for the stupid question.

[ND4SPD]

Might want to consider what the cops in your area are like too... Flowmaster setups are louder than Magnaflow ones. I think they both cost around the same price, but the biggest concern will be getting a Stainless steel exhaust, since will last a lot longer than an Aluminized one (which is a big deal if you live in an area that gets lots of nasty weather in the winter)

[lazybum]

I live in detroit area, and for the longest time, I was driving a 1999 dodge ram with 200k miles on it, and no exhaust for about 6 months. Then i went and got a flowmaster installed. I've come to the conclusion that the cops around me really don't care too much. Only reason i got the exhaust re-installed was to put back-pressure on the motor, and get a little better fuel milage out of a big truck. (5.2L V8 dodge magnum motor >_<) But yea, and idea where to go for the struts? (thanks for the help btw, and thanks anyone else reading this who has helped me the past few days)

[MOMO]

Well then, get the Flows.

As far as springs...
H & R make a set and so does Eibach.

you might want to check the FS section on here too.

[dalaster88]

since you have an automatic, i would go for more of cosmetic customization then engine work since it is an automatic. If money REALLY isnt a bother for you, you could do a poly body kit that will make it stand out and turn heads. Thats what I like....

[ND4SPD]

Originally Posted by dalaster88

since you have an automatic, i would go for more of cosmetic customization then engine work since it is an automatic.

Regardless of MTX or ATX - Suspension mods are the best thing you can do for the car to increase performance. The cougar is made for handling, not so much straight line runs.

[B3NN3TT]

For true, Matty.

Even the manual-transaxle-equipped V6 Cougar is pretty pathetic on a drag strip. But both models handle corners exceedingly well, regardless of how the gears change.

Start with a suspension. Springs, struts, rear stabilizer, and a rear strut tower brace.

After that, intake and exhaust are good to have. SVT intake manifold is a good one, too.

[LaserCougar]

hey common now... no more of this atx hating

You can get quite a lot of satisfaction doing engine work on your car too, regardless of transmission. I'd say your car is definitely worth modifying if thats how you want to spend your money (like most of us!). have fun with it!