the1andonlyGR81
Dedicated LVC Member
not only is it not the cheapest, probobly the most$. headers cost $800, then you need a crossover and mufflers before you turn one bolt your in for $1000.read the question,then comprehend the words. remember?
whats a cheap way to add horse power?
- Thread starter markdtskitted
- Start date
not only is it not the cheapest, probobly the most$. headers cost $800, then you need a crossover and mufflers before you turn one bolt your in for $1000.read the question,then comprehend the words. remember?
Right on the Mark
Dedicated LVC Member
No stupid ?'s, he's a newbie. Just think of how your actions will make newbs feel about this site.
Quick run down of go fast mods on mine.
1) 4.10's and posi -- used payed $15 to take them , used free
2)9.5 inch PI 3200 converter-- used 220 then Circle D upgrade 380 total $600
3) Diablo chip-- used $195
4) C&L MAF with 9 inch K&N filter --used $68 new $32
5) March Ram Air setup-- used $50
6) BBK 1 5/8 long tube headers-- used $147 total
7) full 2.5 mandrel exhaust with 2 in 2 out internal X muff-new $237 used $60
8) Nitto 555R drag radials-- used $195
9)March underdrive crank pulley--new $80
Total comes out to $1649 and most of that was converter. 13.31 ET N/A
I do think about it. And here is a fact. When someone comes on the site and introduces themselves and shows the car and talks about goals I am always the first to help. Then even if they ask questions that have been asked a MILLION times I still help them and also point out about searching.
When someone comes on here with no introduction or info on their car and the first question is "Has anyone ever considered tinting their lights?" when the thread RIGHT BELOW THAT ONE is about tinting lights and then asks how to RAISE the car and then asks about cheap mods (also been covered a billion times) then I wount be so nice because its someone who wont bother to do the proper research needed to mod a car like the Mark.
Then (and nothing against you, I like you) you come on to all the noobs showing them how cheap all your stuff is it gives false hope. One is because they wont have the contacts and knowledge to get the parts at similar prices and also you installed and fabbed everything yourself. Someone thats to lazy to even search for answers will surly be too lazy to actually do the work.
Right on the Mark
Dedicated LVC Member
I knew I was going to get that response. 
I know the kids nowadays want stuff for nothing and don't want to work for it.(or search, spoon feed) I want to show peeps how to look for bargins and how to do things for themselves. Like have a fun day and go to the bone yard and pull out some 4.10's for 20 bucks and such. Nothin against you either. Youngins don't know how lucky they are when I grew up everything had to be read and done,no internet. 
I go by the old saying "give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish feed him for a lifetime"
I know the kids nowadays want stuff for nothing and don't want to work for it.(or search, spoon feed) I want to show peeps how to look for bargins and how to do things for themselves. Like have a fun day and go to the bone yard and pull out some 4.10's for 20 bucks and such. Nothin against you either. Youngins don't know how lucky they are when I grew up everything had to be read and done,no internet. I go by the old saying "give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish feed him for a lifetime"
NetKeym
Dedicated LVC Member
I knew I was going to get that response.
I go by the old saying "give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish feed him for a lifetime"
I have a '95 LSC I picked up, but haven't driven it much yet (fixin' little things wrong with it). Performance-wise-so far, I've collected up a K&N, 9mm Ford Racing plug wires, U/D pulley set, trak-loc, 103 plugs, and I removed all the silencers from the stock intake tube.
Basic maintenance it needed (or still needs), fixed vac leaks, alternator, oil adapter gasket, tie-rod end, tires, 'Door-Ajar' message, and idle speed motor.
The question I have for you which kind of goes along with the OP's original question - What BBK headers did you use? 96-98 Cobra headers? How did you modify them? There is another guy on another board I've spoken with and he said the driver's side header was a real PITA, and he won't do it again (modify a Cobra header).
97MarkJA
Dedicated LVC Member
Now there is a real question. Right on the Mark has a nice write up on how he did the headers along with pictures. If you search you will also find a post on factory cobra exhaust manifolds and how to modify the shaft going to the rack.
Now here is a noob I can support! He knew what to get and even the right kind of plugs!
Also an intelligent exhaust question.
Sounds like someone did some research to learn something rather than just be spoon fed.
Welcome to the site.
chris2523
93 Mark VIII
when you search, you'll be looking for this.
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=73911
BAD97LSC
Dedicated LVC Member
he's a good guy, met him and sold him some parts awhile back, came down to me to pick the stuff up. a car guy too, thats a plus, not like some of the newb's here!
markdtskitted
Active LVC Member
ok 1st off im a grown ass man & all the xtra negative comments are not needed, & further more i have done a search & found alot of helpful info but stil would like to hear fresh ideas from resent experiences that true car guys have dealt with regaurdless to how many billions of times it has been covered! thats the whole purpose of reaching out in a thread is to make contact & hear from people that personaly have the knowledge of what your looking for, &being lazy would be to just do a search & leave it at that. & if i was "to lazy to do the work" i wouldnt have never reached out for info to begin wit i would have just went to a shop & went with whatever they tell me. & last if me not introducing myself was a problem to you I DGAF! cause im not tryin to date you i dont get down that way! but out of respect for the forum & other true car people on here- hello my name is Ant, i have a 97 mark along with a few other cars(if you would have did a search on me you would have known all this! LOL) but i like hands on work with cars & like to hear from hands on experienced car people so any help is realy appreciated thanks
now back to your regulary scheduled program....
97MarkJA
Dedicated LVC Member
The formula is pretty easy, like most cars; make it breath better. Intake and exhaust, if you can do or afford headers even better. On a 97 a fuel pump is in order if it hasn't been done already along with a filter. I went with a focus pump.
Gears, trac loc and jmod for sure will wake the car up. Good for the butt dyno.
SCT tune would be my choice. A little N2O for cheap thrills depending on the condition of the car, could end up being one cheap thrill.
Circle d or dirty dog converter of your choice and a cooler, your choice on size for each.
If you are going to dig into the motor and have built a standard push rod motor in the past be prepared to spend 4 times what you spent before, if you get that far upgrade the trans too.
Spend a little time on the mustang boards looking for parts, you can get some pretty good deals. A little research on what will work will go along way.
Gears, trac loc and jmod for sure will wake the car up. Good for the butt dyno.
SCT tune would be my choice. A little N2O for cheap thrills depending on the condition of the car, could end up being one cheap thrill.
Circle d or dirty dog converter of your choice and a cooler, your choice on size for each.
If you are going to dig into the motor and have built a standard push rod motor in the past be prepared to spend 4 times what you spent before, if you get that far upgrade the trans too.
Spend a little time on the mustang boards looking for parts, you can get some pretty good deals. A little research on what will work will go along way.
markdtskitted
Active LVC Member
thanks how about if i 1st start with a trans cooler, cold air intake, & tune or performance chip? just for start?
how about if i 1st start with a trans cooler, cold air intake, & tune or performance chip? just for start?Right on the Mark
Dedicated LVC Member
thanks
They all add up and once you start watch out your hooked.
NetKeym
Dedicated LVC Member
Thanks y'all for your kind words. I'm going to read that thread, Right On The Mark. I can't wait to get into the Mark. I've only driven it home and that's it. I love the Thunderbird, so I'm thinking the Mark VIII will take me to the next level.
On an unrelated note, my rear air bags suck and take forever to pump up while the front ones pump up quickly. I was gonna just pull them out and put in JJJJ springs from a Sport T-Bird (in the rear only at first). What do y'all think?
On an unrelated note, my rear air bags suck and take forever to pump up while the front ones pump up quickly. I was gonna just pull them out and put in JJJJ springs from a Sport T-Bird (in the rear only at first). What do y'all think?
Right on the Mark
Dedicated LVC Member
I thought I read when putting springs in the rear you have to make upper spacer? or rear will be real low. You could check into that. Happy mk8ing.
DLF
Dedicated LVC Member
There isn't an upper spring perch on a Mark VIII as there is in a Thunderbird, so you'll either have to fabricate or buy one. And the spring pocket in the aluminum Mark VIII LCA's is about a 1/2" lower than the Thunderbird LCA's, and there's no perch to locate the spring.
97MarkJA
Dedicated LVC Member
True statement, you need upper and lower spring locators.
Several different ways to do it I bought mine from DLF, I had a specific need and he took care of me. Top quality work too.
the1andonlyGR81
Dedicated LVC Member
just get rid of it all. at around 300 its worth it, as a matter of fact itsat the bottom of the screen right now on ebay, and no more headaches,ever, and you know they're coming, eventually. once you start putzing around changing parts of a system, its pandoras box
94m5
Dmaup's Daddy
Not if you know how to perform basic diagnostics on it. Its really a pretty simple system. My 95 will always have air.
chris2523
93 Mark VIII
i will also always choose air over springs.
unless of course, an emergency or similar requires springs temporarily.
like many have said before, the ride just isn't the same.
unless of course, an emergency or similar requires springs temporarily.
like many have said before, the ride just isn't the same.
+1 and the air system isnt 300 lbs and isnt heavier than springs. Ive done enough conversions to know that the front spring conversion weighs about double what the front air shocks do. The rear is the same. Take into account the weight of the compressor and I bet a spring conversion still is heavier.
I like air and will never own a Mark without it again.
Sure if outright cornering performance is paramount then good springs and shocks cant be beat but when you take in to account ride comfort the air is close enough (performance wise) and is far better for ride.
Jacksun
Dedicated LVC Member
take off unesscary things, doors, lights, roof, air compressor, back seat, pass seat, middle console and dash. even the hood. take spare out of the trunk.
this will give you atleast 100 more hp
this will give you atleast 100 more hp
NetKeym
Dedicated LVC Member
Ok, ok, the air bags stay! Geez!!! lol When I put the Mark VIII rear sub-frame in the 'Bird, I just let the springs fall where they may. It rides fine at the correct height with no noise on the rough roads.
I forgot about the fact the the Mark has no place to locate the springs at the TOP as the 'Bird does.
Can't be too bad to figure out the problem with the air system, anyways, just gotta get it on a lift and look into it.
I forgot about the fact the the Mark has no place to locate the springs at the TOP as the 'Bird does.
Can't be too bad to figure out the problem with the air system, anyways, just gotta get it on a lift and look into it.
unity
Dedicated LVC Member
Another great way to add power is to buy my SCT chip and have someone flash it to your specs!
Then later on, sell the chip and pick up an XCal and the Pro Racer software. Like I did. Except the chip, still got it. I dont even have the Mark anymore!
Then later on, sell the chip and pick up an XCal and the Pro Racer software. Like I did. Except the chip, still got it. I dont even have the Mark anymore!