What to do?? Mach 1 Build

Sketchy_Mach1

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I recently purchased an 03 Mach 1 with 155k on the clock, and yes it is an auto car.. oh well. So far I'm loving the car, but like with anything the new is starting to wear off and I'm getting the itch to modify. Currently I'm looking at minor "bolt on" mods, but eventually I would like to plan to go bigger. With the consideration of a ProCharger or Vortech blower. I've had a bunch of 2 valve cars but with this being my first 4 valve I would like all the input i can get on the mod list. I'll post some pictures of the car later.
 

Recon

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I’d freshen the engine first, if it hasn’t already been done with 155k on the clock. While that’s happening I’d look into some porting work. It will benefit the blower once you install it. Another cheap mod is while the engine is out you can put some 96-98 Cobra cams in the car. 20 degrees more duration with no loss of low end torque. Next get some longtubes. These mod engines do well with freeing up the exhaust system.
Then do some suspension mods, wheels/tires, better brakes, and maybe put a converter in the trans and call the car good.


Pick your poison.
 

Sketchy_Mach1

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I’d freshen the engine first, if it hasn’t already been done with 155k on the clock. While that’s happening I’d look into some porting work. It will benefit the blower once you install it. Another cheap mod is while the engine is out you can put some 96-98 Cobra cams in the car. 20 degrees more duration with no loss of low end torque. Next get some longtubes. These mod engines do well with freeing up the exhaust system.
Then do some suspension mods, wheels/tires, better brakes, and maybe put a converter in the trans and call the car good.


Pick your poison.

I had honestly thought about building another motor for the car with some goodies and just do simple stuff to the one that’s in the car so I can just keep driving it for awhile. I really love driving the car I want it down for as little time as possible, so I think that may be what I do. Plus an extra motor laying around would be nice I think.


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Sketchy_Mach1

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Oh and here are some photos
IMG_0204.JPG
IMG_0203.JPG



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Recon

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I had honestly thought about building another motor for the car with some goodies and just do simple stuff to the one that’s in the car so I can just keep driving it for awhile. I really love driving the car I want it down for as little time as possible, so I think that may be what I do. Plus an extra motor laying around would be nice I think.


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That’s also a good approach. That’s what I’m doing with my Roush. But my Mach I’m rebuilding the engine, to factory specs, besides the cams and longtubes.
The only thing is I would be cautious with slapping a blower on a 155k mile engine. Not saying it won’t work. It’s possible that it won’t give you one ounce of an issue for 50k miles. But as you said the build a spare engine is a very good approach and you still get to drive the car.


Pick your poison.
 

Sketchy_Mach1

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That’s also a good approach. That’s what I’m doing with my Roush. But my Mach I’m rebuilding the engine, to factory specs, besides the cams and longtubes.
The only thing is I would be cautious with slapping a blower on a 155k mile engine. Not saying it won’t work. It’s possible that it won’t give you one ounce of an issue for 50k miles. But as you said the build a spare engine is a very good approach and you still get to drive the car.


Pick your poison.

I wouldn’t want a blower on this one anyway lol, I’d be too tempted to turn up the boost and BOOM, I’ve been following your Mach build and I must say looking pretty sweet


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DSG2003Mach1

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Personally I wouldn’t bother porting the heads unless you’re looking for 1k hp or something. I’m over 700 easy on e85 and 15 psi and stock heads

If you don’t wanna put a blower on it I’d just do supporting mods for when it is built and blow. - long tubes, beef up the trans, converter etc...
 

me32

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Id look at building another motor for a super charger. I personally like the whipple or KB. But whatever you choose will work. You will also need to have the auto rebuilt or buy a new built auto to swap in with the new motor. This would allow you to have little down time and enjoy the car.
 

Sketchy_Mach1

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Id look at building another motor for a super charger. I personally like the whipple or KB. But whatever you choose will work. You will also need to have the auto rebuilt or buy a new built auto to swap in with the new motor. This would allow you to have little down time and enjoy the car.

Seems like everyone is confirming my initial thoughts lol


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Sketchy_Mach1

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With the miles on the car and the things you would like to get out of the car this would be your best option. It will allow you take your time and financially make it easier

I agree, and I can still do some of the minor bolt one to what I have now and then if it works well with the new setup I can swap it over


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bigja01cobra

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Yes no brainer here. Do full exhaust, CAI, Gears, and tune for current setup. Purchase and begin building a WAP/Teksid block for supercharger.

Once you have the motor (with all the stuff powdered coated and replaced) and supercharger ready to go swap it out and rebuild the original for a spare. Not sure on the autos but maybe a strengthened auto and converter.
 

Sketchy_Mach1

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Yes no brainer here. Do full exhaust, CAI, Gears, and tune for current setup. Purchase and begin building a WAP/Teksid block for supercharger.

Once you have the motor (with all the stuff powdered coated and replaced) and supercharger ready to go swap it out and rebuild the original for a spare. Not sure on the autos but maybe a strengthened auto and converter.

I read somewhere that the auto trans was good for something in between 500-700 lb-ft but I don’t really know how true that is


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Recon

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I read somewhere that the auto trans was good for something in between 500-700 lb-ft but I don’t really know how true that is


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Likewise. Although I have no experience with autos in anything except the turd of a trans in my SSEI Bonneville, and the slightly ok trans in my Z71 Silverado. But if the statement is also true that, that the stock trans is a beast; then I’d just freshen it up and add a converter. Unless you’re planning to shoot for the moon, then a built trans would be needed.


Pick your poison.
 

Sketchy_Mach1

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Likewise. Although I have no experience with autos in anything except the turd of a trans in my SSEI Bonneville, and the slightly ok trans in my Z71 Silverado. But if the statement is also true that, that the stock trans is a beast; then I’d just freshen it up and add a converter. Unless you’re planning to shoot for the moon, then a built trans would be needed.


Pick your poison.

I’d be extremely happy with 5-600 in the end and 450-500 would be perfectly okay lol, so the moon is not in my plans lol. I’d have to be building a purpose race car to go any more than that


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