Just got a 98, have some questions?

[98GTNewbie]

Hello to all. I am hoping some here can answer some of my intial questions. My car which I just got 3 days ago. Is a 1998 GT and looks like new inside and out. It had one issue when I purchased it which is going to be fixed Wednesday. The car has 77000 miles on it. The rear end needs new bearings and one side needs an axle shaft. They are also going to re-do the wheel bearings. The engine sounds solid and the car handles very nicely. Now on to my questions. I would like to do some minor upgrades. I need to know if anyone has experience with the K&N Filter and how much HP and Torque that will add. As well I was considering a underpulley set, but read somewhere about a person doing this and then having issues with his check engine light as well as alternator and battery? Is there a set that is fullproof, or close to it. Also once again how much HP and Torque will pulleys add. I will need to have a mechanic do most upgrades so that is going to add to my cost. Any recomendations in Las Vegas? One last thing can this engine / miles handle these kind of upgrades? I have read that the two I mentioned are simple and actually can help the engine work easier?

Thanks for any info, Chris

[GaryDawg]

I don't think a K&N is going to yield anymore hp... but it's a permanent filter so you don't have to keep replacing it.

I don't know about the pullies but wanted to say...

"Cool... you live in Vegas... so do I..."

Enjoy the '98!

[96_4.6]

Do a search

[surfbeast]

while they are fixing the rear end put in a set of 3:73 gears. No HP gain but it is the best Mod for the buck ( you can feel the difference ). The K&N is nominal HP and the pullies are no problemo! still minimal HP gain. Number one rule " DO NOT BELIEVE THE ADDS WHEN THEY STATE HP GAINS ! ! ! " Read the FAQ's and folllow the site and learn before you go mod happy. It will set you on the right path. There are too many ways to go and depending on budget you have to chose your own way of getting there. MY own opinion is, Gears, Exhaust( X/H and cat back) , pullies, chip, K&N somewhere in between all those, by then you will want a better car. The 98's are good starter cars but cost much more to get the extra HP than the 99 up with the PI heads.

Good luck and welcome!

[98GTNewbie]

How can I tell if the previous owners did any upgrades?

Chris

[98GTNewbie]

The repair is done and now all that grinding noise is gone. Sure wish someone new about the last question. Also anyone know the HP gain and lowest cost aftermarket exhaust upgrade?

Chris