[84LX89GT]

Yeah that big intake silencer/muffler is a very good start (the thing with the big FORD logo inline with the air intake tubing.

Another thing you can do (go to a junkyard and compare mounting locations of components to ensure it will fit beforehand) is to completely ditch the stock airbox (which is very crappy and multidirectional as well as restrictive) and convert it to a 5.0L airbox assembly .There is a flexible coupler between the airbox and mass air flow sensor that should fit right onto your mass air flow sensor. The reason i recommend this is because the 5.0L air box is meant for low internal air friction and draws cool air from the fenderwell without much restriction (as long as the air silencer is removed, which you can do without when if you decide to buy this stuff).

Another thing that i've heard of is using a 3.8L thunderbird (i think fox body '86 - '88 have the same) throttle body because it is slightly larger. You may also be able to swap the mass air meter if it is calibrated for the same pound injectors (i don't know offhand what they are) and if the harness is the same and computer reads the same inputs. If you swapped meters you may also have to pull out the wires from the connector and swap them to the right pins, but i'm not sure if the connectors are the same, let alone having to do that.

You can also buy a K&N panel filter for you stock intake system, but i bought one when i had my '91 LX 2.3L and noticed nothing in terms of performance gain.

A good tune-up and possibly ignition system is another option.

But......if i were you and since you're planning on getting rid of this car soon anyway, the best investment is to save up money to spend on your new car or something else altogether because modifying a car will only lower it's resale value and leave you with less money.

Good luck,