2014 GT500 newbie mods

efnfast · Aug 5, 2020

I just picked up a 2014 gt500 'vert.....too good a deal to pass up (10k miles, $40k, stock, single owner).

It's been almost 15 years since I modded my 2004 cobra (going on almost 225k miles ... daily driver) so my Ford game is a bit rusty, but this is what I was planning on doing:
Off-road H + Magnaflow Competition Exhaust
JLT 123mm intake
VMP twin jet 67mm throttle body
VMP 2.4'' w/ 90 mm idler
NGX TR6-V plugs gapped to 0.30''
MGW short-throw shifter

Pretty basic, but I was wondering:
1 - Is there any louder exhaust combination short of adding on headers (I don't really feel like dicking around with a header install ... been there/done that too many times)
2 - With a 2.4'' pulley is it better to use the 90mm idler, or run a different a belt, or a combination?
3- Thoughts on spark plugs - I've googled and everybody has their own opinion, just like with 03/04s ... wondering if there's a general popular consensus for 13/14s
4 - Anything else basic I should consider throwing into the pot?

Thanks!

Tezz500 · Aug 5, 2020

efnfast said:
I just picked up a 2014 gt500 'vert.....too good a deal to pass up (10k miles, $40k, stock, single owner).

It's been almost 15 years since I modded my 2004 cobra (going on almost 225k miles ... daily driver) so my Ford game is a bit rusty, but this is what I was planning on doing:
Off-road H + Magnaflow Competition Exhaust
JLT 123mm intake
VMP twin jet 67mm throttle body
VMP 2.4'' w/ 90 mm idler
NGX TR6-V plugs gapped to 0.30''
MGW short-throw shifter

Pretty basic, but I was wondering:
1 - Is there any louder exhaust combination short of adding on headers (I don't really feel like dicking around with a header install ... been there/done that too many times)
2 - With a 2.4'' pulley is it better to use the 90mm idler, or run a different a belt, or a combination?
3- Thoughts on spark plugs - I've googled and everybody has their own opinion, just like with 03/04s ... wondering if there's a general popular consensus for 13/14s
4 - Anything else basic I should consider throwing into the pot?

Thanks!

1. Do the headers when the Clutch gives out, which won’t be long. I’m running stock Catback and Kooks long tubes + XPipe. It’s pretty damn loud lol.

2. You’re gonna want the 90mm idler. Not positive on belt size as I swapped blowers this year.

3. Spark Plugs that I’m running: NGK - LTR7IX - gapped to .026”

4. clutch pedal assist spring delete, suspension mods,DRs minimum.

1 Alibi 2 · Aug 5, 2020

Roush extreme is pretty loud..

railroad · Aug 5, 2020

I would try the H pipe without changing the factory mufflers. That is what I am running and really like the sound. You can always change the mufflers later, if you want more noise.
You can see my mods in my sig. I would not change out the intercooler, if I did my mods again. No real gain for the street. I would also recommend the Lethal H pipe over the MRT I have.

Cobra Therapy · Aug 5, 2020

efnfast said:
I just picked up a 2014 gt500 'vert.....too good a deal to pass up (10k miles, $40k, stock, single owner).

It's been almost 15 years since I modded my 2004 cobra (going on almost 225k miles ... daily driver) so my Ford game is a bit rusty, but this is what I was planning on doing:
Off-road H + Magnaflow Competition Exhaust
JLT 123mm intake
VMP twin jet 67mm throttle body
VMP 2.4'' w/ 90 mm idler
NGX TR6-V plugs gapped to 0.30''
MGW short-throw shifter

Pretty basic, but I was wondering:
1 - Is there any louder exhaust combination short of adding on headers (I don't really feel like dicking around with a header install ... been there/done that too many times)
2 - With a 2.4'' pulley is it better to use the 90mm idler, or run a different a belt, or a combination?
3- Thoughts on spark plugs - I've googled and everybody has their own opinion, just like with 03/04s ... wondering if there's a general popular consensus for 13/14s
4 - Anything else basic I should consider throwing into the pot?

Thanks!

what type of racing are you going to do?

efnfast · Aug 5, 2020

Cobra Therapy said:
what type of racing are you going to do?

none ... I just want to stroke my ego with big numbers

fearthesnake · Aug 5, 2020

Tezz500 said:
1. Do the headers when the Clutch gives out, which won’t be long. I’m running stock Catback and Kooks long tubes + XPipe. It’s pretty damn loud lol.

2. You’re gonna want the 90mm idler. Not positive on belt size as I swapped blowers this year.

3. Spark Plugs that I’m running: NGK - LTR7IX - gapped to .026”

4. clutch pedal assist spring delete, suspension mods,DRs minimum.

Stock size belt works fine with 90mm idler and 2.4 upper pulley.

Tezz500 · Aug 6, 2020

railroad said:
I would try the H pipe without changing the factory mufflers. That is what I am running and really like the sound. You can always change the mufflers later, if you want more noise.
You can see my mods in my sig. I would not change out the intercooler, if I did my mods again. No real gain for the street. I would also recommend the Lethal H pipe over the MRT I have.

Yea the Heat exchanger I’d only do if you’re going to race and want that consistent lower Temps around the track or between runs cooling off jumping the fans.

The stock mufflers are plenty loud with Kooks O/R X and headers. I have a video of mine in this forum idling. Look for a CAMs thread by me here. That should give you a good idea.

With that said I have been considering the Kooks catback but I got a feeling it’s going to wake the neighbors 3 states over lol.

efnfast · Aug 10, 2020

I decided to go with headers - watching the videos it doesn't look too bad (03/04s scared me away from them for fords) and I remember how happy I was in my Z06 when I converted from straight pipes to headers & straight pipes.

For those mods - 2.4'' pulley, headers, off-road H, magnaflow competition, VMP 67 mm twin tb, 123mm intake - what would you guys recommend gapping the spark plugs to? I've read anywhere from 0.28'' to 0.35'' ... seems the average is 0.30''?

CobraBob · Aug 10, 2020

railroad said:
I would try the H pipe without changing the factory mufflers. That is what I am running and really like the sound. You can always change the mufflers later, if you want more noise. You can see my mods in my sig. I would not change out the intercooler, if I did my mods again. No real gain for the street. I would also recommend the Lethal H pipe over the MRT I have.

What do you like better with the Lethal H-pipe?

Jam421 · Aug 10, 2020

Knowing what I do now....if I were to do it all over again I'd not have opted for the VMP Twin 67
(which was fantastic!) but would've gone straight for the KB Mono Blade which after a minor Lund tune tweak increased dyno #'s from 682/679 to 716/680 and drives just like my twin blade.

Another vote on Metco Idler pulley for sure with the 2.4 upper. Way back in 2014 I watched the slippage disappear on the dyno once they mounted the Metco.

You have not mentioned gears or tires. I'm taching 1950rpm at 70mph in 6th with 410's & taller MT 305x35x20 DR's. Prior to the 4.10's I was basically driving a 5 speed. Guys have different opinions on selection pros/cons of gear choices. I've gone from 331 to 410 to 373 (whine) and ultimately back to 410's which I've had now for about 5 years. Depending on your driving goals at the least 373 gears will make you smile ! BUT.....please don't overlook sticky tires

->).

railroad · Aug 10, 2020

CobraBob said:
What do you like better with the Lethal H-pipe?

The MRT's are smaller diameter than stock. I have forgotten the size. They also take a flange adapter to make them fit the exh manifolds. The adapters and small tubes, just hit me as cheap.
I purchased the Lethal pipes, but have not changed them out. I have my car lift tied up and using that for an excuse to not tackle it.
The Lethal are larger tubes, no adapters, stainless and look better made.

biminiLX · Aug 10, 2020

For just street use, 4.10s and DRs before you start adding power mods.
But what do I know?
-J

darksykal · Aug 12, 2020

You will have essentially the same mods as me, and although the power is great you need to watch your IAT2 temps without headers.
That is the biggest issue when you start spinning the blower faster. The hot air can't escape and although it's expensive and a PITA...it's essential to get the hot air outta there and you can pick up some insane gains with just headers.

I also went with the metco double bearing 90mm idler with bracket.
it gives you a better double ball bearing (and wider) idler, and lets you use stock belt.

I've never had belt slip in the slightest.

Finally, I would also get TR7IX and gap em at .027 for the PSI you'll be making.
I've had some weird issues with plugs. Some cars love em some don't.
I had a engine light on for a while with the TR7IX until I gaped at .027- you you might need to try a few times but I'd start with that (according to VMP as well)

plus are really easy to change in these cars so its a 15min process regardless

2014 GT500 newbie mods

efnfast

Active Member

Tezz500

Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

1 Alibi 2

Veteran,...retired Navy !

railroad

Well-Known Member

Cobra Therapy

Well-Known Member

efnfast

Active Member

fearthesnake

Well-Known Member

Tezz500

Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

efnfast

Active Member

CobraBob

Authorized Vendor

Jam421

Jam421

railroad

Well-Known Member

biminiLX

never stock

darksykal

Active Member

Users who are viewing this thread