Budget-Friendly Mods for '07 Mustang GT Coupe V8 Manual/Standard?

[islandliving]

Just picked up a black low mileage (45km) 2007 Mustang GT V8 Manual, completely stock.

It looks like this:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/J~wAAOSwmfhX5bES/$_27.JPG

Please let me know some must-have performance mods you find mandatory for someone looking for helping my Mustang stay 100% all year round being parked outside (I live in a city that never snows, sometimes rain and the temperature is between 5 degrees to 25 degrees year round).

I currently have these in mind after some quick research:
- Pro 5.0, Steeda, Hurst & B&M Shifter
- 18inch+ Tire/Rims/Wheels (debating on how it will affect performance, I only take my car out a few times a month in both heavy traffic and some small hills/highways, roads are usually clean/flat)
- Tail Lights Blacked Out (suggestions?)
- Lowering Springs
- All-Weather Car Mats
- Rain Guards
- Dashboard Mods?
- Paint cover or car cover (I'm parked outside ugh but the weather is mild so no extreme winters or summers, but there is rain)

Aiming to spend on a $5000 or lower budget!

I'm hoping to make it look and/or sound similar to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VzEauMceeo

http://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/themustangsource.com-vbulletin/674x230/80-untitled2_6a5c24e14ab36ce7ed91942edcf84d2d62670183 .png

http://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/themustangsource.com-vbulletin/1024x768/80-bbc4f0e6_aa5a_4c95_a533_e518749b250f_zps4f9aa73a_d 9e42efeaf5a3b5e01ac2afc5d71374348cab067.jpg


Love the wheels and how it's lowered. Not sure how much this would cost.

http://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/themustangsource.com-vbulletin/600x450/80-image_4277323420_1b4bb8e627e5ce812d8fa0d4cf1ee1a3a 8e3c229.jpg

Love the wheels and how it's lowered. Not sure how much this would cost.

Love the lights and the entire rear as well as the wheels.
http://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/themustangsource.com-vbulletin/926x341/80-mustang2_1150ab9a2f84a4a7bdaf8172f005dad8208a0829. png

[Screw]

nice clean GT !
Nice set of axleback mufflers ,lots to choose from wheel wise you might even catch a nice set of take-offs that suits your taste. Your list of mods seems like your going down the right path ,wouldn't spend any $ on dash mods yet .
Smoked taillights readily available wouldn't spray them , lowering springs & complimenting dampers for sure or you will hate the ride . Pretty happy with the Koni adjustable I had installed .
Weather-tech seem to be pretty popular as far as mats .
I'm sure others will chime in as I am not that techy. American Muscle site is pretty good as they have a few project cars and you can see what they've used . Good luck islander ;)

[ZR]

Welcome to the club, great looking car.
Keep an eye on the buy n sell, good used parts will make it easier on your pocket book.
I've got lower arms and mufflers for sale.

[Stephen06GT]

Welcome to the TMC. In terms of wheels, I'm of the opion that every black car needs a set of shiny chrome or polished wheels. The style is up to you, but a Bullitt style would look killer. Weathertech are great mats. I have a set that I run all year round. Enjoy the hunt for your mods.

[Uncle Buck]

Welcome
Looks like good advice above

I suggest
18" staggered wheels, also a fan of chrome
Quality lowering springs
Well matched struts and shocks
Adjustable panhard bar
At least camber bolts but prefer CC plates
Touring style axle back mufflers
MGW shifter

Be patient and buy used when you can and save $$

[dbovine]

I think ZR is listing a good take off axel back exhaust from one of the boost brother swaps going on right now. LOW miles and a good start for sound, Id look for used or take off wheels to save some coin and spend more on the quality suspension parts to get the look and maintain the ride quality you want

[Armen]

Just my personal opinion, but I think 18's are too small for S197's. They have some big wheel wells.

[Laffs]

Gears make a world of performance difference and can be done for well under $1000. I'd recommend them along with the mods mentioned elsewhere here

[Monera3v]

Wow... VERY CLEAN
Only 2 colors I would ever want is black with red accent or red with black accidents... I actually hate shiney stuff except for my blower <3

[Stephen06GT]

Just my personal opinion, but I think 18's are too small for S197's. They have some big wheel wells.

How does changing the rim size affect the overall size of the wheel? The OD of whatever size tire you put on the new rim should be within 2% of the OEM size. There is no gain.

[Armen]

Appearance.

20" chrome deep dish bullitts would look killer on that car.

[Uncle Buck]

It's a magical illusion

My car with 18" and with 20"

7209

7210

[newbiestangowner]

Nice buy! :welcome: to TMC

[Armen]

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff276/armenk2000/Misc/43254_800px_zpsccszx3o7.jpg

[RedSN]

^^^perfect

[Screw]

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff276/armenk2000/Misc/43254_800px_zpsccszx3o7.jpg

You had a black s197 too I believe , did you go black wheels ?

[NickD]

Stock shifter is pretty good, maybe try a different ball in it, otherwise MGW is leaps and bounds above the others.
Performance parts wait till spring and I'll have everything you need for sale😉

[Mellow Yellow]

Stock shifter is pretty good, maybe try a different ball in it, otherwise MGW is leaps and bounds above the others.
Performance parts wait till spring and I'll have everything you need for sale��

MGW ftw

Had mine for four years now, the Hurst I replaced became sloppy in about a year.

[Scott]

Welcome to TMC! Car looks great!

[Armen]

You had a black s197 too I believe , did you go black wheels ?

I did because the entire theme was blacked out, which ultimately, increases costs. If on a budget, I'd suggest doing chrome or polished wheels so you have to spend less time worrying about emblems, exhaust tips, tinting headlights/tails, etc.

Just drop it and throw some nice bright wheels on it. Done.

---

And towards the end there, I was actually pondering a set of 20" bullitt wheels as a spare set just to change up the look a bit when I felt I wanted to do so. But then I traded it in for the Boss.