Tribute Upgrades?

My wife and I just got ourselves a Tribute and I was wondering what kind of upgrades people are doing/have done or suggest for their SUV.

We are looking at getting the Thule 450 Crossroad roof rack adapter and some decent load bars to go on the less-than-adequate factory racks. We are also going to get the cargo tray for the interior and a step plate for the rear bumper.

I was also curious as to what kind of performance enhancements would be a good idea. I will be tossing the factory air filter when it's spent and pick up a nice K&N drop-in so that the truck breathes better. What other things would you do to the engine? Better spark plug wires? Different header? Cams?

What about suspension? Should we ugrade the shocks and/or springs?

Don't get me wrong, the vehicle runs like a champ, has lots of power, good pickup. I'm just curious.

We got ours with a nice Class III hitch, not that we plan on pulling anything heavier than a tent trailer but it's nice to know we could if we needed to.

Thanks in advance.

I am actually really surprised that this part of the Mazda Forum is so quiet. Aren't there more Tribute owners out there?

Jayrox

I just bought my Tribute about 4 months ago. I have been looking to upgrade, modify and improve my Tribute from the day I bought it.
Here is a list of sites that I have found:

http://andysautosport.com
http://www.discounttiredirect.com
http://www.kennebell.net/superchargers/ford/30escape-tribute/30escape-tribute.htm
http://www.autoanything.com/car_truck_accessories.apx
http://www.suvxccessory.com
http://www.eautoworks.com
http://www.prolightstar.com/wr_secret/wr_secret_302_118.html

ebay has been a big help as well.

I bought a 2005 Tribute about 48 hours ago.

The factory sound is HORRIBLE. That's got to go. Add a JL Audio 8" sub, MB Quart component speakers, and a DVD head unit with screens either in the head rests or one from the ceiling. I don't want a BASS monster that booms from a mile away. I did that when I was younger. I'm 30 now, married and have a little girl. I want a CLEAN and CLEAR sound system that puts out a frequency response that extends low, has outstanding midrange and crisp treble.

The 16" rims are OK, but I'd like to go with 18" and a high performance all season tire.

I've got the 2.3L 4 banger and the power is weak, but the fuel economy is decent. What I want to do is go with the turbo/intercooler package that Mazda did on the Mazdaspeed 6. That'll boost me to about 275 ponies. Add a K&N air filter and high flow exhaust and I'm good for another 2-3 horses.


That's all I want to do. The stock interior is actually really nice. It looks clean and neat. We'll see how much cash I can save to accomplish my wish list. First thing is the SOUND. I just can't drive arond with that muffled crapola seaping out of the speakers. YUCK!

Know how you feel. Took me 2 minutes to blow the front passanger side side speaker. Panasonic has a nice system that I'm looking at. New speakers and she'll be good to go.

i got the k&n filter, it increase accel. and add a few more ponies. Does anybody know how to remove the stock cd 2.3L I4

I don't have a problem with the sound system. Then again I have never understood the need to spend thousands of dollars on a sound system that I listen to for an average of 15 minutes per day. Guess my 5 minute commute to work is shorter than usual - ah, the advantages of living in Kansas :)

The one upgrade I have thought about has been to get the side step bars. With the height of the vehicle there is a lot of friction when I slide out of the seat. I can immagine the fabric wearing out quickly. With the step bars I think I would be more likely to step out of the car straighter and then down to the ground.