5 Bang For Your Buck Performance Parts
Learn about the best performance mods available for your Mustang!
1. Air Intake
An air intake system is probably one of the best and most efficient ways to free up some horsepower from your Mustang's already beefed up the motor. Intakes can either be found in "RAM" air style or "Cold Air" configuration. The difference really lies in where the actual filter gets mounted. You also have the popular K&N "panel" filters as well. There are lots of different views from forum members but the general consensus is that it's a nice add-on for freeing up some quicker throttle response. With the varied availability of this bolt-on, it can be a cost-efficient upgrade as well.
2. Exhaust
As a compliment to that air intake, an aftermarket exhaust system upgrade will allow the horsepower to flow more freely. A common upgrade is a replacement of the stock piping to a format that is more conducive to your performance goals. To save on costs, many muffler shops can make alterations for you through welding the necessary portions on or off. Different configurations you can check out are X, Y, or H pipes. This is the portion of the piping located beyond the catalytic converter. Many units are offered come with 02 sensor bungs to keep it "plug-and-play" so you can use your factory 02 sensors. Although, this type of performance upgrade is recommended for off-road use only or track days!
3. Performance Tune
With all the advancements in automotive technology, "tuning" has evolved to many levels. A performance "chip" was always a common but often overlooked upgrade. While recommended for off-road use only, these "performance chips" would aid in better throttle response, better fuel injection and better air intake. There are many aftermarket companies who offer "tuning" in addition to their custom air intake options. These tunes often replace the standard chip within the vehicle's onboard computer or ECU and are then toggled via the OBD ports. Sometimes the tuning is done as an entire replacement of the ECU altogether.
4. Tires
While it may seem more like a maintenance item, tires are seriously underrated when it comes to performance. What is the point of all the mild performance upgrades if you can't put that power down properly on the tarmac? A good performance tire helps in aiding the power delivery to the axles and then through the tires on the ground. Tires are often paired up with light weight wheels to reduce rotating mass thus increasing horsepower and torque.
5. Lower Control Arms
By replacing the stock lower control arms with traction conscious aftermarket options will aid in more grip, faster 60 ft times and lower the amount of wheel hop during hard launches. This is in direct relation to "weight loss" as it will lighten the drive train to make it more agile and further allow more power to the ground. Many aftermarket units range between $150-200 and there are generally good results and feedback from forum members.
For helpful maintenance and service information, check out the how to section of our sister site MustangForums.com