7 Best S197 Mods for the Money
If you own a Ford Mustang, then you probably enjoy modifying it for more performance or a better look. Here are some modifications that are guaranteed to make your S197 Mustang even more pleasureful to drive.
1. Cold Air Intake
One of the best modifications for any Ford Mustang is the installation of a cold air intake kit. This allows cold air from outside the engine compartment (usually) to get into the intake, thus increasing its performance. The replacement process is straight forward, and with some guidance from manual or the forum, this task can be done in a few hours. Cold air intakes can increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, add up to 10 horsepower, and perhaps the best part, let you hear that engine roar.
There are tons of popular and reputable cold air intake kits to choose from, like the Airaid MXP Series.
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2. Lowered Stance
The closer the center of gravity is to the ground, the better your Ford Mustang will handle fast corners, within reason. There is no point of continuing to increase the power of the vehicle if the suspension can't handle it. Replacing the stock coil springs with stiffer, lowered springs can make a huge difference in S197 Mustang handling and appearance. Most people like to lower their Mustang about 1.5-inches, because anything more can cause other issues in the suspension.
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3. Wheels and Tires
Replacing the stock tires with aftermarket performance models can make a tremendous difference in the performance of your Ford Mustang. Performance wheels are typically much lighter than the stock ones, and allow you to fit wider tires, or lower profile rubber. If you like to take your Mustang on the track, consider buying dedicated track wheels and tires, then just substitute them as needed. Of course, many people change the wheels just to get a different look, and that's cool too.
Check out popular wheel options for the S197 HERE.
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4. Cat-Back Exhaust
Replacing the quiet, restrictive stock exhaust with an aftermarket cat-back system can give you an immediate noticeable increase in your S197's performance. Aside from the often lighter construction of an aftermarket cat-back exhaust, they allow for a much better exhaust flow, better scavenging, and in some cases, better cylinder filling ont he intake side. Installing a good system can increase your Mustang's performance by up to 25 horsepower, even more if you replace the headers as well, but best of all it will sound killer.
Check out the cat-back exhaust options for the Mustang S197 HERE.
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5. Lower Control Arms
Installing stronger performance lower control arm can change the way your Mustang drives. This modification is the perfect complement for the lowering springs, and stickier tires, and will make your S197 feel tight when maneuvering around corners. A good lower control arm will eliminate wheel hop for drag strip launches too, which will make for a much more confident and aggressive car, not to mention more grip. If you enjoy track days, then this modification is an absolute must.
Check out the popular options for S197 lower control arms HERE.
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6. Aluminum Driveshaft
If you have been doing your research regarding racing your Ford Mustang, then you know that every pound matters, especially the rotating mass. Replacing the stock driveshaft with an aluminum one is a great step in reducing your Mustang's weight. A performance aluminum driveshaft weighs approximately 20-pounds less than the stock one, which increases the power to the wheels by up to 4%. Performance driveshafts are underestimated, as they can improve the throttle response, as well as add to the overall comfort of the cabin by reducing vibration.
Check out some options for aluminum driveshafts HERE.
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7. ODB II Tuner
A good tuner can make your S197 feel like a completely different car, with different throttle response, shift points, and more. These tuners are designed to allow drivers to tune their vehicles more toward their specific driving style. A reputable tuner can increase your Mustang S197's performance by up to 31 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque. Tuners can improve the air/fuel ratio, as well as the throttle response and timing, which means they may even increase the fuel efficiency of your S197. If you have already added a cold air intake, and an exhaust, you will definitely need a tuner to optimize it all.
Check out the Bama X4 SF4 tuner HERE.
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For help with service of your car, check out the how to section on our sister site MustangForums.com