Hi Guys!

Just got my first manual Mustang - I upgraded from a V6 auto to a 2011 5.0 6-speed. I have some questions.

My husband has a 67 that I have some experience with and when I let out the clutch it just goes… I don’t have to worry about the gas or stalling - it just moves! I cannot believe the lack of power in the 2011 going into first.

After some research I read about cold air induction - figured I’d check under the hood in this lady and behold there is already a K&N cold air induction installed. I know the biggest help would come from the gears. It has a standard 3.31 and I have an appointment to install Ford Racing 4.10 on Tuesday. I’m wondering if this is a good choice.

My other question - this car is still a dog with the cold air induction. I’m emphasizing help going into first. I want to start going and feel the ponies…. not sit and give her gas just to get to a crawl. I did purchase from a Ford dealer - could this have had a tune that was flashed back to factory?

I’ve already been reassured by my dealer that I won’t lose my certified used warranty due to the gears, CAI or a tune.

Bottom line - is 4.10 enough and would a CAI tune help? I want my car to want to propel when I let out the clutch and not sit there like a sack of potatoes.

Thank you!!

 

Welcome to TMS!

The 67 was an OHV - overhead valve pushrod engine. Their power band starts low to mid rpm's but don't develop as much HP and flatten out at the top. The '67 302 peak HP was only 235HP.

It was the mid 90's Ford switched over to OHC - overhead cam. They are known for their efficiency and better breathing, more of a race engine design. But the power band shifts from low end grunt to mid to high rpm's. And your 2011 302 is 412HP.

So OHC is better but you have to get the revs up. As you know when the power comes on its on!

I think your 4.10's are going too far. Most here went 3.55 to 3.73 on the 6 spd. 1st gear is already pretty useless so with 410's it will be like granny gear in my old F150!

Some also complain of 'throttle lag' with the fly by wire throttle on the newer Mustangs vs the cable throttle in the '67. I just adjust for it with the go pedal and have not gone with a tune.
But many here say the tune helps dial that out but can be a warranty issue with many Dealers. Ford even sent out a TSB for the 5.0 concerning them not being liable if you got a tune and the tune caused a failure (which did happen on a number of engines in the 11 & 12 5.0's at first. Haven't read about any lately after the tuners got dialed in.).
Plenty of threads you can search on all these things.

 

Thanks so much for the response and info! I should have clarified that the 67 isn’t stock with a stroker. She's is aggressive to say the least.

You did answer my question that 4.10s is more that enough! Same on the tune - I will look into the tune but tread lightly. Thank you so much!!

 

I don't know how the 5.0 responds to long tube headers, but my 5.8 gained plenty of low-end torque, down as low as 2k rpm when I installed the long tubes. They will require a tune, however.

 

I'm going to keep researching, haven't done anything yet. I really appreciate all the info - time to get some reading done! Thanks for the advice and suggestions.

 

Just putting in my 2 cents before its too late....4.10's will likely be too much! I'd suggest 3.73's instead!

 

Thanks!! I'm going to have the opportunity to try both gears - once I do I'll make my decision. Loving my car though.

It's official.... I'm never going back to auto!

 

From the factory the new mustang come with a short 1st gear, same as the fox body's. Putting in the 4.10 will make 1st even shorter.

 

true, even with 3.31's I almost have to shift into 2nd when making a left turn before hitting redline (driving aggressively of course). I imagine if you had 4.10's you'd be shifting mid turn

 

It sounds like you're on the right track. 3.73s and a tune will give you a good bump but as was said before, it will not drive like the old '67. As long as you know that, feather the throttle, gradually release the clutch and you'll come into a world of crazy power... lol

Oh, and Welcome!

 

Hey Guys!

I wound up with the 4.10s - which I LOVE!! I do mostly city driving with lots of lights and stop signs so the short shifts aren’t a big deal. (Heck I got a manual because I wanted to clutch and shift!). I am in 5th by 45 though. Honestly, they made a massive difference that wasn’t so noticeable in the 3.73s. Mileage went up, too! I love my car, and love driving her!!