Forced induction makes it easier to get more power from your S197 Mustang GT, but this thread shows that it’s not required.
While the S197 Ford Mustang GT offers more power than the vast majority cars sold in the United States, one of the most attractive aspects of the modern pony cars is how easily they can be modified. The easiest way to get gobs more power from your V8-powered Ford is to add forced induction, but for those who don’t want to go the supercharger, turbocharger or nitrous oxide routes – there are ways to get more power while remaining naturally aspirated.
This thread by TheMustang Source forum member tourer touches on the key upgrades that can add power to your S197 Mustang GT without turning to forced induction.
Introduction
When the OP first started his thread, he offered some details on his car along with talking about his current plans and his future goals with his 2013 Ford Mustang GT:
“I’m trying to see how much HP & Torque can be made on my 2013 GT, through bolt on parts (No Superchargers, Turbo’s or NOS).
I’ve installed the Boss 302 Intake (May change to Cobra Jet intake), Steeda CAI, Steeda 93 octane tune, (X4 SCT Tuner) Roush Axle Backs, Steeda Aluminum 3.5″ Drive Shaft, Kooks 1-3/4″ Stainless Long Tube headers and Catted “Green” X-Pipe are on order. I’m thinking on a larger Throttle Body, I see BBK makes a 90MM. Am I missing something? I’m doing this to see how fast (1 mile, Flying mile, Loring Airbase) it can do.”
So, his details run together a bit, but it sounds like he has added a new intake manifold, a cold air intake, an axle-back exhaust system, a canned tune and an aluminum driveshaft. In looking through his newer posts, we find that he has since added long tube headers and a catted x-pipe and while he hasn’t changed anything on the inside of the engine, but the car has or was scheduled to have all of the most common bolt-ons to improve performance.
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