Easy Horsepower? - Ford Mustang Forums

Retrorider · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2007, 12:06 PM

What all would be considered easy horsepower gains as bolt on parts other than the exaust cold air, and throttle body?

MooStang05gt · #2 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 08:38 AM

These new S197 Mustangs don't need a throttle body upgrade unless you are going to do some serious power adding and are looking for all out horse power. From what I've read, adding a spacer helps and is realatively inexpensive. The shorty headers don't add much either, but do give you that distinct header sound out of the exhaust. The problem with doing engine mods, almost anything you do will require upgrading the computer's tune. Means buying a hand tuner or taking it to a shop with a dyno for a custom tune.

I added a CAI and a Predator tune, but I made the mistake of buying a CAI that advertised 'no tune required', but every mustang is different. The CAI caused the CEL to come on with a... lean burn condition code. So, I bought the Predator and installed the tune and I still get the CEL. So, I'm running mine with the tune and the OEM air intake, it is working fine for me.

Doug, at Bamachips, makes tunes for several different brands of CAI's and has a SCT tuner, his tunes are great and when dyno'd the A/F ratio is always on the money. I suggest you talk to him if you are interested in a CAI & tune.

If you would care to hear my personal opinion on how to mod a 05-07 mustang, PM me here and I'll be glad to tell you my recommendations on where to start and what I have done to mine.

Bobby M.

Oh6Torch · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrorider

What all would be considered easy horsepower gains as bolt on parts other than the exaust cold air, and throttle body?

I also agree that the aftermarket TB is overkill on a relatively stocker Stang. A lot like installing larger injectors on a car with stock heads or no power adder. The need just isn't there.

I'm assuming you want more HP to go faster rather than just seeing it on a dyno sheet or bragging about it, right? If so, I'd forget about the mods requiring any tuning for now. If you haven't already, I'd do a gear and pullies. They don't require any tuning and the difference is noticeable.
Good luck with whatever you decide,

Gerardo

BlueFirePony · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 09:08 AM

Easy = Cheap (relatively)?
Tune, UDP, Intake.

Exhaust gains are relatively low unless you go with cat-less and/or long tubes (not so easy or cheap)....but you can get more sound.

Gears will help distribute the available HP/Torque at different RPMs so that all depends on your application (street, strip, road race/autox).

You can get some go-fast w/o adding HP by reducing unsprung mass
Lightweight wheels, lighter suspension parts.

Then of course if you ever want to get past the easy=cheap to get more go-fast (and stay N/A):
aluminum driveshaft (or carbon fiber)
lightweight clutch (aluminum clutch plate, flywheel)
cams (and of course all the valve/spring upgrades that go with it)

Retrorider · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 10:16 AM

my problem is I know my mustang has some power, at least it should have alot of power. I just have a problem with lining up at a redlight with a GT and them laughing at the v6, I get props and laughs for driving my beater of a I6 68 Coupe.. Though I've got the feeling I'm going to be selling the 1968 Coupe, just when I do, I want to add power to be able open up and make sure all availble power it touching the ground, giving me the best run possible. I am going to start hitting the drag strip later.. but just depends on how i can get all the power to the pavement. I know small stuff can get me there.. I just want to know what would be best for the v6 if any of you guys know from experience maybe.

BlueFirePony · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 12:49 PM

Frankly I give you props for owning a stang regardless, but I know there are some "new breed" that don't quite get the esprit de corps thing.
It sucks to see BMW, Corvette, Lotus, Suburu owners hang together like glue and then see stang owners jack with each other....at least the stangs I hang with all show respect.

But I digress...outside of massive power improvements from S/C or Turbo, you can go the NOS route...I am sure the a shot of juice from a Zex kit would stop the silly laugh of a GT driver who is running stock - at least until you run out

You are only going to get modest gains out of bolt-ons - so just be realistic with your expectations. You are going to be putting out less HP and torque than a GT on any given road so just suck it up and enjoy your ride for what it is...the start of a new legend - and its yours.

Stang06 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh6Torch

I'd do a gear and pullies. They don't require any tuning and the difference is noticeable
Gerardo

Ok, I have a question then. What are some good gears to use if your stang is a DD but you also play around once in awhile with your buddies on the streets?

Rebecca · #8 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retrorider

What all would be considered easy horsepower gains as bolt on parts other than the exaust cold air, and throttle body?

The exhaust and cold air with a tune are good mods. We added a GT muffler, a CAI, and a tune to my car when it was stock and saw a 25rwhp gain. The throttle body is not worth much, we tested and saw no gains.

Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of bolt-ons worth much besides these.

VMP Tuning offers a package with the an SCT X-cal2 tuned by VMP Tuning, a GT take-off muffler, and a VMP CAI. The package is $600. Contact Justin@vmptuning.com for more details.

Oh6Torch · #9 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stang06

Ok, I have a question then. What are some good gears to use if your stang is a DD but you also play around once in awhile with your buddies on the streets?

If the year was 2010 and my extended warranty was gone, I'd do the 4.10s. Stock manuals come with a 3.55 so, that's a noticeable jump. I think the motor runs at 2.4K doing 80 mph and probably 3K doing 100 mph now. After the 4.10 gear you may be doing 2.9K at 80 mph. Worst case scenario, you'll have to go the speed limit on the freeway. I think you and your car can live with that.

Gerardo

BlueFirePony · #10 (**permalink**) 02-12-2007, 04:47 PM

I am running the stock 3.55s and on the 1.7mi road coarse at cresson I was able to stay in 3rd the entire time w/o redlining (got close on the long straight though) or losing too much coming out of turns.

I don't think 4.10s are for me cause I'd be shifting all over the place and that's just lost time, but on the strip its definately worth considering. I've heard of several who have daily drivers with 4.10s.

I might look at 3.73s but thats not much of a change and right now the stock gears are doing it for what I need...again...consider what type of driving you are going to do and that will guide you to your mods.