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  • 2015 - 2023 (S550) Mustang -General/Talk

Mod List - Looks Good?

  • Thread starter Thread starter StoplightWarrior
  • Start date Start date Feb 10, 2016
S

StoplightWarrior

Member
Jan 21, 2016
8
4
13
Feb 10, 2016
#1
  • Feb 10, 2016
  • #1
Hi guys,

I've been reading and searching for 2015-2016 5.0 mods and trying to come up with a game plan.

I live in CA, so I don't want to mess with anything that will be a huge PITA to return to stock for smog or a sale.

So, I'm thinking:

Cold Air Intake/tuner combo
Resonator delete xpipe (already have this)
axle back
Maybe an 85mm throttle body?
Then get an actual tune...will this benefit me above the off the shelf maps that come with the tuners?

After I pick up a bit more power/sound/throttle response from the above, I can focus on a few suspension pieces, cosmetic stuff, etc.

Sound good?? Am I missing anything basic/easy/must have?? Mine is an auto with no other options

Thanks!
 

ximportdriver

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 7, 2003
386
46
59
Rancho Cordova
Apr 23, 2017
#2
  • Apr 23, 2017
  • #2
It has been over a year since you posted. Any updates?

I wish steeda CAI was CARB approved. I'd do that with a tune in a heartbeat.

Roush stage 1 supercharger setup is CARB approved. And intercooler included. Probably among the best mods available for CA residents like us.

Otherwise, Ford Racing's relatively new performance packs, also CARB approved, are probably the next best thing.

I had a 2013 GT auto that used a Bama tune and no other mods to engine or exhaust. It helped modify shift points and helped wake up the car. I'd recommend it. With the FRPP though, that makes more sense.

I'm thinking of going with the Ford Racing touring cat back exhaust. 50 state legal but saves 30lbs in weight.

The other mod I'd consider is a rear seat delete. Save some weight with a relatively cheap mod since the fastback design makes the rear seats vastly unusable IMHO.

Another mod may be in stiffening the IRS to address wheel hop. IRS subframe or bushings may be the fix. I've not yet experienced the wheel hop though.
 

I Bleed Ford Blue

5 Year Member
Feb 13, 2017
416
122
73
North Olmsted OH
Apr 23, 2017
#3
  • Apr 23, 2017
  • #3
Look into the ford racing power packs, they are carb certified, so they are 50 state legal. The stage 1 is just a K&N type filter for the stock air box and a tune, stage 2 adds the GT 350 cold air intake and an 87mm throttle body, stage 3 adds the GT 350 intake manifold. Stage 2 is the best bang for the buck, the going rate is 800 and ford claims 21 rwhp but LMR got 26 rwhp out of it. Stage 3 runs 2K and it only adds 37 rwhp.

P.S. don't add a bigger TB without a tune, the engine will not run correctly.
 
Last edited: Apr 23, 2017

ximportdriver

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 7, 2003
386
46
59
Rancho Cordova
Apr 23, 2017
#4
  • Apr 23, 2017
  • #4
I Bleed Ford Blue said:
Look into the ford racing power packs, they are carb certified, so they are 50 state legal. The stage 1 is just a K&N type filter for the stock air box and a tune, stage 2 adds the GT 350 cold air intake and an 87mm throttle body, stage 3 adds the GT 350 intake manifold. Stage 2 is the best bang for the buck, the going rate is 800 and ford claims 21 rwhp but LMR got 26 rwhp out of it. Stage 3 runs 2K and it only adds 37 rwhp.
Click to expand...

But stage 3 also yields 60 more HP at 6500 RPM so it isn't just about peak gains. It's about improving power throughout the powerband.

I still think that the Roush stage 1 supercharger setup would be among the best CA-friendly mods but it is expensive overall.
 

I Bleed Ford Blue

5 Year Member
Feb 13, 2017
416
122
73
North Olmsted OH
Apr 23, 2017
#5
  • Apr 23, 2017
  • #5
True, but who drives around at 6500 rpm. The stage 2 adds, 40 more ft lbs of tq below 2500, where you need it on the street.
 
Reactions: Brian8891

Brian8891

Active Member
Apr 7, 2017
59
6
28
Apr 23, 2017
#6
  • Apr 23, 2017
  • #6
Torque is that instant satification. Don't forget suspension. I just did the polyurethane bushings, and I plan on throwing some steeda vertical links to help with wheel hop (support the bushings)
 
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