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In this episode of AmericanMuscle’s Hot Lap series, host Stephanie Wood tells us about the first 5 2018 Mustang GT mods you need. The video is one in a series of monthly video installments featuring popular topics among the Ford Mustang enthusiast community.
According to Wood, the first five modifications 2018 Mustang GT owners should tackle on their Mustang should be to improve performance, handling, and appearance. The ’18 Mustang featured in the video is equipped with optional factory features like the active exhaust and magneride suspension, requiring some special attention to detail.
Products featured in this Hot Lap episode include:
According to the video, S550 owners can improve the power and performance of their Mustang GT by installing a C&L Performance “Racer” Cold Air Intake Kit. The cold air intake replaces the stock air box and paper filter element found on the GT with an air intake that was engineered to maximize airflow for a noticeable increase in horsepower, torque, and overall performance.
The C&L Cold Air Kit comes with a high-flow air filter that can be cleaned and reused. It is important to note that proper installation of the intake requires the use of a tuner to reprogram the vehicles computer (ECU) for operation.
The VMP Rev-X featured in this video is for S550 GT owners that have relatively stock cars or have some light bolt-on mods, but want to go with a premiere custom tuning option to improve both the power and drivability.
The tuner comes with three tunes from VMP and has the ability to improve throttle response and smooth the idle. More in-depth tunes for things like E85, nitrous, and forced induction are available but because those tunes are a little bit more involved, they will cost a bit more.
The Rev-X tuner also features cloud-based tuning. Instead of needing a laptop to receive tunes from VMP, the tunner can be connected to a Wi-Fi signal where it will prompt you to download the tunes from the tuning cloud and allow you to download any future firmware updates without the need for the computer. The tuner only holds VMP tunes, but it can hold 10 different tunes at a time.
Ford Performance Lowering W-Springs
Upgrading to a set of Ford Performance Lowering W-Springs lowers MagneRide equipped S550 Mustang’s center of gravity, which helps to reduce squat during acceleration, body roll in the corners, and excessive nose-dive under hard braking.
Ford’s W-Springs are ideal for daily driving, street, and even occasional track use. The W-Spring also eliminates the fender gap to give the S550 an aggressive muscular stance.
These W-SPrings are also considered linear springs, meaning they have a constant spring rate that stays the same as the spring compresses. Linear springs will have a slightly rougher ride when compared to progressive springs.
Popular applications for Linear rate springs inlcude track and road course driven Mustangs.
Barton Hybrid 3 Short Throw Shifter
The Barton Hybrid 3 Short Throw Shifter retains the heart of the original Barton Short Throw Shifter. It has the same upgraded components and makes each gear shift feel firmer.
One of the biggest features of the shifter, besides the mounting location options and all of the upgraded components, is it has a 25-percent reduction in throw so that it doesn’t feel too notchy, but feels smooth and accurate instead.
Other highlights include that it’s made from C&C billet aluminum and stainless steel. Additionally, the housing is also weather-tight and pre-sealed.
This shifter is made for the MT-82 6-speed transmission and is reverse lockout compatible and retains both the reverse lockout and the backup camera. The reverse lockout is identical to the factory reverse lockout, has a factory look and feel.
Corsa Xtreme Cat-Back Exhaust w/ Black Tips
The Xtreme Cat-Back Exhaust with Black Tips is built to give your Pony better flow and superior sound in any situation, be it on the road or the track.
It is forged directly from high-quality 3-inch diameter stainless steel. Out the back, the exhaust has 4-inch tips in a deep, shiny gloss black finish that give the Mustang a serious muscle car feel. The exhaust also comes with valves to adjust the tone of your exhaust.
