Three E-Z & Inexpensive 2011-2019 Mustang GT Performance Upgrades

Three E-Z & Inexpensive 2011-2019 Mustang GT Performance Upgrades

An advantage of the Coyote-powered S197 and S550 Mustangs is that the cars provide the opportunity for improvement with even simple changes. While great cars from the factory, as well as affordably priced, the 2011-2014 and 2015-present Mustang GT provides an excellent basis for performance upgrades.

In fact, there are so many areas, it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve collected three upgrades that cost less than $300 each. And one is even just over a C-Note. Each of these you can install by yourself in a day and add appreciable performance to your ride. Let’s take a look:

Cold Air Intake System

SR Performance Cold Air Intake - Polished (15-17 GT)

Air intakes are one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve performance. Cold air intake systems add power because they are less restrictive than OEM systems. This improved flow allows for more air to reach the throttle body – and therefore the combustion chamber. This boosts horsepower. It often means better throttle response as well. The best part is that the MAF sensor and wideband O2 sensors can detect the increase in airflow, so that the ECU can add more fuel to the intake charge. So many systems don’t even require ECU tuning. A good system will include a larger capacity air filter. That filter is repositioned toward the front of the car to capture cold, incoming air. It should also include a heat shield that blocks high under-hood temperatures from contaminating the cool intake flow.

American Muscle offers two surprisingly affordable cold air intake systems that meet those important criteria. For 2011-2014 S197 models, there’s the SR Performance Cold Air Intake in black for just $124.95. And for the 2015-present S550 Mustang GT, there’s the SR Performance Cold Air Intake in black or polished for $129.99.

Both systems come complete with all hardware needed for installation, including an oversized conical air filter element,  as well as complete instructions. Installation time is listed as one hour, so it makes for an easy Saturday morning conversion. No tuning is required.

Axle-Back Exhaust System

SR Performance Muffler Delete Axle-Back Exhaust w/ Polished Tips (15-17 GT)

Replacing the entire exhaust system is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor that should be undertaken with the car on a lift. However, an axle-back system installation can be accomplished in your garage with just a few simple hand tools.  An axle-back system improves power by decreasing back pressure, when exhaust is not able to efficiently exit the combustion chamber. Not only that, but it adds the classic muscle car rumble loved by so many.

Two systems are available from SR Performance through American Muscle. For 2011-2015 S197 Mustangs, there’s the MPN# 405486 Axle Back System at $269.99 with chambered mufflers and 3-inch mandrel-bent tubing. For the 2015-present S550 Mustang GT, there’s MPN# 393685 Axle Back System With Polished Tip that deletes the rear mufflers to provide a loud, aggressive exhaust note for $219.99. The S550 system has 2.5-inch, mandrel-bent 304 stainless steel tubing. Both systems come complete with clamps and are a direct-fit replacement for the OEM system. A two-hour installation time is provided as a guideline. So both a Cold Air Intake System and an Axle-Back Exhaust System could be installed in your Mustang GT in a single Saturday morning.

Sport Lowering Springs

SR Performance Lowering Springs (05-14 GT Coupe, V6 Coupe)

While you might not at first think of swapping out your springs as a DIY job you can accomplish in your garage on a Saturday, you underestimate yourself. The only tool that isn’t in your tool box that you’ll need is a spring compresser, and virtually every auto parts store will happily loan you one for free. Replacing coil springs can be extremely dangerous because of the incredible amount of energy stored by a compressed coil spring. So follow all precautions by the letter. The good news is that once installed Sport Lowering Springs will have a dramatic effect on your car.

Lower and stiffer springs provide a great deal more than just an improved exterior appearance. Handling will be improved greatly as the stiffer springs will resist the rolling force that transfer weight to the outside wheel in a turn. That means that more of the rubber on the ground is working for you. Looks great and improves performance – what could be a better combo?

For 2015-present Mustang GT models without MagneRide there are MPN# 404915 SR Performance Lowering Springs that cost only $139.99 for a complete set of four. For earlier 2010-2014 Mustang GT models there are MPN# 53151 SR Performance Lowering Springs at the same $139.99 price point.

So depending on your model year, you can make some really significant upgrades to power, performance, sounds, looks, and handling without a huge investment in time and money. For example, all three upgrades would about $500, less tax. Plus you get the benefit of pointing out to your friends that you upgraded your Mustang GT by yourself as you cruise around town.

 

Article Sources

About the author

Art Michalik

Art has served in marketing functions at various aftermarket manufacturers, driven in autocross events and in road racing in a car of his own construction, and even managed a world-famous racing school.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading