Got a Ford Mustang V6 and want to extract some extra power from it? Our car tuning guide has you covered with everything you need to know.
If you own an S550 Mustang you might be wondering how to get more out of your engine. After all, the 3.7-liter Cyclone V6 is no slouch, producing 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque from the factory. But with some simple modifications, you can easily boost those numbers and make your Mustang more fun to drive.
We’ve got a complete guide to tuning the Mustang GT, but in this feature, we will show you some of the best tuning options for your Ford Mustang V6 S550. Whether you want a mild or wild setup, we’ve got you covered.
Intake and Exhaust Upgrades
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your Mustang’s performance is to upgrade the intake and exhaust systems. These parts help your engine breathe better, allowing more air and fuel to enter the combustion chambers and more exhaust gases to exit. The result is more power, better throttle response, and a more aggressive soundtrack.
There are several intake and exhaust options available for the S550 Mustang V6, but our picks would include:
Cold Air Intake
This replaces the stock airbox and filter with a performance filter and a high-flow intake pipe. Improving airflow by as much as 20%, this can add up to 15 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque. It also improves the engine sound and appearance under the hood.
73mm Throttle Body
Replacing the stock 65mm throttle body with a larger 73mm one allows more air to enter the engine. Larger diameter upgrades are made from CNC-machined aluminum and feature a new electronic motor, making installation a simple direct swap for the OE part. It can add up to 10 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque, especially when paired with an intake upgrade.
Cat-Back Exhaust
A cat-back exhaust system replaces the stock mufflers and pipes with a mandrel-bent stainless steel system that typically features dual tips and a straight-through design. It reduces backpressure and increases exhaust flow, adding up to 12 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque. It also gives your Mustang a deep and throaty sound that matches its performance.
Tuning Software
Another way to unleash your Mustang’s potential is to use tuning software that adjusts the engine parameters for optimal performance. Tuning software can change various aspects of your engine’s operation, such as ignition timing, fuel delivery, air/fuel ratio, rev limit, speed limit, and more. By fine-tuning these settings, you can gain more power, torque, responsiveness, and efficiency.
There are several tuning software options available for the S550 Mustang V6, but some of the most popular ones are:
SCT X4 Power Flash Tuner
This tuner plugs into your OBD-II port and allows you to upload custom tunes or pre-loaded tunes from SCT’s database. It also lets you monitor various engine parameters on its full-color LCD screen. It can add up to 20 horsepower and 25 lb-ft of torque, depending on the tune you choose.
DiabloSport inTune i3 Platinum Tuner
This tuner also plugs into your OBD-II port and allows you to upload custom tunes or pre-loaded tunes from DiabloSport’s database. It also lets you monitor various engine parameters on its full-color touchscreen. It can add up to 15 horsepower and 20 lb-ft of torque, depending on the tune you choose.
Bama X4/SF4 Power Flash Tuner
This tuner is similar to the SCT X4, but it comes with free custom tunes from Bama Performance for life. You can choose from various tunes for different purposes, such as street, race, or performance. It can add up to 18 horsepower and 23 lb-ft of torque, depending on the tune you choose.
Supercharger Kits
If you want to take your Mustang’s performance to the next level, you might want to consider installing a supercharger kit. A supercharger forces more air into the engine, increasing its power output significantly. Superchargers come in different types, such as centrifugal, roots, or twin-screw, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
There are not many supercharger kits available for the S550 Mustang V6, but one of the most reputable ones is the ProCharger High Output Intercooled Supercharger System. This system uses a centrifugal supercharger that mounts on the driver’s side of the engine and delivers up to 8psi of boost. It also includes an air-to-air intercooler, an uprated fuel pump, bigger injectors, and a handheld tuner with suitable software. It can increase your horsepower by up to 50% and your torque by up to 40%, giving you around 450 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque at the wheels.
Is it worth tuning the Ford Mustang V6 S550?
As you can see, there are many ways to tune your S550 Mustang V6 for more power and performance. Whether you want to start with some simple intake and exhaust upgrades or go all out with a supercharger kit, you can transform your V6 Mustang into a formidable machine that will turn heads and impress on the road or track. With the right mods in the right places, the V6 Mustang can be more than a match for its V8 bigger brother.
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