How Can I Make My V6 Mustang Faster?
Though many people associate the Mustang with V8 power, over the years many of the various versions have also been powered by a V6 engine. And while not quite as popular a base as the V8 model when it comes to tuning and modifying, the V6-powered Mustangs can also be made faster and better than they are in stock form. There are many different angles from which to approach the goal of getting more speed out of this car, whether it’s a more powerful engine or a better suspension.
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Instructions
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Increase the horsepower of the engine. This is one of the first steps that Mustang V6 owners often take in the search for more speed. A larger-diameter exhaust and tubular headers will get spent exhaust gasses out of the engine more quickly, allowing the engine to run more efficiently and make more horsepower. To install headers, remove the stock manifolds and bolt the headers on in their place. A new exhaust should be installed by a shop with a lift and the appropriate welding and cutting tools. On modern Mustang V6s, a cold air intake is another good idea. The stock air box restricts the flow of air to the engine. The larger-diameter tubing and bigger filter of a cold air intake deliver additional dense, cold air for a power increase. To really get big power out of the V6, install a supercharger or turbocharger.
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Improve the handling. This is an important area that should not be neglected when it comes to making your Mustang faster. Replacing the stock shocks with stiffer (and maybe even adjustable) performance shocks and the stock springs with lower, stiffer springs, will make the car faster around corners as well as make it far easier for the driver to control when driving it quickly or while driving it at the racetrack. After the shocks and springs, install stiffer bushings in place of the stock parts and then install larger anti-roll bars to reduce body roll. An anti-roll bar connects to either side of the suspension and forces the inside wheel towards the ground for increased grip.
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Install a better wheel and tire package. To fully take advantage of more horsepower and a better handling suspension, better tires installed on larger and possibly lighter wheels than the stock versions is important. Tires made of softer, compound rubber will allow the car to corner much quicker. You can simply install stickier tires on the stock wheels as well, if you do not want to install aftermarket wheels.
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Remove weight to add speed. This is a more extreme approach to making a Mustang V6 faster, but can be just as effective as beefing up the power and suspension. Start by replacing the stock power seats, which are heavy, with lighter, one-piece buckets, which will also hold the driver in better. You can also install a lighter steering wheel in place of the stock wheel. Removing the carpet and sound deadening in lieu of lighter carpeting will also help. Replace exterior panels with carbon fiber or fiberglass panels and swap the glass side windows for lighter Lexan items.
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