For years, cold-air induction systems have been available in variousforms and in all sorts of materials. Some models simply attach to thefactory ducting or mass air meter flange. Others replace the stockductwork with a high-flow version, either in plastic or some form ofmetal. And some take the cold-air induction concept inside the innerfender by relocating the air filter there. Due to the inner-fender roomand filter size, how-ever, some applications must have the filter placedunder the hood. No matter how you slice it, if you plan on adding otherperformance-enhancing breathing upgrades to your Mustang, a larger inlettract with a high-flow air-filter element is a must-have.
Horse Sense: If you're seeking anemissions-legal alternative, look into Steeda's Performance Calibrationpackage that is CARB-approved and 50-state legal. The package includesSteeda's High-Flow Air Kit, Ford Racing Performance Parts gears(3.27-3.73), and your flashed PCM that works with any legal after-catexhaust to provide an emissions-friendly boost of up to 25 hp.
Steeda Autosports offers various cold-air kits for Mustangs, as well asfor Ford trucks and Foci. The company's High-Flow Air Kit features amandrel-bent induction tube with silicone hose couplers, a mass airmeter adapter, a high-flow filter, and a stainless steel filter shield.The induction kit we're installing here fits the Two-Valve 4.6 found in'96-and-up Mustang GTs and requires only a few simple sockets. Though wearen't presenting test data here, Steeda says its cold-air system isusually good for a 7-10hp gain. We're sure the enlarged induction pathwill help with other breathing upgrades such as throttle bodies, massair meters, and so on.
The Steeda High-FIow Air Kit...
The Steeda High-FIow Air Kit retails for $239.95 and is availablethrough Steeda and its resellers. The cold-air induction system will addperformance and looks to your Mustang's underhood real estate whilegiving you Steeda's build quality and technical support.
The complete factory air-inlet...
The complete factory air-inlet tract gets the heave-ho for thisinstallation. Begin by disconnecting the mass air meterelectrical-harness connector (with the ignition key off). Loosen thehose clamps on the factory inlet. Remove the single 8mm bolt thatretains the air-filter housing to the inner fender.
The factory air-filter housing...
The factory air-filter housing is secured by two rubber grommets thatare seated into the top of the right framerail. Pull the inlet hose offthe mass air meter and carefully rotate and pry the airbox out of thesetwo grommets. Don't let the air-filter housing get too far out of reach,as you still have to remove the mass air meter from it shortly. Also,remove the two grommets from the filter housing, they will be reused onthe Steeda High-FIow Air Kit.
With the mass air meter and...
With the mass air meter and air-filter housing out, remove the inlethose from the engine compartment. There are two emissions hosesconnected to the inlet hose that must be disconnected first--on somemodel years you'll have to remove the intake air-temperature sensor fromthe inlet hose as well.
While noting their inside...
While noting their inside diameter and lengths as per the instructions,assemble the new Steeda inlet tube with the included silicone hoses. Thefour hose clamps can be installed loosely at this point as you'll stillhave to align the cold-air kit for fit once everything is in place.
The two emissions hoses require...
The two emissions hoses require short lengths of adapter hose to attachto the new Steeda inlet tube. Install these adapter hoses supplied withthe Steeda High-FIow Air Kit.