It seems like a cold-air pattern is developing here in Tech Inspection, as we're once again working with the latest in CAI technology for '10 Mustang GTs. This month, Steeda's all-new ProFlow Cold-Air Kit (PN 555-3152; $399.99) is our test fodder.
The new CAI now sits as the latest in a long legacy of airflow enhancers from Steeda, and we took advantage of one of Big Steve's trips down to Steeda's facility to find out how well it performs.
As you can imagine, the in-house '10 project Mustang being used for this report eventually will be outfitted with everything Steeda develops for '10 Mustangs. For now, however, bolting-on and dyno-evaluating the company's newest "cold-air" is our focus.
Follow along with the accompanying photos and captions to see Steeda's Matt Bouyea perform the quick-and-easy surgery and find out how it performs on a new 'Stang.
There's no arguing that a...
There's no arguing that a '10 Mustang GT's intake system is an excellent piece from Ford. However, as gearheads, we're always looking for better ways to make more horsepower, and doing away with the stock air-intake unit is still one of the best "first-step" methods of doing it.
Yes, this cold-air kit is...
Yes, this cold-air kit is made up of a simple assortment of pieces. While you can't see this in these photos, when installed, the ProFlow's sheet-metal airbox actually connects with the OEM lower cold-air scoop. Steeda engineers say the system was designed to promote the coolest air charge possible for the '10's Three-Valve 4.6-liter engine.
Steeda's Matt Bouyea begins...
Steeda's Matt Bouyea begins the swap by removing the factory induction. The unit is easily removed-and installed, for that matter-using handtools. Allowing yourself roughly one hour to complete this project is plenty of time.
Matt pre-assembles the Steeda...
Matt pre-assembles the Steeda ProFlow on a workbench before moving over to the '10 Mustang to install the new CAI. The system features a Velocity Stack conical air filter, a stainless-steel heat shield (with a rubber gasket to ensure there is a good seal against the hood), and a larger 95mm mass-air tube.
Pay close attention to the...
Pay close attention to the silicone hose that couples the mass-air housing to the throttle-body tube. This higher-flowing ProFlow inlet hose is brand-new for Steeda's '10 Mustang GT CAI system, and it accepts the OEM Induction Sound Tube (the hose that routes engine noise into the cockpit) for those enthusiasts who want to hear the roar of their 'Stang's enhanced ponies.
Due to increased airflow brought...
Due to increased airflow brought on by the new cold-air system, a new PCM calibration is mandatory. Matt uses SCT's X3 (PN 3000; $479) to plug-and-play Steeda's new calibration for stock '10 Mustang GTs that have been given the ProFlow treatment. The CAI/fresh tune combination produces a rear-wheel-power gain that's on par with other systems we've tested on S197s, and it's completely doable by any enthusiast who can follow instructions and feels up for the simple challenge.
On The Dyno
| Baseline | CAI | Difference |
| RPM | HP | TQ | A/F | HP | TQ | A/F | HP | TQ | A/F |
| 2,000 | 95.12 | 249.80 | 12.93 | 98.47 | 258.58 | 12.90 | 3.35 | 8.78 | -0.03 |
| 2,500 | 125.39 | 263.42 | 12.40 | 128.36 | 269.65 | 13.26 | 2.97 | 6.23 | 0.86 |
| 3,000 | 152.80 | 267.51 | 12.36 | 154.83 | 271.05 | 13.27 | 2.03 | 3.54 | 0.91 |
| 3,500 | 184.66 | 277.09 | 12.34 | 186.36 | 279.65 | 13.16 | 1.70 | 2.56 | 0.82 |
| 4,000 | 219.69 | 288.46 | 12.22 | 224.21 | 294.39 | 12.93 | 4.52 | 5.93 | 0.71 |
| 4,500 | 254.42 | 296.94 | 12.49 | 257.77 | 300.84 | 12.52 | 3.35 | 3.90 | 0.03 |
| 5,000 | 268.66 | 282.21 | 12.57 | 276.63 | 290.58 | 12.70 | 7.97 | 8.37 | 0.13 |
| 5,500 | 271.70 | 259.46 | 12.75 | 284.70 | 271.87 | 12.88 | 13.00 | 12.41 | 0.13 |
| 6,000 | 271.16 | 237.36 | 12.62 | 284.11 | 248.70 | 12.78 | 12.95 | 11.34 | 0.16 |
| 6,200 | 270.77 | 229.37 | 12.54 | 281.83 | 238.75 | 12.92 | 11.06 | 9.38 | 0.38 |
Steeda's '10 Mustang GT test...
Steeda's '10 Mustang GT test mule looks good on the rollers, doesn't it?
It made pretty good steam...
It made pretty good steam on said rollers, too!
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