2011 Ford Mustang GT Zex Blackout Kit - Feed For Speed

At this point, we've done more than enough pontificating about the greatness of the '11 Mustang GT and its vaunted Coyote 5.0-liter engine. Individually and as a combination that makes up the new GT-model Pony, there are few negative words to utter about the duo. This is especially true when the discussion focuses on crankshaft, rear-wheel, and dragstrip performance before a barrage of aftermarket parts are installed.

Bolt-ons are taking new 'Stangs to the next level. As we've demonstrated in all of the tests we've done thus far, basic and elaborate bolt-ons dramatically improve '11 Ponies in all of these categories. While our research hasn't yet shown us a breaking point for the OEM 5.0s, the proverbial sky seems to be the only thing limiting the Coyote from firmly establishing itself as the baddest factory-produced Mustang engine-ever. It may even eclipse the '07-'11 Shelby GT500's supercharged, 5.4-liter bullet!

Throughout the years, tests have proven that late-model 'Stangs' rear-wheel power and torque thrive by simply adding CAIs and exhaust to otherwise bone-stock cars. We aim to find out just how much steam these particular pieces will add at the feet of Dana Allen's brand-new rag-top '11 California Special. And after the naturally aspirated numbers are logged, our power mission goes a few steps further, as we top off the upgrades with a nitrous Blackout-a new '11 5.0-Mustang-specific nitrous system from Zex (PN 82390B, $679.95).

Yes, we're back at AMP Performance in Phoenix, Arizona, for another nitrous-influenced project (see Horse Sense) that includes test rips on the quarter-mile at Firebird Raceway, as well.

As you'll see in the following photos and captions, the install players are the cats we've come to count on when we work on tech stuff at AMP. Jesse Allen handled the heavy lifting throughout, while shop lead, Chris Ciolek stepped in at dyno time. Your tech editor handled things at Firebird, closing out a test that once-again shows us how easy it is to make absolutely silly street/strip power with a new 5.0 Mustang.

Despite having a near-perfect all-motor air/fuel ratio, the CAI/dyno tune and short-tube-headers/X-crossover combination shows the importance of custom tuning for such upgrades. Obviously we needed some to bring out the best from this combo. Because of time limitations, our intent with this effort from the outset was to present the effect of these components as bolt-ons. We can't stress enough that tuning is required in almost all instances where power and torque are being enhanced on the new 5.0 engines.

The Friday-night grudge session at Firebird Raceway was our test venue for this effort. After the dyno session, the only change that was made to the 'Stang was the replacement of the stock 19-inch wheels and Pirelli radials with a pair of 315/35R-18 Nitto NT05R drag radials that were mounted on a spare set of Shelby GT500 rims.

The first pass was without nitrous, followed by a second lap with the bottle open. Unfortunately, Dana and her husband, Gregory, were not able to make it to the track with us. That being the case, we admit we were a little more reserved than we would have been if they were there and had given KJ a direct "drive-it-like-you-stole-it" blessing.