Once again, we're exploring the merits of a basic bolt-on performance package for '11-'13 Mustang GTs. This effort features the usual ground-level group of induction pieces. This time we're trying out JLT's cold-air, Ford Racing Performance Parts' Boss 302 intake manifold, and FRPP's throttle body, as well as Dynatech's long-tube headers and mid-pipe.
This type of evaluation certainly isn't new at this point. However, it's cool to see how the various parts affect what arguably is Ford's hottest powerplant to date--independently and as a combination, without using power adders.
For this test, we're including a bolt-in upgrade from Comp Cams that really is a wild card of sorts when it comes to Coyote performance. Our findings will be the first published results of a Pony dyno-tested with the new Stage 3 bumpsticks. There's no doubt, we're privileged to work with these new pieces.
Evolution Performance of Aston, Pennsylvania, has been a longtime ally in our work with 5.0 Mustangs and its newly introduced upgrade pieces. As such, we once again turned to Nelson Whitlock, Fred Cook, and Chuck Wrzesniewski for assistance with this landmark test. As usual, our effort emphasizes rear-wheel performance data (recorded on Evo's Mustang Dyno chassis dyno) versus elaborating on actual installation of the basic pieces.
There are a lot of photos and captions highlighting the parts we installed on Chuck's stock-as-a-rock '12 'Stang. After taking in the basics, we urge you to pay close attention to the details on Comp's Stage 3s--especially our performance findings--as they prove that going beyond the basics can push naturally aspirated '11-'13 Mustang GTs into uncharted horsepower territory.
We were fortunate to have the engine expertise of Mike Rauscher of L&M Engines and the tuning prowess of Jon Lund at our disposal for this project. The two brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to this installation and test, and we sincerely appreciate their assistance with the camshaft installation and tuning the overall package.
Horse Sense: The project featured in this report is the first of three tech conquests made by tech editor KJ Jones during a two-week, 1,200-mile junket through our nation's Mid-Atlantic states. Be sure to stay tuned to future issues for stories from KJ's marathon, which feature power and chassis enhancements for '11-'13 Mustangs.
Chris Hiel of L&M Engines...
Chris Hiel of L&M Engines lays one of Comp's four Stage 3 camshafts in place on the stock Coyote 5.0 that powers Chuck Wrzesniewski's '12 Mustang GT. Chris and L&M's engine guru, Mike Rauscher, provided greatly appreciated knowledge and assistance with this effort; installing and dialing-in the cams for us.
Yes, it's just another run-of-the-mill...
Yes, it's just another run-of-the-mill Coyote before receiving the motherlode of bolt-ons.
JLT's '11-'13 Mustang GT cold-air-induction...
JLT's '11-'13 Mustang GT cold-air-induction system (PN CAI-FMG-11-P; $299.00) is up first. The tube in this kit features a huge 4.5-inch opening with a built-in mass air housing (107mm inside diameter at the mass air housing), ABS-plastic heatshield, and S&B Powerstack air filter measuring 4.5x9 inches. You'll also notice that the fitting for the OEM interior sound tube has been relocated to the inside and center of the tube. JLT's CAI tubes can be painted to match any '11-'13 Mustang body color.
The CAI bolts up to the OEM...
The CAI bolts up to the OEM intake manifold/throttle body in little time using basic tools.
The CAI bolts up to the OEM...
The CAI bolts up to the OEM intake manifold/throttle body in little time using basic tools.
Most basic Coyote 5.0 bolt-ons...
Most basic Coyote 5.0 bolt-ons require additional PCM recalibrating. For our test, Jon Lund's pre-programmed tunes designed for each of the basic Coyote mods are added after each installation. An SCT hand-held flash tuner is used to port the programs into the 'Stang's Copperhead processor.
Ford Racing Performance Parts'...
Ford Racing Performance Parts' Boss 302 throttle body assembly (PN M-9926-M5090; $629.95) is the second upgrade for our stock '12 GT. The new 'body (center) measures 90mm, approximately 10mm bigger than the Coyote's factory piece (left).
Since our first test with...
Since our first test with the larger throttle body involves mating it to the stock intake manifold, FRPP's adapter plate (PN M-9474-M50; $56.95) is required. A jumper harness (PN M-9926-M50) is included with the throttle body, and is required when installing the FRPP piece on a factory-stock Coyote or Boss 302 intake.
A new connector is the focal...
A new connector is the focal component in the harness. Once the factory pins are reset in the new connector and it's attached to the engine harness, the entire jumper harness is then routed to the throttle position sensor and electronic throttle control motor on the FRPP throttle body.
With the FRPP throttle-body/stock-intake...
With the FRPP throttle-body/stock-intake evaluation complete (dyno runs made), Chuck removes the assembly in preparation for the next test.
The Boss 302 intake manifold...
The Boss 302 intake manifold (PN PN M-9424-M50BR; $424.95) is a slick short-runner composite piece that bolts right up to a Coyote 5.0. The stock manifold (right) features longer runners that limit high-rpm performance.
We're using a slick set of...
We're using a slick set of insulation pads for the Boss 302 intake; interestingly enough, these are not available through Ford Racing. The foam pads limit the amount of engine heat that gets to the manifold by blocking the front and rear openings at the engine valley. These pieces must be purchased directly from Ford dealership service departments.