How to Add More Horsepower to the 2010 Mustang

The 2010 Ford Mustang is a two-door, rear-wheel drive sports/muscle car available in two distinct trim lines: the base model with a 4.0 L V-6 engine and the GT model with a 4.6 L V-8 engine. Both models have a wide variety of aftermarket options, including many designed to increase engine horsepower. Note that although both engines can benefit from performance aftermarket upgrades, the Mustang GT will typically receive greater horsepower gains from aftermarket modifications due to the increased engine size and two extra cylinders.

• 1

  Replace the factory cold-air intake with a performance aftermarket intake. The cold-air intake is located in the front of the engine bay on the passenger's side and is responsible for cooling the air that enters the engine itself. Performance intakes are able to cool air more effiiciently, which results in moderate power boost of between 8 and 15 horsepower depending on the make and model of the intake. Cold-air intakes are a popular aftermarket modification because they are relatively inexpensive (typically between $100 and $200) and easy to install, and they can also improve the gas mileage of the Mustang.

• 2

  Replace the factory exhaust and/or headers with performance aftermarket upgrades. Headers connect the engine to the exhaust, while the exhaust itself funnels hot air away from the engine bay. Aftermarket header and exhaust systems are typically wider than stock systems and allow more airflow, which results in an increase in horsepower as well as a louder, more aggressive exhaust note that many Mustang owners find desirable. These modifications are fairly complicated and generally require an automotive lift, so it is recommended that you have them professionally done unless you have extensive experience with installing performance upgrades.

• 3

  Install a supercharger or a turbocharger kit. Superchargers and turbochargers, also known as forced-air induction systems, stuff vast amounts of air into the engine. This produces a massive boost in power, sometimes over 100 horsepower, depending on Mustang trim line and specific supercharger or turbocharger kit. These kits typically cost several thousand dollars and are extremely difficult to install, but no single modification will provide nearly the power boost of a forced-air induction installation.