The EcoBoost Mustang has been around the automotive market for years at this point and has
cemented itself as a
staple of the Mustang lineup. Since 2015, the EcoBoost
has been proving itself as
versatile enough to go between
heavy modification and racing but also durable enough to then be used every day as a
daily driver too. The
secondhand market for the EcoBoost has exploded since many rental agencies have brought
them on as well as Ford
discontinuing the V6 model. The EcoBoost is the most fuel-efficient version of the
muscle car at 30 mpg on the
highway as well. With the EcoBoost being so easy to modify, it makes a great platform to create custom work
unique for owners whether
performance-based or otherwise. The EcoBoost can handle a lot more power efficiently,
and to make sure it
performs how each owner wants there are more than enough modifications available for it.
The 4-cylinder Mustang
can be turned into one heck of a performance bargain when fitted with the right parts and
modifications, whether they are
turbo upgrades, tires, or anything else! You may be asking yourself what mods are the
best for your EcoBoost
Mustang, and we’ve got your answers right here at Steeda Central!
EcoBoost Handling Mods
Short Throw Shifter
Rear IRS Subframe Support Braces
EcoBoost Mustang Engine
Upgrades
SCT X4 Tuner
Exhaust Systems
EcoBoost Mustang Inerior Upgrades
Corbeau/Recaro Bucket Seats
End Result With Your EcoBoost Mustang
Without any modifications, the EcoBoost Mustang actually handles very well. With a much
lighter engine (150lbs
lighter) than the V8 block over the front end, the car has better turn-in and
responsiveness over other models.
With a healthy 300+ hp in the chassis, the weight distribution ends up balancing very
well, especially along
with the EcoBoost High Performance Pack. However, for the serious driving enthusiast,
the factory parts can
always be upgraded to perform even better. With a car like the Mustang, driver engagement is a heavy focus. The EcoBoost Mustang is no
different, and it is
designed to be a serious driver’s car. One thing that works wonders to connect the
driver more with their car is
to upgrade the shifter setup. Obviously this only works in the manual-equipped models,
but upgrading your
shifter setup can completely change how the car feels while driving and can connect the
driver to the car more.
Upgrading to a short-throw shifter setup, like our Tri-Ax, can actually make the car
more reliable as well in
the long run because of the more performance-oriented setup. The benefits from upgrading
your shifter include
more precise shift feel, crisper changes, and can build confidence in your own driving
ability. We have worked extensively on our Q350 EcoBoost Handling Build which has proven itself as one
of the best handling cars we have made thus far. While the Q350
Handling Build is not
for sale, we have used it to benchmark all of the handling upgrades for the EcoBoost
Mustang. One of the upgrades we’ve made that had noticeable benefits immediately was our
upgraded rear IRS subframe support braces. With the S550 being the first Mustang to use
independent rear suspension since the early 2000’s Cobra, we knew we would be able to
improve upon it and make the handling just that much better than stock. We’ve utilized
existing threaded holes in the rocker panel (the strongest part of the body) and
connected that to the front mounting location of the IRS subframe and the rear mount of
the lower control arm and toe link. Connecting these 3 points together not only adds
rigidity that was lacking in the rear, but also more control of the whole car. As a
result, your EcoBoost Mustang will corner flatter and more composed as it gets back onto
straight roads.
The EcoBoost motor is easy to modify to higher output, and a simple tune is able to do quite
a lot for the 2.3-liter
turbo-powered motor. With the SCT
X4 tuner, we’ve seen these engines get an increase of
around 45 horsepower over stock.
The additional power comes as a welcome change to the car’s already 300+ horsepower and
brings it much closer to the
current Mustang GT’s horsepower figure of 460 horsepower. Without increasing the weight
of the car, this tuner brings
the EcoBoost up to another level of performance with it nearing 400 horsepower in the
top application without any other
engine modifications. With the tune being legal in every state as well, it is a
worry-free way to seriously boost your
EcoBoost Mustang’s power. While the EcoBoost Mustang lacks the stereotypical throaty V8 exhaust note associated with
the Mustang, a proper aftermarket performance exhaust setup can both add power to your
car as well as making it sound cooler than the quiet stock exhaust. Similar to the Focus
RS, there are tons of aftermarket exhausts
available for the car. With the
EcoBoost, the
options include downpipes, full cat-back exhausts, axle-back exhaust, and resonator
deletes, all of which have their own benefits and improvements to the car. Modifying
your exhaust on an EcoBoost can yield major performance benefits as well with just a
tune and downpipes like most turbo cars can, and a good exhaust can make your EcoBoost
Mustang sounds like a track-prepped sports car as well.
While the stock seats in the EcoBoost Mustang are perfectly nice for the average enthusiast,
they do not offer a dramatic amount of support under higher performance driving
situations. However, if you intend to take your EcoBoost to the track for some serious
driving, the factory fabric seats might not be enough for you. Choosing to upgrade to
any aftermarket
racing-style or sport bucket seats will give an immediate difference in
how you sit in the car as it corners as well as under hard acceleration.
Sport bucket seats also add to curb appeal, with many of them looking aggressive and
complimenting the interior of the car as well. A good set of seats can both make the car
look more aggressive while sitting still as well as hold the driver in their seat
without sliding on the track. Paired with the sport-tuned suspension that is found in
the Mustang as well as any other suspension or handling upgrades, performance bucket
seats can make a massive difference during any harder or more aggressive driving like on
track that you will feel within the first turn or two.
At the end of the day, what you do to your EcoBoost Mustang is up to you. Whether you want to
lower it on air suspension and put on body kits or you want to upgrade the performance
and turn it into a track build or anything in between is available since the S550 is one
of the most customizable Mustangs ever. With these five mods, the EcoBoost Mustang can
very easily be turned into a full-blown performance track car while still retaining
drivability as an everyday driver. While doing every mod might make it into a bit of a
track weapon like our Q350 package, a healthy balance of modifications will make the car
drive at the best of its ability. All of the mods listed above are readily available to
customize and upgrade your EcoBoost Mustang however you want to here at Steeda.
Fox Body Mustang: Everything You Need To Know Mustang EcoBoost: Everything You Need To Know Beginners Guide To Modifying Your S550 MustangBest Mustang EcoBoost Parts
EcoBoost Mustang Handling Parts
Short Throw Shifter
Rear IRS Subframe Support Braces
EcoBoost Mustang Engine Upgrades
SCT X4 Performance Tuner
Exhaust Systems
EcoBoost Mustang Interior Upgrades
Corbeau/Recaro Bucket Seats
End Result With Your EcoBoost Mustang
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