The 1st generation Ford Mustangs together with the 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Charger, and Pontiac GTO are among the original American muscle cars. We are not referring to the stock variants of these venerable models. Oftentimes these muscle cars have superchargers installed, and their modified engines propel them like rockets.

Half a century later, some of these performance vehicles have been reincarnated. The classic Ford Mustang muscle car has been transformed to the 5th generation Ford Mustang and its lineage in terms of looks and performance is apparent even without the Mustang tuning. With 300 horses under its hood (for the GT model) and a heavy-duty 5-speed manual transmission, this beauty has the engine power to race.

Performance is Not Based on Power Alone

Talk to any race car driver and he will assert that raw power is nothing without control.

This is especially so in technical tracks with winding roads and uneven surfaces. It is not just a question of how much horsepower your engine possesses, but the amount of effective horsepower. Remember that power is rendered useless if traction is not optimized. In this regard, suspension, aerodynamics, weight, and even the type of tires used become significant factors.

If you want improvement on the performance of your vehicle, it is advised that your initial Ford Mustang tuning be focused on upgrading the suspension system. Racing suspension kits will help keep your tires on the road for maximum traction. Those aerodynamic body kits not only make your vehicle aesthetically appealing, but they provide stability and more traction as well.

If you want even better handling and stability, you may opt for body lowering; however, this is advisable only if the road conditions warrant it.

You can also improve handling by reducing the weight of the vehicle. Usually this is done by replacing the stock hood with carbon fiber ones.

Have the Power to Stop

It is not enough that you can drive fast in your Ford Mustang and that it maneuvers well. It should be able to stop when you want it to. Unfortunately, this action becomes more difficult at high driving velocity. And this is further compounded by adverse road conditions. Braking has a lot to do with factors like disc pads, rotor discs, tire type, and ABS set-up. There are brake upgrade kits available which can enhance the braking power of your vehicle.

If you want the best in terms of stopping power, you can have racing pads installed. But note that these work effectively only when they’re hot. Needless to say, they are less efficient in ordinary everyday driving. There are standard brake pad upgrades, which perform significantly better even in normal temperatures. However, they still do not match the ultimate braking power of racing pads.

With this relatively basic Mustang tuning, your already high-performance vehicle will drive even better. And if you have some more cash to spend, there are other upgrades to splurge on. In fact, given the technology and options available, the process of upgrading could be endless.

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