Our Project Mustang has been doing just fine with its new suspension and tires which have drastically improved the car’s handling. With the chassis doing a lot better and with the car’s factory Brembo brakes adequate for now, we decided to do the classic Mustang thing and tackle the engine. Our first step will be the addition of an AEM air intake.
The late model Mustang does not use the venerable 5 liter Windsor motor or even the yeoman duty SOHC 3 valve modular motor but a thoroughly modern DOHC quad cam 4 valve per cylinder variant of the modular platform known as the Coyote.
The Coyote is a true world class engine on par with anything out of Japan or Europe just begging for more juice. With its deeply webbed all aluminum 6 bolt main block, high flowing finger follower DOHC heads and 11:1 compression ratio our version of the Coyote pumps out a respectable 420 hp and 390 lb/ft of torque.
The Coyote aftermarket is highly developed even if it’s not yet at the same level as the good old Windsor which had the advantage of being in production for over 40 years. We’re excited to see just what we can do to get easy power out of it.
Going back to our youth a Windsor small block was one of the first engines we attempted to modify. When we modded the ENTIRE engine from pistons, rods, to crank, to roller rockers and big port and valve heads, our engine managed to put out 240 whp which was a lot for back then. The only OEM part to remain on our engine was , hmmm the block casting…. We think the Coyote will do much better.
As a first step, we decided that a little better intake breathing was in order so we obtained a cold air intake from AEM Intakes. We have always had good results from AEM Intakes. It is getting harder and harder to extract easy bolt on power from modern engines. Gone are the days when you could get good gains from some tubing and a cone filter. AEM intakes are extensively engineered to extract dyno proven power gains and not piss off today’s engines smarter ECUs. How did the intake do on our car? Let’s see!
Read more about project Mustang!
As typical the AEM Induction intake kit is very complete and well made with thorough instructions. We hate to admit it but yes we read them sometimes, usually after we mess something up.
The intake features a genuine fully sealed and rotationally molded airbox to make sure the intake air is completely isolated from hot underhood air. The air intake snorkel is much bigger than the stock airbox.
AEM’s signature Dryflow filter is used. The Dryflow element filters particulates out to near OEM levels of efficiency while providing excellent flow. The best thing is the filter does not need to be oiled and can be washed and reused.
The AEM intake tube is large diameter and smooth for better airflow. It also integrates the mass airflow meter and has provisions for all the OEM fittings.
