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The Ford S550 Mustang Ecoboost is a powerful performance car that's perfect for upgrades. This car combines classic American muscle with modern technology, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. The Ecoboost version of the Mustang brings more power and better efficiency, making it a great choice for those looking to boost their car's performance.
Upgrading your Mustang goes beyond mere aesthetics, starting with key modifications like replacing the stock air intake system. High-quality air intakes do more than just raise horsepower figures; they play a critical role in improving engine efficiency and responsiveness. In this guide, we'll examine how an air intake upgrade can revolutionize your Mustang's driving dynamics, ensuring top-notch performance with every engine rev. This is about making your Mustang not only faster but also more responsive and enjoyable to drive
In selecting the best cold air intakes for the Ford Mustang S550 Ecoboost, we focused on performance enhancement, cost-effectiveness, build quality, and return on investment (ROI). Each product chosen here excels in these areas, promising to significantly boost power and efficiency in a cost-effective manner.
The Roush Cold Air Intake is a top-tier option for the 2018-2023 EcoBoost Mustang, offering a blend of power and simplicity. By replacing the restrictive stock air box with a high-flow, easy-to-maintain dry air filter, it significantly increases horsepower, torque, and throttle response. The Roush Cold Air Intake’s unique CAD-designed air box not only improves airflow but also adds aesthetic appeal with its clear window, allowing for easy filter checks. The best part? It enhances performance without needing a computer re-tune, though a custom tune could unlock further gains.
JLT's Performance Cold Air Intake stands out for its significant horsepower and torque gains when installed on a 2015-2023 EcoBoost Mustang. This system is designed for ease of use, featuring a reusable S&B high-flow air filter and a heat shield that blocks excess engine heat, maintaining power at lower speeds. The JLT Performance Cold Air Intake is also CARB certified, making it a great choice for owners that have to worry about visual inspections. While a computer re-tune isn't necessary, using a handheld tuner could further improve performance, making it a versatile and efficient upgrade.
The K&N Series 63 AirCharger Cold Air Intake is specifically designed for the S550 Mustang Ecoboost, with a focus on increasing airflow and reducing intake temperature. This results in noticeable improvements in horsepower, torque, and a more aggressive acceleration sound. The inclusion of a large K&N Cotton Gauze Clamp-On Air Filter ensures efficient filtration and airflow. While the K&N Series 63 AirCharger Cold Air Intake will improve performance, K&N recommends a custom ECU tune to get the most power from the cold air intake. The CAI’s design also features a unique heat shield for cooler air intake, making it a powerful and visually appealing upgrade for Mustang owners.
The Airaid MXP Series Cold Air Intake is an excellent upgrade for the 2.3L EcoBoost Mustang, offering a significant bump in horsepower and fuel efficiency. The Airaid MXP Series Cold Air Intake’s standout feature is the SynthaFlow filter, capable of trapping particles as small as two microns, ensuring the ultimate filtration. This filter is washable and reusable, offering long-term value and ease of maintenance. The intake's unique design, featuring a roto-molded box with a clear lid, not only improves airflow but also adds to your engine bay’s appearance. If you're looking for the ideal CARB compliant cold air intake for your Ecoboost Mustang, be sure to check out the Airaid MXP Series Cold Air Intake before pulling the trigger!
COBB's Cold Air Intake for the S550 Mustang EcoBoost is another great option, featuring durable aluminum pieces with a sleek black powdercoat finish. Its 3" mandrel-bent tubing and custom aluminum airbox ensure unrestricted airflow and some added engine bay bling. The kit includes a pre-oiled, reusable air filter, adding to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Installation is straightforward, requiring basic hand tools, and while a re-tune isn't necessary, a custom tune is recommended to maximize the COBB Cold Air Intake performance benefits.
The aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Intake, equipped with a Pro Dry S Filter, is a excellent choice if you're looking to improve horsepower, torque, and throttle response from your EcoBoost Mustang. The aFe Momentum GT Cold Air Intake boasts an integrated design that’s a big improvement compared to the stock air intake, with an air flow increase of 24%. The washable and reusable Pro Dry S air filter is designed for maximum performance and convenience, eliminating the need for oils. The intake's construction includes a heat-resistant housing with a clear sight window, simplifying filter inspection without the need for disassembly.
The Holley iNTECH Cold Air Intake is one of the best-performing air intakes available for the 2015-2023 Ford Mustang Ecoboost. This cold air intake adds an impressive +12.3 HP and +13.5 lb./ft. of torque across the powerband, making it a worthwhile upgrade. The Holley iNTECH Cold Air Intake’s unique patented Slip-Seal housing-filter-tube interface ensures a seamless and clamp-free installation. Its large, 4-layer dry air filter is washable, reusable, and eliminates the need for filter oils, preventing potential MAF sensor damage. Additionally, its design matches the engine compartment aesthetics, offering a stealthy under-hood appearance while utilizing factory mounting locations for ease of installation.
The Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake System is designed to significantly improve your S550’s performance, with dyno-proven gains of up to 23 HP and 21-pound/foot torque. Its large intake tube increases airflow velocity, while the Roto-molded polyethylene construction ensures durability and corrosion resistance. The Injen SuperNano-Web Dry Air Filter captures more dirt and debris and is both washable and reusable. The Injen Evolution Cold Air Intake System not only improves engine performance but also adds a factory-spec cold air intake that will serve you well for years to come.
Steeda Autosports' ProFlow Mustang Cold Air Intake for the 2015-2023 EcoBoost Mustang is a significant upgrade compared to the stock 2.3L Ecoboost’s factory air intake. The Steeda ProFlow Mustang Cold Air Intake includes a high-flow nano-fiber air filter and a 'race-tested' velocity stack entry, housed in a black rotary-molded heat shield with a durable rubber gasket. The intake tube is completely replaced from the CAI box to the turbo, enhancing airflow and efficiency. This intake not only improves horsepower and torque but is also a great supporting mod for Ecoboost Mustang owners who are looking for an FBO build and a tune for maximum power without going too crazy.
The MAP Cold Air Intake Kit for the Ford EcoBoost Mustang offers more than just a performance boost; it improves how your S550 feels no matter how you drive it. With a 3" 304 stainless steel construction built for longevity and optimal airflow, the MAP Cold Air Intake Kit’s mandrel-bent design minimizes restriction, with a reusable air filter that makes service easy. This kit is designed as a factory replacement for your stock air intake, reusing all factory connections, and doesn't require a tune, ensuring you don’t have any check engine lights pop up. The dyno-proven gains are noticeable across the entire power band, making the MAP Cold Air Intake Kit a valuable addition for any owner who’s looking for an easy upgrade.
Air intake systems are crucial components in modern vehicles, especially in performance-focused models like the S550 Mustang Ecoboost. Their primary role is to channel air into the engine for combustion. A well-designed system ensures that the air is clean, cool, and delivered efficiently. By replacing a restrictive factory intake, an aftermarket air intake can provide significant horsepower gains for relatively cheap.
Aftermarket air intakes enhance engine performance by improving airflow and enhancing air charge density. This leads to more efficient combustion, resulting in increased horsepower, torque, and sometimes improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, an aftermarket air intake can improve throttle response, making your Ecoboost Mustang feel more responsive and agile.
There are various types of air intakes available for the S550 Mustang Ecoboost. These range from simple drop-in replacement filters to complete intake systems that replace the entire factory setup. Some systems focus on maximizing power gains, while others prioritize filtration efficiency and engine protection.
Selecting the right air intake for your S550 Mustang Ecoboost involves considering several factors. Ensuring the air intake will fit your specific Mustang model is a critical first step. Additionally, the intended use of the vehicle, whether for daily driving, racing, or both, will influence the choice. Quality of construction, ease of maintenance, and the potential for performance gains should also be considered.
Regularly check and clean the air filter, especially in dusty conditions.
Inspect all components during routine maintenance for any signs of wear or damage.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filter cleaning and replacement intervals.
When upgrading your S550 Mustang Ecoboost, consider these complementary modifications to further enhance your car's performance and driving dynamics:
Upgrading to a catback exhaust system is not just about getting a more aggressive exhaust note. It's about efficiency and power. A well-designed catback system reduces backpressure, allowing your engine to exhale more freely, and this can lead to modest horsepower gains. Additionally, the right performance exhaust system adds a distinct character to your Mustang, with a richer, more pronounced sound that resonates with muscle car enthusiasts.
Coilover suspension is a game-changer for handling and aesthetics. By replacing your Mustang's stock suspension with coilovers, you gain the ability to adjust the ride height to your preference, which can range from a subtle drop for a more aggressive stance to a configuration optimized for track performance. More importantly, coilovers offer improved handling characteristics. With stiffer springs and adjustable dampers, you can dial in the suspension to reduce body roll, improve cornering stability, and enhance overall driving dynamics.
Adding an aftermarket downpipe can significantly improve your Mustang's performance. An exhaust downpipe is a critical component in turbocharged vehicles like the Ecoboost Mustang, as it connects the turbo to the exhaust system. Upgrading to a larger, less restrictive downpipe allows for better exhaust flow, reducing turbo lag and potentially increasing power output. This upgrade, especially when combined with an ECU tune and an aftermarket exhaust, can lead to big horsepower and torque gains, making it a popular choice for those looking to improve their Mustang EcoBoost's performance.
Selecting the right air intake system for your S550 Mustang Ecoboost is a great modification for owners who are looking for an easy performance upgrade. A quality air intake can lead to better throttle response, less turbo lag, and a more efficient engine at any RPM. Choosing any of the aftermarket cold air intakes we’ve highlighted is a great choice when it's time to upgrade and we bet you’ll be wondering why you didn’t buy one sooner!
Thank you for reading our guide to Ford S550 Mustang Ecoboost Air Intakes. Looking for more detailed insights and guides on Ford Mustang Ecoboost modifications? Be sure to check out our other tuning guides including our guides on S550 Ecoboost performance exhaust systems, coilovers, and a deep dive into the Mustang S550 platform as a whole. We appreciate you reading and as always happy wrenching!
Yes, installing a cold air intake is a common and effective upgrade for the Mustang EcoBoost.
The horsepower gain varies, but it can range from 5 to 20 HP depending on the intake and other modifications.
On average, a cold air intake can add about 10-20 horsepower to an EcoBoost Mustang.
The 2.3 EcoBoost engine is robust and, with proper tuning and supporting mods, can handle significant power increases well beyond its factory output.
Beyond a cold air intake, consider upgrades like a performance tune, exhaust system, downpipe, and intercooler to increase power and efficiency.
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