2020 Ford Mustang
The 2020 Ford Mustang returns packing either a 2.3L EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder or a 5.0L Coyote V8. Concerning the EcoBoost motor, a new High Performance package is available that bumps up power output to 330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Alongside the extra power, pony cars equipped with this High Performance package will also get larger brake rotors, upgraded four-piston calipers, a 3.55 limited slip rear diff, active valve plus a long list of small visual changes. The bigger 5.0L Coyote motor remains rated at 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, sent to the wheels via a MT82 6-speed transmission or a 10-speed automatic. Other changes include three new wheel packages and a swap out of four paint colors.
Flow More Air
One way to get more power out of a 2020 Mustang is by getting more air into, and this starts with the throttle body. Upgrading to a larger than stock throttle body - which measures in at 80 mm for 2020 S550 GT cars - will increase flow through to the intake. Aftermarket throttle body sizing usually ranges from 85-90 mm, with as large as 100-105 mm being available. The latter, at such a big diameter, are reserved for use with a supercharger, as no naturally aspirated 5.0L needs a throttle body that big. Rather, the 85-90 mm size is where naturally aspirated 5.0L Mustangs will want to stick, where even a 90 mm throttle body would do well in a forced induction application (at lower boost pressures). On their own, a throttle body is not so much of a power adder, but a supporter of it. An 85 mm throttle body will work well with a stock 5.0L, but really shine and help support big power gains when combined with other modifications like a new tune, intake manifold or cam swap. While a tune is not necessary for a throttle body around the 85 mm mark, it is recommended to provide maximum performance. Conversely, if stepping up to a 90 mm version, the PCM does need to be re-calibrated in order to account for the extra air flow. Regarding construction, these are all fly-by-wire units made from CNC aluminum. The one area to watch out for is the electronics - throttle bodies using OEM-style sensors and connectors are plug-and-play and should not present any compatibility problems.
Rocker Panel Style
Dress up your 2020 Mustang with a unique set of side skirts and rocker panels. There are a ton of different styles available, ranging from factory mimicked options like the GT350 or GT500 to completely custom designs. Running from the back of the front fender to the front of the rear fender, many of the aftermarket rocker panels are part of a styling kit that could include further side winglets, quarter panel scoops, chin spoilers and splitters. Generally constructed from ABS plastic, a new set of rocker panels is a quick and easy way to change the side appearance of your Mustang. Most manufacturers leave their skirts unfinished, in the natural black of the ABS plastic. It can be left as such (the factory rockers are usually left as a two-tone theme) or painted to match. Further, swapping out the rocker panels doesn't involve any cutting or welding. As they are an appearance item, they bolt over (using factory holes) the actual factory pinch seams and rocker box.
Tinting the Lights
Another easy (and in this case, inexpensive) appearance modification to make is by adding tint or covers to the exterior lights. The main difference between the two - a tint or a light cover - is cost and ease of installation. Smoking or blacking out the lights for a more aggressive look, or giving them a Euro-like yellow glow can be achieved with either system. Covers are mainly available for the main lights, such as the head lamps, tail lights, turn signals and fog lights. They stick in place using automotive adhesive tape, which takes no effort at all. Tint, on the other hand, can be applied to virtually any light, as it is extremely versatile to contour and shape (for example, tinting the side mirror puddle lamps or door sill lamps). In order to get a seamless appearance, more attention needs to be paid attention when using the tint film. Air bubbles are the enemy here, thus tinting takes a little longer to do and is a bit more difficult to remove.
