The Ford Mustang (S550) is the current and sixth generation of the iconic pony car. The Mustang GT continues to impress with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-liter V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that help boost output to 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. A new intake manifold features charge motion-controlled valves to partially close off the port flow at lower engine speeds to increases the air charge for improved air-fuel mixing and, thus, better efficiency and idle stability. Purists who go for the V8 version, instead of the base model with the turbo inline-four, are definitely performance enthusiasts. Many of these GT owners won’t stop there, though, and look to the aftermarket for mods that will enhance the Mustang’s naturally impressive engine.
One of the first mods many Mustang owners do is replace the restrictive factory air intake system with an upgraded aftermarket version. By swapping out the OE system, you can help the 5.0-liter V8 breathe more air and cooler air that will enhance its overall efficiency and performance. The result means a faster throttle response, higher power figures, and an overall more enjoyable driving experience. Not to mention, a new air intake system can really add a bit of oomph to your engine bay and can add a bolder sound to your ride as well. There are a number of reputable brands on the automotive aftermarket that produce quality air intake kits for the S550 Mustang V8 models. We have listed five of the best options out there to help you get started. Be sure to also browse our complete inventory of air intake products for the Ford Mustang S550 right here.
1. Corsa Performance Closed Box Air Intake
The Corsa Performance Closed Box Air Intake is available with the brand’s DryTech 3D Filter or MaxFlow 5 Filter. With this intake, you are guaranteed to get the coldest and freshest air, because the system provides a completely enclosed and insulated intake track from outside of the car straight into the engine. The Corsa Closed Box Air Intake features a roto-molded construction and is designed to deliver unmatched aesthetics and optimal performance benefits for your V8 Mustang. This intake comes with the option of two high-performance filters: Dry Tech 3D no-oil filtration and MaxFlow 5 oiled filtration. The former is recommended for those who prefer the easy maintenance associated with a non-oiled filter but the performance gains of a traditional cotton gauze media. The latter is ideal for high-performance street vehicles looking for maximum power gains. With its generously oversized air filter and inverted cone technology, this air intake outflows the stock counterpart by nearly 20 percent, creating up to 20 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque.
Features:
- Outflows Stock Intake Improving Performance
- Shields Engine Heat Reducing Airflow Temperatures
- Re-usable High-Performance Filtration Options (DryTech, MaxFlow)
- Up to 50,000 miles no maintenance
- 98%+ Filtration Efficiency
- Bolt-On Power, Installs in Minutes
- No Tune Required. (Tune May Enhance Performance)
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
2. JLT Performance Cold Air Intake Kit
The JLT Performance Cold Air Intake Kit for the V8 Mustang is improved and better than ever! It’s been fully computer-designed to optimize space and deliver the best fit and finish. It includes a large 5-inch filter inlet with a radiused end for a smoother airflow across the MAF (120mm). The intake tube itself measures 4.5 inches at the throttle body side in preparation for larger aftermarket throttle bodies to be installed. This intake system has a fully roto-molded heat shield and fresh air duct to the grille designed to keep inlet air temperatures as low as possible so you can enjoy improved performance. What’s more, JLT only uses the best air filters made by S&B to their strict specifications so you can rest assured that both the oiled and dry filter variants provide excellent filtration properties. With a large 5-inch opening on the intake tube, JLT needed a huge filter; the result is a monstrous 5×7-inch air filter with a built-in bellmouth for even more airflow. JLT designed this intake system to be an easy bolt-on installation, so no permanent modifications are necessary to upgrade your S550’s performance.
Features:
- Fully computer designed to optimize space
- Large 5″ filter inlet with radiused end for smooth airflow
- Comes with a roto-molded heat shield w/ fresh air duct
- Designed to keep inlet air temperatures as cool as possible
- JLT Black Textured Intake Tube
- 5×7 S&B Powerstack air filter
- Options: Red oiled, Blue oiled, White dry filter
- Delivers a perfect fit and finish
- Quick and easy installation
- JLT-specific tune is required with this kit
3. aFe Power Momentum GT Intake System
The aFe Power Momentum GT Intake System uses a CAD-designed, dyno-tuned, roto-molded intake tube to achieve maximum power gains while maintaining a perfect fit on your V8 Mustang. Three CNC machined, high-quality billet aluminum fittings are mounted on the tube to provide a seamless connection with the vehicle’s factory vacuum lines. A custom CAD-designed roto-molded housing is made from heat soak-resistant material and eliminates the use of multiple components for a simpler installation process. The entire construction is highly durable for long-lasting performance so you can enjoy its benefits for years and years to come, so long as you properly maintain the filter.
Speaking of, the Momentum GT intake system was designed around the largest air filter possible to allow for maximum power gains as well as excellent filtration and overall performance. This intake system is available with either aFe’s large Pro DRY S or Pro 5R performance air filter. The former features three layers of progressively finer mesh synthetic oil-free media and the latter has five layers of finer mesh cotton gauze oiled media. Both are made with 100% polyurethane frame for long life and multiple cleaning cycles. Best of all, this system includes a large, clear sight window that is used for easy filter inspection so you can ensure the air filter is clean and optimally functoning.
Features:
- Dyno-Proven Gains up to +15 hp & +24 lb.-ft. torque
- Outflows Factory Intake by 25%
- Measured Flow: 221 CFM @ 1.5″ H2O
- Computer-Designed Roto-Molded Intake Tube w/ One-Piece Sealed Housing
- Washable and Reusable Pro 5R Air Filter for Maximum Performance – OR –
- Washable and Reusable Pro DRY S Air Filter for Maximum Convenience
- CNC Machined Billet Aluminum Fittings
- Built-in Sight Window Provides Easy Inspection of Filter Without Disassembly
- Unique (Patent Pending) Housing-to-Filter Interface for Easy Installation
4. K&N Performance Blackhawk Air Intake
The K&N Blackhawk Air Intake Kit is not only designed to look impressive under the hood of your Mustang GT, but also engineered to reduce factory restriction and improve airflow. Enjoy increased power gains, an enhanced engine sound, and outstanding filtration to protect your Mustang’s V8 engine. K&N intakes undergo rigorous testing and the resulting power and torque gains are quite impressive. Dyno tests have shown that this intake system will give your car an additional 9.5 horsepower at 7002 RPMs and 23 pound-feet of torque resulting from the enhanced airflow. It also enhances your throttle response and delivers a more aggressive sound well-mated to the pony car. The Blackhawk Cold Air Intake can be used immediately after installation without reprogramming your Mustang’s computer. Even so, a custom tune to recalibrate the ECU is highly recommended for optimum performance.
This intake features lightweight aluminum tubing cut and shaped to precise specs and the surface is carefully worked to remove any imperfections with a K&N engraved metal plate welded on it. The intake tubes are powder-coated with a durable and bold-looking flat black finish to elevate your engine bay’s appearance. K&N Blackhawk induction systems feature an oversized, conical-shaped, oil-free, black DryFlow synthetic air filter that maximized efficient airflow. This filter media can be used for up to 100,000 miles (under normal driving conditions) before cleaning is needed. Boasting excellent filtration properties, this layered, non-woven media has a pleated configuration to enable high dust holding capacity to deliver improved performance that is unmatched by the competition. K&N Blackhawk cold air intakes are guaranteed to provide proven power gains and are protected by the K&N 10-Year/Million-Mile Limited Warranty.
Features:
- Guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque
- Enhances your vehicle’s overall engine sound
- Outflows the factory intake for heightened performance
- Powder-coated aluminum intake tube paired with dry synthetic air filter
- Engineered to provide high airflow and exceptional filtration
- Free-flowing, mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube
- Includes a black, non-woven, synthetic air filter and heat shield
- Free-Flowing, Mandrel-Bent Aluminum Tube
- Filter only requires cleaning every 100,000 miles
- Straightforward install with simple hand tools
- 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty
5. Injen EVOLUTION Cold Air Intake System
The Injen EVOLUTION Cold Air Intake System is, quite literally, the evolution of CAI kits. This system represents the next generation of performance intakes by Injen Technology. Specifically engineered for the Mustang GT, this system will deliver heightened performance with proven power gains to take your ride to the next level. Every EVOLUTION cold air intake is crafted from cross-linked high-density polyethylene for extreme durability and longevity. The box has a forward-facing ram air scoop to provide fresh, clean air to your engine so it can breathe better. The one-piece sealed housing uses Injen’s all-new Twist-Lock System to securely attach the large SuperNano-Web Dry air filter in place. The housing also includes a Clear-View badge for a cleaner and more aggressive underhood look as well as quick and easy filter inspections.
The EVOLUTION Cold Air Intake was designed to use the maximum amount of space available under the hood of your Mustang GT to ensure optimum breathing room and extreme performance. This kit uses a custom roto-molded and tuned tube to provide huge power increases while retaining a quality OE fit. The tube also utilizes the brand’s patented MR Technology for accurate fuel trims to ensure safe power improvements without the risk of throwing a check engine light. This intake system was precisely tuned and tested on Injen’s in-house dyno to replicate stock fueling while increasing horsepower and torque. The result is an increase of up to 26 horsepower and 23 pound-feet of torque.
Features:
- Dyno Proven gains of up to 26 hp and 23 lb-ft. of torque
- Designed to work with the stock calibration
- Aggressive intake growl under acceleration
- Durable Roto-Molded Polyethylene housing and intake tube
- Fully functioning, forward-facing ram air scoop
- Reinforced automotive grade silicone couplers
- Fully serviceable Injen SuperNano-Web dry air filter
- Replacement air filter part number x-1106-BB
- Stainless steel band clamps with an inner protective liner
- Aggressive under hood appearance while maintaining an OE fit
- Injen Technology Limited Lifetime Warranty
