Alright well I just got my 05 Mustang V6 and I was wondering what the best option of increasing the horsepower would be. I have considered headers and dual exhaust, but was wondering if there was anything cheaper that would give me somewhat of the same results as headers and exhaust. I heard that superchargers werent out yet for the V6, so my next option would be headers and exhaust. So if there is a cheaper way to get the same power, please let me know.
Headers and duals are going to cost you over $1,000. For about $750 you can add a CAI and a new tune. This is the best bang for your buck in my opinion. Check this website out for some good ideas on your new V6. Welcome to the club!
Headers, CAI, duals and a custom tune should produce about 40-45HP on the V6. That will almost put you on equal ground with the stock 1999-2004 GT's. If you do most of the work yourself you are loking at under $2,000 for the mods.
the absol;ute best bang for the buck has always been rear end gears. the 3.31 gears really improved the v6 performance this year but going to 3.70s would be awesome and likely under $400. do all the engine and exhaust work you want but getting the power to the ground is the most effective.
The best bang for your buck is going to be nitrous. You WILL notice a difference in performance. Next would be a tune. It's not that the tune adds a lot of HP, but it will clean up your shift points and get rid of the throttle lag. It will make the car feel faster, and that makes a big difference. Beyond that, look at a true CAI, not one of the versions that sucks hot air from under the hood. And a decent muffler. Personally I'm not convinced headers are worth the price, the stock exhaust manifolds flow quite well. The few dyno reports I've seen after headers were added showed only tiny gains. If you dent one or more of the header tubes by driving over a speed bump or something, you will negate any benefits you may have had anyway.
Gears do make a difference from a dead stop, they get you into your peak power range quicker. But from a roll the benefit isn't as great, because you're just talking a difference in gear shifting at that point (IE, with 4:10's you might downshift to 2nd gear to launch from 30 mph, with stock gears you go to 1st gear) Most people recommend going with 4.10's. But if you're planning on supercharging in the future, 3.70's are better. Do go with traction lock if you switch gears. You're looking at around a grand with parts and installation.
Printable Version
Best Bang for the Buck? - 
