An Inexpensive Way to Get Horsepower on a 3.8 Mustang
- 1). Use high-octane fuel when filling up your Mustang. High-octane fuel provides a modest boost in horsepower, and is one of the most inexpensive ways to increase the power of your Mustang. It typically costs only 10 to 20 cents more per gallon compared to lower-octane fuel.
- 2). Install a performance aftermarket cold air intake system to replace the Ford Mustang's stock air intake system. Performance aftermarket cold air intake systems improve airflow into the engine, which in turn increases horsepower. Cold air intake systems typically cost between $150 and $300 and can be installed at home with the proper tools.
- 3). Install a nitrous oxide injection system. Such systems allow the driver to inject nitrous oxide into the fuel line at the push of a button, which provides a short but massive boost to horsepower. Nitrous oxide injection systems come in many different sizes and varieties, but some of the smaller systems can be purchased for only a few hundred dollars.
- 4). Install a performance computer chip to reprogram your Mustang engine's on-board computer. Performance computer chips modify the operations of the on-board engine, which controls and monitors the performance of the Mustang engine. By default, the computer is programmed for a mix of performance and economy, but aftermarket computer chips program the computer for maximum performance. They typically cost between $300 and $600 depending on brand and model.