Let us help you improve the performance in your SN95 & New Edge Ford Mustang V6 by walking you how to select performance parts!
The 3.8L 1994-04 Mustang V6 was an economical solution to those who liked the looks of the SN95 Mustang but couldn’t afford the more expensive “high performance” Mustang GT & Cobra models. For many teenagers out there these Stangs were often their car. They provide a solid foundation with sporty looks and, in the case of the 99-04 New Edge design, decent performance.
Sorry, 94-98 owners but we have owned both the 94-98 and 99-04 V6 Mustang during our lifetimes, and the 94-98 models are just sub-par in factory 3.8 performance. Ford may have had an appearance package for these lowly Mustangs but it was not until the later S197 model that Ford had a V6 Performance Package in 2011 with its 300-horsepower 3.7-liter Duratec engine.
Just because these 3.8L boat anchor-equipped models do not feature a V8 doesn’t mean their performance cannot be improved!. Many of the same suspension and exterior components can be switched out with GT or Cobra parts to easily dress up the exterior and improve overall performance. Whether you have an automatic transmission or a manual transmission, a few simple bolt-ons can definitely improve your driving experience!
Since we have owned several of these V-6 Mustangs over the years, we want to share some of our experiences modding these V8 impaired Pony cars. You can make them extremely fun to drive and the best of all many of the performance, handling, and exterior mods won’t break the bank.
Before we look at these V6 Mustang performance modifications, let’s look at some of the specs and horsepower found in the 94-04 V6 Mustangs.
| Year | HP & Torque |
|---|---|
| 1994-95 Mustang V6 3.8L OHV (232 cid) | 145 hp & 215 lb-ft tq |
| 1996-98 Mustang V6 3.8L OHV (232 cid) | 150 hp & 215 lb-ft tq |
| 1999-00 Mustang V6 3.8L OHV Split Port Design (232 cid) | 190 hp & 220 lb-ft tq |
| 2001-04 Mustang V6 3.8L OHV Split Port Design (232 cid) | 193 hp & 225 lb-ft tq |
With the New Edge Mustang redesign in 1999, the 3.8L V6 underwent some changes that gave it a good boost in horsepower. The engine kept its OHV design; however the intake system got a major redesign with a larger throttle body, split port design intake manifold and better flowing cylinder heads. This added an extra 40 horsepower over the previous year model and put the V6 Mustang performance into Fox Body Mustang territory. While 225 lb lf of torque may not seem like much, the 193 horsepower was not bad back in 2004 for a base option V6 Mustang.
Installing a Cold Air Intake can add some muscle to these otherwise lackluster performers. These do not require a tune and can be bolted on within an hour or two from start to finish!
Swapping the OE Throttle Body paired with the Cold Air Intake is another great way to increase horsepower and throttle response!
Upgrading the exhaust system is one of the best ways to get your Mustang noticed! Not only that, extra power is a nice byproduct of these changes. In most cases, the OEM or aftermarket GT catback exhaust can be installed to increase the overall performance of your little pony that could!
Improving the handling of your V6 Mustang is one of the main factors that will drastically change the way your car feels. Suspension modifications like Lowering Springs, Coilover Kits, and Shocks and Struts are parts you do not want to ignore when it comes to running down those V8 Mustangs
For more ideas on upgrading the performance of your 1999-2004 3.8L Mustang, take a look at our New Edge First Mods article! As always, for even more tech and information regarding all things Mustang, keep it here with the real Mustang enthusiasts, LMR.com!
