Engine-wise I'm currently all stock, and I want to start with the intake. Now I've done some research and I'm considering two options: First is a CAI combined with an SCT tuner. Second is a BBK TB and CAI with the stock tune. Right now I'm leaning toward the first option because It seems to have better reviews and the best benefit/headache ratio. I have a pretty good feeling that the second option will require a tune anyway because it will likely throw a code or two. What do you think?

 

Regarding your 2nd option, an aftermarket TB will yield no power gain and have been known to have installation issues. Also, a stand-alone CAI yields little power (MAYBE 3-5 RWHP) and even a no-tune-required CAI may throw a code.

Your 1st option; CAI & custom tune; is the way to go. It will yield about 3-5 times the power gain of a stand-alone CAI.

 

OK that was my gut feeling. I read from a review that a guy did a CAI and tune and claims they made him fail emissions (he also casually mentioned at the end that he had no cat lol) but I just wanted to be sure.

 

On occassion you'll find an overly aggressive tune that won't pass emissions or one that turned of the O2 sensors or what-have-you. You just call your tuner and have him send you an emission-friendly tune.

 

I recommend the JLT CAI & SCT Combo from AM! Made a night/day difference in performance on the 4.0

 

Nuke is right.
The TB won't help ya.

Get a CAI and a tune.
As far as which CAI... it does NOT MATTER.
They will all give you the same results.
As long as you get one WITH a tune.
Find one that fits your taste in looks and requires a tune to go with it.
So get a CAI/Hand held tuner/ and tune combo.
The tuner will be a intricate investment for later mods down the road.
Just about every performance mod you can do requires a tune or tune adjustment to what you already have tuned the car to.
Not all but pretty much all.

The ONE CAI I do NOT like is the K&N.

I think they are ugly and I hate the fact they advertise such b.s. gains when they say no tune required. Also their filters seem to be VERY small on most models.
I can't tell you how many friggin people I see with K&N stickers on their vehicles and have done no tune or anything and think they have a damn supercharger or something on their car.
(not to offend the folks with K&N's out there, as long as you went and got a tune. If you didn't get a tune, I cant really say I'm that concerned about offending you lol)

Popular brands are C&L, JLT, Steeda.
I like the looks of the JLT myself.

DO NOT get a CAI without a tune. IT IS A WASTE OF MONEY.
You might as well be buying a cool looking shoe in hopes it will make you a fast runner.
Without a tune you won't be gaining SQUAT in performance.

Happy Modding!
And btw... do you feel a fever coming on?
Because I think you are about to fall victim to the modding bug that has hit so many of us Mustang lovers! It can get to be an expensive illness hahaa!

 

Ordered the JLT intake with the sct tuner a couple days ago. Got the intake yesterday, should get the tuner today. Might do it tonight if I have the time. If not then I'll do it tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

 

Update: I love it! Using the performance tune now, next fill up I'll switch to premium to try the race tune.

 

The race tune is much better than the performance tune.

 

Congats and glad you enjoy it!