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Ford Mustang and Mustang GT 1994-2014: Aftermarket Modifications

The Ford Mustang is a terrific car because it not only packs a ton of power, it’s also easy to customize with aftermarket components. Mustang owners have been doing this for years now, and it’s made the car one of the more popular choices on the market. Some of the more common updates made include new grilles, updated braking systems, and new stereo systems. If you’re considering one of these updates, read on to learn more about what they entail, and who you should shop for.

By Jeffrey Bausch - September 30, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang and Mustang GT (1994-2014).

The Ford Mustang is one of the best cars to modify with aftermarket components for two reasons. One, a majority of the upgrades are easy to do yourself and two, they make an already great car look even better. There are plenty of ways to update your Mustang, but some of the more popular include grilles, brakes, and stereos. If done right, these components will give your Mustang a fresh new look, and increase its overall value. The following is a guide to selecting the right aftermarket components to update your Mustang with.

Aftermarket Modifications

Grilles

DIY Cost – $75+

Professional Cost – $300, plus the cost of the grille

Skill Level – Easy; this task involves replacing an easily accessible part of the car.

One of the easiest ways to update the look of your Mustang is to replace the stock grille with a specially-designed aftermarket option. The right selection can give your vehicle a whole new look. There are plenty of options to choose from, though the most popular are the billet and mesh. If you’re in the market for one, reputable brands to be on the lookout for include GrillCraft, APG, and Duraflex.ake sure the grille you want is designed for durability; some look shiny and new, but will chip away when the first pebble strikes it. That said, you want grilles that have less plastic and more aluminum/metal components.

Most aftermarket grilles come with the necessary hardware for self-installation, but this is not a guarantee—request confirmation that the screws and bolts are included with your purchase. Actual installation can be done at home and should take about a half hour. You’ll need flat and Phillips head screw drivers, a ratchet/socket set and, depending on the grill purchased, possibly a drill gun.

Brakes

DIY Cost – $350+

Professional Cost – $300 plus the cost of pads, rotors, kit

Skill Level – Hard; this task involves replacing a difficult-to-access system of the car.

Perhaps a bit less noticeable, upgrading your Mustang’s brakes with aftermarket models instead is a terrific way to improve the performance of your car. Choosing the right brakes can give your car significantly greater stopping power and, thus, more control over it. There are several brake options to choose from—most popular among Mustang owners are cross-drilled and slotted rotors. Reputable brands to be aware of include Power Stop, Hawk, and Baer.

Stereos

DIY Cost – $100+

Professional Cost – $250 plus the cost of pads, rotors, kit

Skill Level – Moderate; this task involves updating a component in the electrical system of the car.

Perhaps the most commonly upgraded component in a Mustang, and cars in general, is the stereo. This is because there are so many options on the market to choose from, and a good majority of them are affordable. Most of the time, the more you pay, the better the quality, and a nice sounding stereo will be obvious to most passengers.ow will you interact with the stereo? Do you need one with a CD player or can you forego that option? What about satellite navigation? Do you want a touchscreen display panel with a navigation system, or are knobs and buttons sufficient? All of this will affect what system you buy, and how much money you wind up spending. Some of the more reputable brands that have a wide roster of options include Pioneer, JVC, and Sony.

Finally, in terms of installing your new system, the stereo will come with instructions. Most systems vary, so make sure to follow the how-to details closely, as you are working with the car’s electrical system. Due diligence is very important to ensuring that not only your new stereo system is properly working at the end of the project, but the Mustang as a whole. All told, a new stereo face and upgraded speakers can be installed into a Mustang within 60 to 90 minutes.

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