The 2022 Ford Mustang follows a long line of models positioned as the Blue Oval’s most popular muscle car. Whether you like the sound of a turbocharger coming on or the roar of V8 power, the latest iteration of the Mustang S550 has an option for you. But why stop at the factory version when you can choose the best aftermarket parts and accessories to create a 2022 Mustang that’s all your own?
Why add aftermarket parts to your 2022 Ford Mustang?
Ford made 10 S550 Mustang models for 2022. You could dig in and pay the $79,420 MSRP for the 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and have one of the baddest pony cars on the road without breaking a wrench or breaking a sweat . . Or you could spend a lot less money buying a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustang with 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque or a V8-powered Mustang GT with 450 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, adding some sweat equity and creating a Mustang like no other.
So here are the 11 best aftermarket parts for the 2022 Ford Mustang, in no particular order:
1. Cold air intake system
A popular performance modification among the DIY crowd is a cold air intake system. Warm air is less dense than cool air, so it contains less oxygen in the same volume. The addition of a cold air intake system allows the engine to draw fresh, oxygen-dense air from outside the hot engine compartment under the hood, increasing engine power. And it sounds great when you open the throttle.
2. Cat-back exhaust
Swapping out your Mustang’s restrictive stock exhaust system for a free-flow cat exhaust improves the exhaust note and provides significant power gains. Perform this modification with a cold air intake system to see a more powerful combined benefit than it provides on its own. While many companies make DIY kits for home installation, know your limits and take all safety precautions whenever you get under your vehicle.
3. Stage 1 Engine Tuning
A Stage 1 engine tune provides a quick power boost for a small investment in a stock Mustang engine. However, it is third on our list because a custom engine tune after mods 1 and 2 reaps the biggest benefits. Lund Racing is selling its custom Mustang GT for $300.
4. Oil separator
Adding an oil separator to the engine will not increase power, but it will protect the engine’s air intake system from sticky oil residue. A car’s emission system takes air from the crankcase as it is pressurized in normal operation and recirculates it through the air intake system to capture any oil vapor that escapes. An oil separator condenses oil vapor as it passes through a screen into a removable cup to remove it before it coats the air intake system.
5. Short-throw shifter
While many people will choose an automatic transmission for their new Mustang, the stock manual transmission is smooth and quick-shifting, especially with the addition of a short-shift. American Muscle has short-throw shifter kits for under $600, which offer 25% throw reduction and side-to-side adjustable spring pressure.
6. Coilover shocks
After boosting your Mustang’s power, it’s time to focus on handling, and the best handling mod is upgrading to coilover shocks. While some low-priced coilover kits look cheap, this isn’t a mod where it makes sense to save money, as the stock suspension competes adequately with cheap coilover systems. While a quality coilover kit improves the Mustang’s handling during aggressive driving and works well as a daily driver, it also allows you to adjust the ride height for a custom fit when adding custom tire and wheel sizes or a body kit.
7. Track manipulation package
If you’re looking for more track-oriented handling performance, look for the “Track Handling Package” from Ford or other aftermarket suppliers. The Track Handling Package offers coilover shocks, heavy-duty anti-sway bars and performance rear suspension toe links.
8. Performance tires
Custom wheels and spare tires add a custom touch to your Mustang. Although performance gains from aftermarket wheels are often negligible, performance tires typically offer better grip than stock rubber.
9. Supercharger Whipple
A Whipple supercharger offers the most significant power gain available for your V8 Mustang GT, but it’s the most expensive mod on our list. While not everyone can justify a $9,000 upgrade, those considering the 760 hp Mustang Shelby GT500 should compare the costs of upgrading a Mustang GT to around 825 hp.
10. Twin-scroll turbo kit
The EcoBoost Mustang already has turbocharged power, but replacing the factory turbo with a Borg Warner twin-scroll turbo kit promises power gains of “up to 67%,” the company claims. Like the supercharger mentioned above, the nearly $6,000 twin-scroll turbo kit is expensive. However, an EcoBoost Mustang with over 500 hp makes for a sweet sleeping muscle car.
11. Dual 4K ultra HD table camera
A dash cam is not a performance upgrade like the replacement parts of the past. However, there is no downside to adding a dash cam to your 2022 Mustang. Playing back the drives you’ve taken can be fun, and recording for your safety adds peace of mind. Ford sells a Thinkware 4K ultra HD dual dash cam with night vision that fits 2019-2022 Mustang models. This complete package costs $699, but you can save on installation costs by setting it up and configuring it yourself with what Ford says is easy-to-use software via built-in Wi-Fi.
