It's impossible to think about the Steeda name and not think of late-model Mustang performance. Steeda got its start with the 5.0 Fox-body Mustang movement more than 20 years ago. Looks like the Mustang-and Steeda-have come full circle back to 5.0-liter in a new 412hp, double overhead cam V-8 for 2011. There's also a whopping 390 ft-lb of driving torque to get you going.
Steeda believes enthusiasts can achieve even more power with increased airflow and custom flash tuning. Steeda's Ultimate Induction Pak (PN 555-3935 for manual transmission or 555-3936 for automatic) consists of the High Velocity Cold Air Intake and SCT X3 flash tuning kit. It can deliver 44 additional horsepower and 52 ft-lb more torque over those already impressive 412/390 factory numbers. Imagine being able to harness this much power in about one hour from your Mustang's hot Coyote V-8. To achieve these numbers, you've got to follow instructions and make use of both the High Velocity Cold Air Intake and the SCT X3 flash tune kit.
We looked to both Summit Racing Equipment and Marlon Mitchell at Fly-Ford Racing for direction on our factory-fresh '11 Mustang GT. Summit sent us the Steeda kit; Marlon delivered the installation expertise.
The Steeda Ultimate Induction...
The Steeda Ultimate Induction Pak from Summit Racing Equipment is good for approximately 44 horses and 53 ft-lb of torque over factory numbers. Performance depends on how you tune your '11 Mustang GT along with the use of high-octane fuel (91 octane) to prevent detonation under hard acceleration.
This is why you must also...
This is why you must also treat your Mustang to the SCT X3 flash tune to get spark and fuel curves on the same page as the new Steeda cold air package.
Ford has done a good job with...
Ford has done a good job with the factory induction, with a fresh air intake behind the grille. Steeda's Ultimate Induction Pak improves forced air induction with a stainless steel box and deep breathing 360-degree air cleaner.
Marlon Mitchell of Fly-Ford...
Marlon Mitchell of Fly-Ford Racing removes the factory strut tower brace for easier access. Four flange nuts get the job done.
The engine induction cover...
The engine induction cover is retained with press-fit fasteners and is easy to remove without tools.
With the cover removed, you...
With the cover removed, you can see the new 5.0's long intake runners, which deliver a broad torque curve.
The '11 Mustang GT's induction...
The '11 Mustang GT's induction system is simple. The main induction tube ties the throttle body and air cleaner together. The two smaller tubes are crankcase ventilation and engine sound, which runs to the cabin for the thrill of engine roar.
The crankcase ventilation...
The crankcase ventilation hose is disconnected using a screwdriver, but you don't really need it.
Engine sound tube is disconnected...
Engine sound tube is disconnected using a pair of pliers on a conventional spring clamp.
The mass air sensor is removed...
The mass air sensor is removed by pulling two screws. It does not have to be disconnected.
The intake duct is removed...
The intake duct is removed by loosening the worm-gear hose clamps on each end, then pulling it off.
Open the factory air cleaner...
Open the factory air cleaner box, then remove the filter.
A lone 10mm fastener is removed...
A lone 10mm fastener is removed to free up the box, which is anchored by two rubber grommets.
The Steeda airbox calls for...
The Steeda airbox calls for two brackets, which install like this. The rubber grommets for the factory air cleaner box are reused with the new airbox.
This is the Steeda cold air...
This is the Steeda cold air duct, which fastens to the airbox with four #10 x 1/2-inch button head fasteners and flat washers provided in the kit.
A billet aluminum intake tube...
A billet aluminum intake tube provided in the Steeda kit accommodates the mass air sensor. A nice touch for a cold air kit.
The Mustang's mass airflow...
The Mustang's mass airflow sensor inserts into the Steeda billet aluminum tube like this. No special accommodations are required.
Marlon installs the Steeda...
Marlon installs the Steeda cold air duct, which takes about five minutes.
This cap, affectionately known...
This cap, affectionately known as a sound condom, closes off the engine sound tube feature if things become too noisy inside the cabin. Otherwise, reconnect the sound tube using a conventional worm gear clamp.
Crankcase ventilation tube...
Crankcase ventilation tube installation is aided via an aluminum nipple and two worm gear clamps provided in the kit.
The completed Ultimate Induction...
The completed Ultimate Induction Pak looks like this. Installation is followed by a flash tune with the SCT X3 flash tuner and can be accomplished in about one hour.