Mustang EcoBoost Performance Upgrades - Mods for 300+whp

The Mustang EcoBoost utilizes the turbocharged, direct injected 2.3L EcoBoost engine. It manages an impressive 310-330 horsepower and 320-350 lb-ft of torque. However, the turbo design means there's plenty of potential left on the table. A tune, intake, downpipe, and intercooler can push the 2.3 EcoBoost to 350+ horsepower and 400+ torque. In this guide, we discuss these Mustang EcoBoost upgrades along with benefits, costs, power gains, and more.

2.3 EcoBoost Power Limits

When discussing basic bolt-on mods it's not usually the case that we need to talk about engine and power limits. However, the Mustang EcoBoost is already tuned aggressively from the factory. 310+ horsepower from a small 2.3L inline-4 is a lot of performance. Ultimately, the engine has earned itself the nickname of "EcoBoom" due to blown engines.

Now, this has certainly been blown out of proportion and the 2.3 EcoBoost does have some headroom. Adding power does still add some risks, though. There isn't any perfect science on the upper limits, so it's impossible to put an exact number on it. That said, the Mustang EcoBoost is generally safe up to about 350whp and 400-425wtq.

Surpassing these limits doesn't mean the engine will instantly blow up. However, it's important to have a well-tuned Mustang with the proper supporting mods. A quality, conservative tune is a good starting point. Downpipe upgrades help reduce backpressure. Intercoolers keep intake air temperatures cooler and reduce the chance of engine knock. Ultimately, if you're pushing the limits of the Mustang EcoBoost it's important to have a good setup to mitigate the risks of adding power.

Best Mustang EcoBoost Upgrades

1. Tuning
2. Intake
3. Intercooler
4. Downpipe

All these basic bolt-ons can be had for less than $2,000 and push the 2.3 EcoBoost to 325+whp and 400+wtq. Again, this is already starting to push the "safe" limits of the engine. Even a tune-only can start pushing near the upper limits.

While intake, intercooler, and downpipe upgrades also offer power gains they're critical in ensuring a good, safe setup. More efficient airflow, less backpressure, and lower air temperatures all help keep the engine safe & healthy at higher power.

1) Mustang Tuning

Tuning is by far the single best bang-for-your-buck upgrade on the 2.3 EcoBoost. Not only do tunes offer massive power gains, but they also help maximize power gains from additional upgrades. Benefits of Mustang EcoBooost tunes include:

• 40-60whp gains
• 80-100wtq gains
• Better throttle response
• Fuel economy improvements

There are a lot of different routes to go when it comes to tuning the Mustang EcoBoost. Piggyback, flash, and custom tunes are a the primary few options. The Burger Motorsports JB4 piggyback tune is one of our favorite options. It offers simple integration and is loaded with tons of excellent features. However, piggyback tunes are best for basic bolt-ons, so we don't recommend this route for anyone planning on upgrading the turbo in the future.

Flash tunes are also a great option and the Cobb Accessport is a simple, effective flash tuner with tons of great features too. It comes loaded with some off-the-shelf tuning options, so you can simply flash and go. Those looking to maximize performance gains should consider a flash tuner like the Cobb Accessport with a custom flash tune. This is the most expensive route, but custom tuning can offer bigger power gains while also being safer for the engine.

Price: $529-625 (about $200-300 additional for custom tuning)

Shop 2.3L Mustang EcoBoost Tuners

2) Cold Air / Performance Intake Upgrades

Intake upgrades are another great, cost-friendly mod for the 2.3 EcoBoost. The factory intake is efficient around stock power and boost levels. However, it becomes restrictive with additional power and airflow demands. Intakes are a great modification to combine with a tune as the first couple mods for a Mustang EcoBoost.

Our Boosted Performance intake offers a great balance of price, quality, and performance. We use a massive, high-quality filter from Elite Filtration. It's a full-length intake upgrade that connects directly to the turbocharger. This intake features 3.5" mandrel-bent, machined aluminum piping to maximize airflow.

The Boosted Performance Mustang EcoBoost intake delivers gains up to 15whp and 20wtq. The open design also sounds incredible and frees up a lot of induction and turbo spool sounds. Ultimately, for $299 we believe we've designed the most effective, quality intake on the market for a very competitive price.

Price: $299 | Buy Here

3) 2.3 EcoBoost Intercooler

A front-mount intercooler (FMIC) upgrade is one of the best mods for the Mustang EcoBoost. It may not offer the biggest peak power gains out of all the mods on this list. However, an FMIC helps keep IAT's consistently lower, which leads to consistent performance. Benefits of 2.3 Mustang EcoBoost FMIC upgrades include:

• 5-15whp gains
• Lower IAT
• Consistent performance
  • Prevents losing 10-20+whp
• Lower chance of engine knock

Colder air is denser, so cooler air will naturally offer some power gains. However, for one time "glory runs" the stock intercooler does an OK job. It's on multi-gear pulls or back-to-back runs where an aftermarket FMIC really shines. In these situations, the stock intercooler is quickly overwhelmed and results in heat soak. The engine will then pull out some timing, boost, etc. to keep the engine safe when IAT's are hotter. Upgraded Mustang EcoBoost FMIC's prevent this heat soak and allow for very consistent performance and a lower chance of engine knock.

Our Boosted Performance FMIC offers a 45% larger than stock surface area and 130% more core volume. It features high-flow cast end tanks and a TIG-welded bar & plate design. The result is a high-quality intercooler capable of handling 600+whp and reducing IAT by over 40°F (compared to the stock intercooler after multi-gear pulls).

4) Mustang Downpipe Mods

Last but certainly not least are Mustang downpipe upgrades. A downpipe bolts directly to the turbocharger and houses the primary catalytic converter. It's a major restriction and causes excess backpressure at higher than stock boost. Benefits of downpipe upgrades are:

• 10-20whp gains
• Faster turbo spool
• Reduced back-pressure
• Slightly louder exhaust

Mustang EcoBoost horsepower gains are impressive with an upgraded downpipe. It all boils down to lower backpressure, which helps move exhaust gases more efficiently. Depending on how aggressive your tune a downpipe will typically add about 10-20whp. Downpipes also offer faster turbo spool and a slightly louder exhaust note. The sound is mostly noticeable on cold starts and WOT, but it's not overly intrusive or droning for normal driving.

There are plenty of great downpipe upgrades available for the Mustang EcoBoost. We offer the BBK 3" high-flow catted downpipe for $549. It's made 3" CNC mandrel bent stainless steel and features a high-flow catalytic converter to improve flow while meeting emissions.

Price: $549.99 | Buy Here

4 Mods for 300+whp

In summary, the above 4 modifications can push the Mustang EcoBoost to 300-325+whp and 400+wtq. It's about near the upper limits of the 2.3L EcoBoost engine with the stock turbocharger. As such, it's important to opt for quality, conservative tuning or dial things into your Mustang with custom tuning.

Some of the mods discussed also offer more benefits than just power gains. FMIC's reduce intake air temperature which leads to consistent performance and a lower chance of engine knock. Downpipes reduce backpressure - in turn - making the turbo and engines job much easier. In other words, while these Mustang EcoBoost mods offer power gains they also help keep the engine safe & healthy at higher power.