Ford Mustang GT Performance Kit Delivers Bullitt Muscle for Much Less Money

The Ford Performance upgrade moves the Mustang's 5.0-liter V-8 up a caliber.

Shortly after introducing a power kit for the EcoBoost Ranger pickup, Ford Performance is back with a similarly enticing performance package for the V-8-powered Ford Mustang GT. The kit kicks up the stock Mustang GT's 5.0-liter engine from 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque with an additional 19 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 18 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm. At 2,000 rpm, the torque bump is a whopping 42 lb-ft! Along with kit's extra power, Ford is promising sharper throttle response.

To take advantage of the upgrade, you'll first need a 2018-2020 Mustang GT, with either the manual or automatic transmission. Then, you must purchase the $1,275 Ford Performance kit, which includes a cold-air intake and the 87-mm throttle body lifted from the Mustang Bullitt. It also has an adapter for the throttle body and a new software calibration. Considering the upgrades bring the Mustang GT's power up to Bullitt levels, the kit seems like a steal. While the Mustang Bullitt starts at $48,900, you can get your hands on a new Mustang GT for as little as $36,825. Add in the cost of the kit, and you're staring down a $38,100 Bullitt-adjacent 'Stang.

Worried about sullying your brand-new Mustang with warranty-eating performance parts? Don't be. The Ford Performance kit comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty when installed by a Ford dealer or ASE/Red Seal certified technician. The calibrations are for U.S. and Canadian vehicles only, and Ford says premium fuel is required once the calibrations are installed.

We enjoy the smooth power delivery and visceral roar of the Ford pony car's V-8 engine, which only gets better in the burlier Bullitt. We're less impressed with the Mustang's ride and handling, however, so if power and affordability aren't your only concerns, we recommend looking at the Bullitt, the Shelby GT350 (while it lasts), or the 700-hp-plus Shelby GT500.