Ford's new unique 5.2-litre Voodoo flat-plane crank V8 is the most powerful naturally aspirated blue oval in history. Producing 526 horsepower and 429lb-ft of torque at a 8,250rpm red-line for both GT350 and GT350R without having the help of forced induction makes it the highest revving V8 Ford has ever produced. For those looking to take the GT350/GT350R to the next level without breaking the bank, simple yet effective upgrades can be added like a cold air intake, longtube headers, stickier tires, and a tune on pump gas or E85. These upgrades are straight forward and can take your driving experience to a whole new level.
1. Cold Air Intake
Estimated Price: $545 CAD
Estimated Power: +25-30hp
*Tune Required*
One of the easiest and effective upgrades is JLT cold air intake. The JLT cold air intake improves the engine's ability to breathe providing a denser, cooler air supply, allowing better combustion, improving throttle response, and increasing horsepower. The JLT is tune required due to it's larger tubing over stock, so make sure you get yourself a tune for max power output. After improving airflow with a cold air intake, the next step in maximizing your engine’s performance is upgrading the exhaust system with a set of longtube headers.
2. Longtube Headers / Exhaust
Estimated Price: $5,500 CAD
Estimated Power: +45-50hp
While the cold air intake boosts the intake side of the engine, longtube headers focus on improving the exhaust flow. Longtube headers main role is to direct exhaust gases out of the engine with minimal restriction, and are more effective due to their longer pipes contributing to smoother and more efficient exhaust flow. This helps reduce backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe freely, especially at higher RPMs where the GT350/GT350R's excels. The improvement in exhaust flow leads to faster throttle response, more power throughout the RPM range, and greater overall engine efficiency.
For the best power and quality, Kooks, American Racing, or Stainless Works are recommended.
3. Tires
Estimated Price: $2,000 CAD
Estimated Power: 0hp
Even with all the power in the world, none of it matters if you can’t put it to the ground. That’s where upgrading to stickier tires comes into play. The stock tires on the GT350/GT350R are high-performance, but swapping them for a set of performance tires designed for maximum grip can make a significant difference in both track and street applications. Stickier tires have a higher coefficient of friction, meaning they provide better traction when accelerating, cornering, and braking. This can translate to having better traction on the street, track, or whenever you feel the need for speed.
4. Tuning
Estimated Price: $1,000 - $1,250 (depending on modifications)
Tuning a GT350/GT350R is essential when adding a cold air intake, longtube headers, or both due to it's increased airflow entering and exiting the engine. A tune adjusts the ECU to ensure the correct air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and exhaust parameters, maximizing horsepower and torque, improving drivability, and maintaining engine reliability. It also helps prevent issues like check engine lights caused by sensor discrepancies and ensures the vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. Without proper tuning the engines fuel map's may not adjust to the increased volume of air, leading to inefficiencies, poor throttle response, and incorrect air-fuel mixture.
Estimated Total: $7,500
Whether you're on the track or the street, these upgrades help you get the most out of your naturally aspirated vehicle. Designed to improve key areas like acceleration, handling, and braking, they allow your car to perform at it's full potential without relying on forced induction.