2019 Mustang GT: A First Look

by Mat Cote August 18, 2018

For those of you familiar with the blue oval’s iconic muscle car, this year’s iteration is really no different than the 2018 model, and that’s not a bad thing.  For the uninitiated, the 2019 Mustang GT is still powered by Ford’s venerable 5.0L V8 Coyote mod motor, generating 460hp and 420 lb-ft of torque to the flywheel.  Much like the 2018, this newer model still offers loads of performance add-ons from the factory and the car we had here sported them all.  This convertible came equipped with the Magneride damping system, active exhaust, and Performance Pack styling and wheels.  As great as this car is right out of the box, we made some minor changes that really woke up this pony.


 
We started with a JLT cold air intake system.  Although JLT still hasn’t confirmed fitment of their kit for the 2019, as stated earlier, nothing has really changed from last year and so the kit went in with no issues or modifications needed.  We then installed Steeda Sport lowering springs, which are specifically engineered to work with the factory Magneride system and bring the car down 1” on all four corners.  The drop finds a nice balance of sporty, aggressive stance and improved cornering during spirited driving while retaining excellent ride quality for cruising around town.  We also installed Steeda caster/camber plates in order to correct the alignment after lowering the car, and finally, a Steeda resonator delete X-Pipe to give this Mustang a healthy growl.  We then put the car on the dyno, and with help from our friends over at SCT Performance, we tuned the car to compensate for the additional air flow provided by the JLT cold air kit.  We used the SCT BDX handheld tuner to reflash to ECU with our new custom tune and made some power runs.  For those of you familiar with the SCT X4, the BDX is similar in design and functionality, with the BDX having a sleeker and more modern interface.
 


As you can see from the graph above, with the cold air intake and a tune, we picked up respectable horsepower and torque throughout the entire rev range.  On our best pull, we achieved 432 RWHP and 341 lb-ft of torque, nothing to scoff at.  That puts the car around 498HP to the flywheel! 


 
Once the car was tuned and ready to hit the road, we called the guys over at Clean Cruisin’ in Mississauga to give the car a complete detail and 9 year ceramic coating.  With the ceramic coating process on the rise, we understand why anyone with a car they love would want this.  Once coated, the car’s paint, trim, and wheels become virtually impossible to damage.  It resists dents and dings, repels water to keep the car dry, is fire resistant, and if by chance you do mar the coating, let it sit in the sun and the ceramic will heal itself!  All this is backed by up to a 9 year warranty to ensure your investment is well protected.


 
In short, the 2019 Mustang GT is as impressive a car as ever.  Along with the many factory options available to customize this muscle car to your liking, the aftermarket support for the Mustang is as strong as ever.  This really is a car that anyone can enjoy and build to suit any type of driving style.  Whether a Sunday cruiser or a track warrior, this car is nearly impossible not to fall in love with, and one thing is for sure, you will always have fun in a Mustang.

Watch the Dyno Video Here

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