The C&L Performance TrueFlow...
The C&L Performance TrueFlow kit includes the TrueFlow inlet pipe, an aluminum MAF body, a K&N air filter, and a Mach 1-specific air filter cover. We picked up nearly 10 peak rear-wheel horsepower, bringing the maximum horsepower to 273.53 on a Dynojet chassis dyno.
Cold-air induction kits are nothing new. They've been around the Mustang scene in one form or another for quite some time. Cold-air kits are usually successful in adding power because they smooth the path of the airflow to the throttle body. The factory inlet tubes are usually made from rubber, make strange bends, and are often narrow. In contrast, most cold-air kits feature smooth, contoured tubes, which enhance airflow.
C&L Performance knows a lot about getting air to the throttle body due to its many years of experience in designing and manufacturing mass airflow meters and inlet kits. That's why we were anxious to test its latest TrueFlow MAF kit, which is available for many applications and replaces the factory rubber elbows with a better flowing setup.
To get the skinny, we went to Justin's Performance Center in Glen Burnie, Maryland, to wring out C&L's latest, which is designed for '03-'04 Mach 1s. The package uses a TrueFlow inlet pipe along with an aluminum mass airflow sensor housing. The installation is straightforward and simple, and we loved that C&L retains the Shaker hood setup. As you know, the Shaker provides a ram air effect, it delivers cold air to the Four-Valve engine, and it looks good.
Here is an unmolested '03...
Here is an unmolested '03 Mustang Mach 1 engine bay. The stock Four-Valve engine produced 263.75 hp and 295.22 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. This Stang was equipped with a manual transmission. Automatic transmission- equipped Mach 1s normally will produce slightly lower power figures.
As for the results, they were interesting to say the least. Peak power numbers increased by 9.78 hp at the rear wheels. We went from a peak reading of 263.75 hp to 273.53. But the true story laid in the middle of the horsepower curve as we saw increases as high as 12 hp at several points. The torque side of the graph was also up, and the peak increase checked in at 8.54 lb-ft of torque at the tires. Peak torque in stock trim was pegged at 295.22, while the addition of the C&L kit jumped those numbers to 303.76. The mid-rpm improvements were as much as 16 lb-ft of torque at one point--impressive, considering the cost and super-easy installation.
We logged the air/fuel ratio, and we have to admit that anyone who has even an upgraded exhaust system on their Mach 1 will most likely need to add fuel. Justin Burcham confirmed it by saying, "If you do any other modifications, like an after-cat system or pulleys, then you're going to need to add more fuel." Using one of the popular handheld tuners or custom chips will remedy the lean problem on modified Mach 1s. This particular car was slated for a Bassani exhaust system upgrade, and Burcham would be adding fuel using a DiabloSport Predator.
After removing a few screws,...
After removing a few screws, the factory airbox, air filter, and rubber elbow were popped out with ease.
Which would you rather have...
Which would you rather have under the hood of your Mustang? The top is the factory stuff we ripped out; on the bottom is the C&L TrueFlow kit.
The TrueFlow inlet tube attaches...
The TrueFlow inlet tube attaches to the throttle body by using a rubber coupler and a few clamps. Everything needed to install the TrueFlow kit is supplied by C&L.
The filter on the left is...
The filter on the left is the factory piece, while a K&N filter sits on the right. The K&N unit will flow a lot more air due to its size and more efficient filter design and material. The K&N unit can also be cleaned and reused.
Removing the factory mass...
Removing the factory mass airflow sensor is as simple as unscrewing two screws. Once the screws are removed, slide it out of the mass airflow sensor housing, being careful not to mess up the sensor.
The mass air sensor slides...
The mass air sensor slides into the C&L aluminum housing and is mounted with two screws.
Here is the entire TrueFlow...
Here is the entire TrueFlow induction setup installed and hooked up. We opted for the polished TrueFlow pipe. Polishing the tube comes as an extra cost and is available on all C&L products.
The addition of the TrueFlow...
The addition of the TrueFlow inlet kit netted a peak increase of 9.78 hp and 8.54 lb-ft of torque--all power increases were measured at the rear wheels. We also saw increases as high as 12 rear-wheel horsepower and 16 rear-wheel lb-ft of torque at various rpm ranges. From the moment we cracked the throttle to when we lifted, the C&L TrueFlow kit picked up horsepower and torque on the chassis dyno.
We really dig the fact the...
We really dig the fact the Mach 1 Shaker hood remains functional.