Installing a tuner in your Ford 4.6 Mustang can deliver more power, better fuel economy and improved drivability.
With the incredible popularity of tuners, the market is overflowing with manufacturers, devices and look-alike tuner imposters. So don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve fallen down a rabbit hole full of marketing gimmicks.
The best tuner for 4.6 Mustang is the DiabloSport inTune i3 Platinum. Learn more about why this is after our thorough review and maximum performance of your Dodge Mustang.
The stock horsepower of the Mustang 4.6 engine is pretty impressive. But, horsepower isn’t the only thing that counts on the race track. Choosing the good tuner for the 4.6 Mustang comes with everything needed for a successful engine upgrade as well as a great deal of power can be gained. In the end, you will obtain better mileage on your car, improve your engine’s performance.
The Best Top Rated Tuners For 4.6 Mustang
Performance programmers are a must-have if you want to get the most out of your truck’s power. A custom tune for your programmer will maximize the performance that you are already experiencing by fine tuning fuel mappings, timing and various other parameters.
1. DiabloSport inTune i3 Platinum – Best Tuner for 4.6 Mustang
The inTune i3 Platinum Performance Programmer is an easy way to boost power without even popping the hood! You get a performance upgrade that makes your throttle more responsive, optimizes drivability, and even adds some bottom-end horsepower! The inTune programmer is pre-loaded with dyno-tested performance programs designed specifically for your car or truck. It’s the easiest way to add horsepower and torque with a simple slip of a USB drive. With easy installation, pre-loaded performance tunes, and clear instructions, DiabloSport takes all the guesswork out of jumping up your horsepower game.
Highlighted Features
- The device has both a capacitive touchscreen and a high-definition display.
- CTC verification in full colour on a full-colour screen.
- ARM CPUs will power the next generation.
- Keep the following in mind to keep track of your car’s performance: Gather and keep track of diagnostic data.
- The datalog inputs need a 5-volt power source to function properly.
- You may download and update your data through Wi-Fi.
Adjust vehicle’s performance and load parameters
With the inTune Programmer from DiabloSport, you can adjust your vehicle’s performance parameters to tailor it to your driving needs. You can also view and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the PCM (powertrain control module). The inTune i3 Platinum comes loaded with several pre-loaded performance programs, but you can easily create custom programs using the included software. Just enter the values you want and save it as a new program. Or, you can load one of the 10 stock programs to instantly change the entire feel of your car or truck. With so much control at your fingertips, you’ll enjoy a noticeable difference when driving!
Easy Installation
The DiabloSport Programmer is made for any type of vehicle, from a Chrysler, 4.6 Mustang or GM.
In just minutes after installation, you could be enjoying more power and torque with no other tools required!
Add more horsepower and torque
The DiabloSport Programmer makes it easy to add power and torque to your vehicle, with just the press of a button. The product is loaded with powerful features that can make your vehicle stand out from the pack.
This programmer works on vehicles with a manual transmission or an automatic transmission.
Preloaded Programs
The programmer comes pre-loaded with dyno-tested performance programs designed specifically for your 4.6 Mustang. It works well with vehicles that have been tuned by a dealer shop or tuner but even comes in handy if you’ve decided on your own configuration.
Cable facility
The inTune i3 also comes with a cable that allows you to connect to two different computers — your laptop, and an additional download device (like an iPod) — so you can keep your tunes with you when you’re on the go, or even trade tunes with other users.
Pros:
- It is simple to transport due to its compact size and low weight.
- It’s compatible with a wide variety of Mustangs.
- On this tuner, 87, 91, and 93 are already accessible.
- The Diablo i3 tuner allows you to record any events that happen.
- This tuner simplifies the process of saving and deleting personalized tracks.
Cons:
- It is impossible to save tracks that have not been prepared in advance.
2. Bully Dog- 40410 GT Gas Tuner
Meets emission requirements in all 50 states with dyno-proven tunes that add power, torque and fuel economyHeads up display – Monitor over 15 performance parameters at a glance with a dynamic LCD display mounted on a pillar, window or dash.
Multiple preloaded tunes – Access four preloaded tunes with the touch of a few buttons to maximize performance in any situation code clearing – Diagnose and clear trouble codes to ensure proper engine operation.
Highlighted Features
- The heads-up display shows all 15 performance tests simultaneously.
- An LCD might be located on the dashboard or in a window. Its capabilities may alter.
- CodeClear technology can detect and remove harmful code.
- A simple button press accesses preloaded tunes.
Heads up display (HUD)
The 40410 GT Gas Tuner features a monitoring system that includes a dynamic heads up display (HUD) to monitor over 15 performance parameters at a glance. The custom HUD can be positioned where you want it via adjustable mounting brackets included with the tuner.
Easy install
The tuner also features an easy-to-use interface that allows you to instantly switch between preloaded tunes or enter custom tunes. The tuner’s code clearing function enables users to diagnose and clear trouble codes without the need of an external scan tool or laptop.
50 state compliant
The Bully Dog GT Gas Tuner is 50 state compliant meaning it meets emission requirements in all 50 states while adding power, torque and fuel economy. It also comes with their exclusive code clearing feature which allows you to diagnose and clear trouble codes to ensure proper engine operation.
Pros:
- It may also carry up to ten tracks.
- It may also be updated and downloaded through Wi-Fi while travelling, keeping you up to date.
- The weight is light. It’s also worth observing the scale.
- The kit includes an OBDII converter connector and a high-quality USB connection.
Cons:
- Not much to brag about. In any case, check for app-compatible Mustang models.
3. Hypertech 3000 Max Energy Spectrum Power Programmer
The Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner is an exceptional choice for those seeking a top-performing tuner for their 4.6 Mustang. With its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, this tuner optimizes your Mustang’s performance and maximizes its power potential.
Featuring cutting-edge programming, the Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner improves horsepower, torque, and overall throttle response, giving your Mustang a more dynamic driving experience. Additionally, it offers a wide range of tuning options, including adjustable tire size, shift points, and speed limiters, allowing you to customize your Mustang’s performance to your specific needs.
Furthermore, the Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner is incredibly easy to use. Its intuitive interface allows for quick and straightforward tuning, without the need for specialized technical knowledge. Simply plug it into your Mustang’s OBD-II port, follow the instructions, and you’re ready to go!
Overall, the Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maximize their 4.6 Mustang’s performance. Its advanced technology, user-friendly interface, and customizable options make it one of the best tuners on the market today.
Highlighted Features
With the Max Energy Programmer you can raise the top-speed limiter to match the speed rating of high-performance tires you can:
- Advanced Tuning Technology: The Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner is equipped with advanced tuning technology that optimizes the performance of your 4.6 Mustang, improving horsepower, torque, and throttle response.
- Customizable Settings: This tuner offers a wide range of customizable settings, including adjustable tire size, shift points, and speed limiters. These settings allow you to tailor your Mustang’s performance to your specific needs and preferences.
- User-Friendly Interface: The tuner features a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to use. The interface is designed to be intuitive and straightforward, allowing for quick and easy tuning.
- Diagnostic Functions: The Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner has diagnostic functions that can read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), helping you identify and troubleshoot engine issues.
- Data Logging: The tuner comes equipped with data logging capabilities, allowing you to record and analyze your Mustang’s performance. With this feature, you can track your Mustang’s progress and make informed decisions about future modifications.
- Internet Updatable: The tuner is internet updatable, meaning you can download the latest software updates and performance tunes from Hypertech’s website. This ensures that your tuner is always up-to-date and ready to optimize your Mustang’s performance.
- Compact and Portable: This tuner is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Whether you’re at the track or on a road trip, the Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner is a convenient tool for optimizing your Mustang’s performance.
- 50-State Legal: The Hypertech 3000 Max Energy tuner is 50-state legal, meaning it meets emissions standards and is legal for use in all 50 states. This makes it a safe and reliable choice for anyone looking to tune their 4.6 Mustang without running afoul of local regulations.
Pros:
- Improved Performance: The Hypertech 3000 Max Energy 2.0 tuner can significantly increase the performance of your 4.6 Mustang, with enhanced horsepower, torque, and throttle response.
- Easy to Use: The tuner has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to use, even if they have no prior experience with tuning.
- Customizable Settings: The tuner offers a wide range of customizable settings, allowing you to tailor your Mustang’s performance to your specific needs and preferences.
- Diagnostic Functions: The tuner has diagnostic functions that can help you troubleshoot engine issues, saving you time and money on repairs.
- Internet Updatable: The tuner is internet updatable, meaning you can download the latest software updates and performance tunes from Hypertech’s website.
Cons:
- Not have a huge screen.
About Ford Mustang 4.6L Engine
4.6 mustang specs
| 4.6 mustang engine specs | |
|---|---|
| Power | 304 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre | 66 Hp/l |
| Torque | 427 Nm @ 4500 rpm. 314.94 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine location | Front, Longitudinal |
Ford Mustang 4.6 Engine Specifications
The 4.6L engine is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive V8 with a displacement of 262 cubic inches (4.6 liters). Its power and torque output are rated at 240 horsepower and 300 pound feet, respectively.
The 4.6L engine is equipped with an overhead valve (OHV) design, which means that intake valves are positioned up top while exhaust valves are located down below. The crankshaft has a 90-degree angle between its throws, while the connecting rods and pistons feature a three-point attachment to the crankshaft. The camshaft is driven by a timing belt that runs from the crankshaft sprocket to the camshaft sprocket.
In order to minimize friction and improve efficiency, the pistons in this engine utilize a two-stage oiling system: one for low rpm and another for high rpm. Oiling is also assisted by an oil pump that operates at 3,000 rpm, as well as two oil coolers: one for the upper part of the engine block and another for the lower part.
The Ford Mustang 4.6L engine was first introduced in the 1994 model year as an optional engine, and then made standard in 1997, along with a number of improvements, such as a 5-speed automatic transmission, optional air conditioning, and other features. The 4.6L was offered in all Ford Mustang models until the 2001 model year when it was replaced by other engines.
Ford offers the 4.6L in two different configurations: as a V8 (with four valves per cylinder) or as an Inline-6 (with three valves per cylinder). The Inline-6 is marketed as the “Modular” engine and is used in trucks and full-size vans; the V8 is marketed as the “Coyote” engine and is used for both truck and passenger car applications.
The first generation of the 4.6L Inline-6 was introduced into production in 1991 and has been used continuously since that time, with only minor changes to valve timing, camshafts, or computer controls. The 4.6L Inline-6 is available in several different configurations including DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) and SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) versions.
Is the 4.6 Mustang Motor good?
In the Ford Mustang 4.6L engine, the valves are controlled by a single overhead camshaft (OHC). The cylinder head is made of aluminum alloy. The 4.6L engine has hydraulic lifters for valve-clearance maintenance and features forged steel connecting rods and cast pistons with low-friction molybdenum-coated skirts. Air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and power windows are all standard on the Mustang 4.6L engine.
The Mustang 4.6L engine features a deep-skirt iron block that is designed to accept large displacement without needing to be modified for strength, durability or cooling. The heads of the Ford Mustang 4.6L engine are constructed of noncorrosive materials to eliminate concerns about rust damage that might occur during winter storage.
How much power can you get out of a 4.6 Mustang?
Ford 4.6L V8 Engine –
| Metric | Value |
| Bore | 90 mm |
| Stroke | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 (2 valve) / 9.4:1 (3 valve) / 8.5:1 (4 valve) |
| Max power @ RPM (in a Ford vehicle) | 390 @ 6,000 rpm |
How much HP does a tune Add Mustang?
The V6 has good fuel economy up to 27 mpg highway and can tune range from 12-35 HP/TQ.
What is the 4.6 mustang top speed?
The Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 can also reach a top speed of 150 mph or 241.4 kph.
How much HP does a 4.6 Mustang have?
4.6 mustang hp: Ford Mustang 4.6l has 390 hp. The Ford Mustang 4.6L engine is equipped with a computer-controlled multi-port fuel injection system that integrates seamlessly with a five-speed manual transmission and produces up to 390 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 220 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm.
Are 4.6 Mustangs reliable?
The 4.6 litre engine in the Mustang is an Inline Six-cylinder, which means there are two rows of cylinders set end to end. This makes it an inline-six engine, unlike V engines where the cylinders are set side by side with a single row of engines. The 4.6 liter has six cylinders with each one holding 86mm bore and 91mm stroke, while they’re all cast in aluminum (as opposed to liners made from iron). The 4.6 liter engine is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, a cast aluminum block and a cast iron head. The valves are operated by variable cam timing (VCT), which helps improve fuel efficiency and performance.
Is a 4.6 Mustang a V6?
Many people that are new to Mustang ownership are often surprised to find out that their beloved V6 Mustang is actually a V6. The majority of the Ford Mustang’s engine lineup consists of V8 engines. While the base 4.0L V6 does not have the same horse power as a V8 engine, it will still give you all of the benefits outlined above and provide you with a solid bump in power that can range from 12-35 HP/TQ (depending upon engine and generation)
How to Identify a 4.0L or 5.0L Mustang Engine?
The easiest way to identify your engine is to look at your oil dipstick. Engines with a “V” on them are V8 engines and engines with an “E” on them are V6 engines.
V8 engines have some key physical differences compared to their V6 counterparts. The main difference is in the crankshaft pulley, which is significantly larger on a V8 than on a V6 car.
While it is true that all Ford Mustangs have a VIN designation that includes the letters “V,” this does not automatically mean that your car is a V6. In fact, if you have a 2014-2015 Ford Mustang with the 3.7-liter EcoBoost engine, then you are driving a V6 — yes, even though the engine has four cylinders instead of six.
However, both types of engines use the same type of serpentine belt system for accessories and both use the same belt tensioner (or idler pulley) for accessory drive belt adjustment.
TYPES OF TUNERS FOR FORD MUSTANG
- 1989 to 2004 Mustangs – the SCT Chip
- 1996 to 2019 Mustangs – the SCT X4 Chip
- 2015 to 2016 EcoBoost Mustangs – the COBB Access port V3
CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE BUYING A TUNER FOR 4.6 MUSTANG
The best tuner for 4.6 mustang is one that offers the horsepower boost that you’re looking for, along with other performance-enhancing features.
A mustang tuner can also improve fuel economy, modulate shift points and firmness, speedometer calibration, and more. Some even include a built-in dash-mounted gauge to monitor vital engine functions.
There are many different options available, so it is important to do your homework before making a purchase. There are various features that you should look for in a mustang tuner.
Horsepower Levels
Fuel economy Shift Points Shift firmness Speedometer calibration after installing bigger wheels or swapping rear differential gearing RPM Rev limit Read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s).
What kind of performance tuner you need
Tuning a 4.6L Mustang can perform best for all types of street driving, drag racing and road racing. The mods you have will determine what kind of performance tuner you need to have the most fun with your car.
Increase and upgrade more power
From the factory, the 4.6L Ford Mustang has a lot of potential power. If you are thinking about modifying your car, there are a few things to consider when it comes to picking out the perfect performance tuner for your needs.
What is your goal for the car?
Are you going to take it to the drag strip or just drive it on a daily basis? You’ll need to decide whether or not you want to change the way your car shifts, how aggressive you want the performance meter to be and if you want to program in different shift points so that you can maximize fuel economy. A tuner will not only help you unlock extra horsepower, but some models also offer extra features like tire size and speedometer calibration after installing bigger wheels or swapping rear differential gearing.
TUNING BASICS FOR Ford MUSTANG
There are two basic types of tuners available on the market today: Performance programmers and piggyback tuners. Performance programmers are stand alone units that connect directly into your OBD II port.
Once installed and activated, tuners allow you to change numerous engine parameters, such as timing, fuel delivery and boost levels. They are also capable of changing the “look” of your engine by adjusting the “smoothing” effect in the ECM.
Tuners can be purchased in stand-alone form or as part of a programmer that also allows you to control other on-board electronic systems, like your radio and HVAC.
If you are looking for the best tuner for 4.6 mustang for fuel economy, you should take into account that those vehicles running larger tires or an aftermarket suspension may need to have their shift points reprogrammed to account for additional weight.
Tuners are relatively easy to install in most cases and do not require removal of the ECM, unless a pigtail needs to be installed. The installation can usually be accomplished in less than a couple of hours.
Adding horsepower is as simple as bolting on a new air intake and exhaust system, but tuning will give you a much more significant power increase. These days, most cars come from the factory with some sort of “smoothing” applied to their fuel delivery curve. This makes the car feel smoother at lower RPMs but sacrifices
Looking for the Top range tuner for 4.6 mustang?
Performance Programmers for the 1997-2004 4.6L 2v and 2003-2004 4.6L 3v Mustangs are a great way to increase horsepower and torque.
These tuning modules work by modifying the signals sent to your cars computer causing it to think you have removed parts such as the exhaust, air filter, intake manifold etc. It gives you extra horsepower and torque to the wheels by freeing up more power in your cars engine!
Aftermarket performance programmers for the 4.6L Ford Mustang improve vehicle performance and fuel economy by adjusting a variety of engine parameters including timing, air/fuel ratio, spark advance, rev limit, speedometer calibration and electric cooling fan operation.
Tuning your Mustang with a programmer can help you get more horsepower out of your engine while retaining the stock look. The Mustang tuners we sell are compatible with all 2001-2004 Mustang GTs equipped with the 4.6L V8 engine, 1992-1999 Ford Mustangs with 4.6L V8s and 2004-2006 Ford Mustangs with the 5.4L V8 engines.
In this article we’ll give you an overview of what tuners do and how they work on a 4.6L tuned Mustang. We’ll also provide some recommendations on which tuners to buy based on your needs and budget.
How Performance Programmers Work Performance tuning is a way to get more power out of your car by modifying internal parameters that control how it runs and uses fuel. It does not involve hardware modifications like headers or exhaust systems, which only change the sound of your car — although those are often used in conjunction with performance tuning to maximize available gains from it.
Related: learn how to improve engine sound with a camshaft lobe lift
When you start modifying your vehicle, the first thing you’ll probably want to do is change out your factory computer to something that will make more power.
The question then becomes what tuner is right for you?
Let’s explore the different tuners on the market and how they can make a difference in your car making more power or fuel economy as well as how they can help diagnose issues if something goes wrong with your Mustang.
There are three different types of tuning available for your 2015-2018 Mustang; factory tuning (factory update), piggyback (also known as “tunes” or “calibrations”) and standalone. Each one has its own pros and cons so let’s look at each one in detail so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Factory Tuning Unlike some cars, Ford does provide updates to your vehicle that change things like engine tuning and transmission shift points, etc.
These updates are available to everyone and can be downloaded from Ford directly onto a SD card that plugs into the slot behind the radio in most cars or using Ford’s OpenXC interface if you have Sync3. One downside is that these updates can only be applied if you have a late model ECU with a built-in modem.
How can I make my 4.6 Mustang faster?
There are a lot of ways to turn your Mustang into a speed machine. In fact, you can turn it into the car from Bullit or Gone in 60 Seconds. However, it’s worth noting that most of those mods cost a lot of money. A better bet would be to start with the basics and work your way up from there.
The Mustang will be faster when you have the right parts and components.
Here are the ten most basic upgrades for your Mustang:
1) Upgrade your tires and wheels first. Improving traction will improve acceleration as well as handling. If you’re looking for more power, the first place to start would be the tires and wheels. Replacing the stock set of tires with brand new aftermarket tires will give your vehicle some added grip on the road, which in turn will make it easier for your vehicle to accelerate.
2) Upgrade your gearing ratio next. A shorter gear will help you get to the next level of performance quicker and easier than upgrading other components on your vehicle. Upgrading the gearing ratio will allow your vehicle to reach higher speeds without having to push down on the gas pedal as hard as you would have had to before. This makes driving at high speeds much easier and more comfortable for you.
3) Upgrade to a cold air intake and tune last. Another way to increase performance is by changing out parts like the cold air intake or exhaust systems on your car. Both of these parts are responsible for letting air flow into and out of your vehicle’s motor, so changing them out for better versions will give it a boost in performance.
4)Add Aluminum Driveshaft which is made of steel, has a strong and light metal. This is the best replacement for old driveshaft. You can get more speed and acceleration when drive car with this new replacement part.
Which SCT tuner is best?
There are several different types of tuning tools to allow you to access and adjust your car’s ECU, the computer that controls all aspects of your car’s performance. SCT Performance – 40490 is the best one. Here I’ll discuss it’s function as well as their pros and cons.
What is Chip Tuning
The most affordable and common type of ECU tuning is chip tuning, which uses an aftermarket controller, called a “chip,” to modify the engine’s performance. The chip is usually mounted on top of the stock ECU using special pins.
It connects via cables to the engine’s sensors and delivers the ECUs output signal more frequently or at higher voltages than stock. This causes the engine to produce more power, run stronger and rev quicker than it would with a stock ECU.
Summary: Tuner Pros
With a tuner you can improve performance with simple plug-and-play installation that takes just minutes to complete. By simply adding a tuner, you can get more performance out of your vehicle while retaining its warranty and factory safety features.
Summary: Tuner Cons:
Although sometimes referred to as “permanent” changes, chip tuning is really only semi-permanent because you can undo changes made by a tuner in just minutes. By disconnecting the device from your cable take some time.
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Conclusion
There are many Mustang GT owners who find it difficult for them to determine which tuner is best for their cars. Having one is great but it may not be the best tool for you so it will be better if you choose wisely. You need a tuner that has a readable screen and can do its job perfectly with no hassle while preserving your car engine’s originality. You need to consider this factor before you decide on the best tuner for 4.6 mustang.
If you are looking for the best tuner for the 4.6 Mustang then you can check out the top 5 lists. These tuners have many features and they provide a spectacular performance to the vehicle. The performance of the vehicle can be modified by installing these tuners in your ride.
When you upgrade components on your Mustang, one of the things you will want to consider is performance tuning. The Ford 4.6L engine may be used in several models of Mustangs, and it is a reasonable choice for upgrading the performance of that vehicle.
It has been around for quite some time now and is considered a workhorse by many enthusiasts of the sport. It gained popularity due to its striking resemblance to an engine found in a great competitor car, Ford’s legendary GT 40.
Also Read: Tuner for 5.4 Triton
