Best Cold Air Intakes for S550 Mustangs

Whether you drive an EcoBoost, GT, or Shelby variant, one of the simplest and most affordable upgrades you can make is swapping out the restrictive factory intake for a high-performance cold air intake. Not only does this improve throttle response and horsepower, but it also enhances engine sound. Below are some of the top cold air intake systems for your S550 Mustang (2015-2023).

JLT Performance Cold Air Intakes

JLT has become one of the favorite options, especially among Mustang enthusiasts. Their cold air intake kits feature oversized intake tubes, heat-resistant materials, and are easy to install. For S550 GT models, the JLT Series 2 Cold Air Intake is a standout, and it performs exceptionally well when paired with a custom tune. It features a large 5” filter and a roto-molded plastic intake tube designed to minimize heat soak on one hand, and maximize airflow on the other. Another benefit of JLT is that they offer both tune-required and no-tune versions. The tune-required option unlocks the most power gains, making it the right choice for serious performance builds. With that said, the no-tune option is also great and yields interesting results, too.

Roush Cold Air Intake Kit

If you're looking for an OEM-type solution with improved performance, Roush Performance is hard to beat. Their cold air intake system for the S550 GT is engineered to work seamlessly with factory components. The Roush intake is CARB-certified and offers noticeable improvements in airflow, all without requiring a tune, making it a simple and reliable upgrade. It is equipped with a dry filter element that can be reused after cleaning, thus reducing long-term maintenance costs. While gains are modest without a tune, the increase in induction noise and throttle responsiveness makes the Roush system an amazing option for daily drivers. In case you decide to pair it with a tune, you can gain up to 36 hp.

Ford Performance Cold Air Intake Kits

Developed in collaboration with Roush, the Ford Performance Cold Air Intake Kit brings the trust and reliability of the Ford name to the aftermarket. This intake is ideal for those who want to crank up their performance while maintaining warranty compatibility and drivability. The Ford Performance system is constructed from OEM-grade materials and comes bundled with a ProCal tune, which allows for optimized air/fuel ratios, adjusted shift points (on automatics), and increased power. On the 5.0L Coyote engine, this package can deliver up to 25 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque over stock. For EcoBoost owners, the intake enhances turbo spool sound and throttle crispness. If you're already considering a Ford Performance Power Pack, this intake is likely part of the package and is calibrated for maximum compatibility.

Flowmaster Delta Force Cold Air Intake

Flowmaster is one of the top performers when it comes to aftermarket exhaust system sales, but it should be just as well known for its cold air intakes. The Delta Force cold air intake uses an eight-layer cotton gauze filter and a cross-linked polyethylene intake tube, both designed to significantly increase the flow of air compared to stock, while still reliably filtering out harmful particles.

Where Flowmaster really shines is in intake sound. The Delta Force system gives your S550 a throaty, aggressive tone under throttle, and is noticeable both inside and outside the car. Gains are most pronounced with a tune, but even without one, you’ll see improved throttle feel and a better engine response.

K&N Performance Intake Kit

No list of cold air intakes would be complete without K&N, one of the most recognized names in aftermarket automotive filters. K&N's system uses a high-flow reusable filter, which reduces long-term costs significantly. Furthermore, the K&N intakes have a smooth intake tube to reduce turbulence. On average, K&N claims up to 16 horsepower gains for the 5.0L engine with their kit, without requiring a tune. The filter’s million-mile warranty and proven performance over decades of use make K&N a safe choice for S550s.

Make Your S550 Breathe Better Now

If you’re interested in installing one of the cold air intakes above on your own Mustang S550 to allow it to breathe a bit better, you can find all of the options on our online store. However, the list of aftermarket cold air intake options is quite extensive, so there are other great options available, which we also offer. Should you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to contact our dedicated sales tech team, who’ll be happy to assist you in making the right purchase for your Mustang.