Tuning or modifying cars is a phenomenon that started as soon as production cars rolled out. Back then, some local mechanics or owners began customizing their cars according to use. And eventually, tuning cars was not just about improving the car; it was the process enthusiasts fell for. The feeling of building something and working countless hours to fix small things made us feel more connected to the vehicle. It became more like a sport to us.
Manufacturers most often keep their vehicle's performance under-tuned. And the biggest reason is for the engine durability and emissions controls. Stuff like catalytic converters, small air boxes, rev limiters, etc., is necessary, but it makes the vehicle underperforming, which we unfortunately hate. So there comes the tuning part. We delete everything that bottlenecks the engine's potential, and we replace many OEM parts to push out more ponies.
However, seeing this trend, manufacturers started offering cars with durable engines but with potential for performance so that enthusiasts could test their skills and in some cases even make them better than manufacturers. And so, Ford was prone to notice this new sport of tuning cars and gave fantastic and potent cars ready to handle a boost in power and aero. There are a lot of tuner-friendly cars, most of them hail from Japan or Germany. But today, we have an all-American list of 10 Ford vehicles that are born to be souped up.
10 Ford SVT-Lightning
Ford introduced the SVT F-150 Lightning in 1993 as a direct competitor to the Chevy 454 SS. The second generation came with a supercharged 5.2-liter Triton V8 that churned out 360 horses and 440 lb-ft of torque. It could do 0-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds!
The engine is far more capable than its stock condition. For example, the supercharger only makes 8 PSI of maximum boost. And so, this mini truck is prone to getting more horsepower. This is why enthusiasts love the second-gen SVT Lightning.
9 Ford Taurus
Many of us often overlook the Ford Taurus since we consider it just another family sedan. But oh boy, you're missing a gem. The Ford Taurus SHO will daze you once you are behind the wheel. The sixth generation Taurus SHO features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 motor that produces 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.
Look at this video by Livernois in which Dan Millen shows the EcoBoost Taurus SHO producing over 600 horsepower. This gives a glance at what this little motor is capable of.
8 Ford Torino
Ford Torino, offered from 1968 to 1976, faced the fate of many other automobiles of that time because of the oil crisis. Models after 1971 received limited power access out of the motor because of government restrictions. The 1970 model Ford Torino came with many engine options, but the best was Ford's own 385 series 7.0-liter V8 that produced 375 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque!
The models after 1972 received a de-tuned version of the engine that only produced around 220 horsepower, leaving immense space for improvement. These de-tuned engines can sustain major power upgrades because of their over-engineered blocks.
7 Ford SVT Cobra Terminator
Almost every Mustang is bound to have upgrades, and the 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra - the SVT Terminator, is no different. It features a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 DOHC engine that produces 390 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is far more capable and can easily gain about 100 ponies just by doing minor tunings. Swapping a bigger supercharger can boost the engine's power output almost to double the stock figures if you want to do serious upgrades.
6 Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST is undoubtedly one of the best hot hatches you can buy. Many see this as an ordinary hatchback, but gearheads have a crush on this little thing because of its tuner-friendly nature.
It comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces merely 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque. But don't get the wrong idea by the outputs; the Fiesta is far more capable. Look at this stage 4 tuned Fiesta ST that produces 363 horses at the rear wheel! Crazy right?
5 Ford RS200 Evolution
Yes, the legendary RS200 held the record of the fastest accelerating car for 12 years! So we cannot miss this one on the list. This four-wheel-drive rally monster came with a Cosworth 2.1 liter four-cylinder engine that produced 600 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Ford made only 24 examples of the RS200 Evolution, which makes it a collector's item.
One of the craziest representations of how capable the RS200 Evo is by Liam Doran for the Pikes Peak that made almost 900 horsepower. The Ford RS200 was a legendary car built to enter the Group B rally that we cannot miss adding to this list. It is one of the most iconic cars ever built by Ford.
4 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a car that you can take anywhere. May it be roads or no roads. It can endeavor any what-so-ever called hurdles in front of it. And to do that, it holds a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 motor that produces 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Though other engine options are available for the Bronco, the 2.7-liter V6 motor is the most attractive option.
It can easily attain over 100 horsepower with little upgrades. Hennessey Performance offers an upgraded Bronco, which they call the Velociraptor 400 Bronco, that produces 400 horsepower and 503 lb-ft of torque.
3 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 series of trucks are our favorites of all time. They are highly reliable, good at off-roading, and have incredible towing capabilities. However, the 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost drivetrain produces about 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
A simple tune can easily add immense 70-100 ponies and 50-70 lb-ft of torque, showing this potent motor's true potential! Many people have done mods that reached a peak power of 700+ horsepower. That's what we call a slayer.
2 Ford Focus RS
The hot-hatch that every enthusiast desires. The Ford Focus RS has always been in our hearts for its rally car DNA. It handles incredibly, is compact and fun to drive, and has unlimited tuning potential.
The stock Focus RS packs a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. However, one of the famous personalities, Ken Block, has a Focus RS with a 2.0-liter motor producing over 600 horsepower! Have a look!
1 Ford Mustang GT
Another Mustang on the list, but this one is the 2018 model Mustang GT that packs a 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 engine that bells out 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Plus, it gets a six-speed manual transmission. However, you shouldn't overlook the automatic version as well.
This pony car is always among the top lists of any tuner's head. And there are many reasons we love it so much. It is an NA engine, so throwing in a turbo will give you mammoth figures. Many guides are available online to push your Mustang to its limits.