5 Cheap S197 Mustang Mods Anyone Can Do
Last Updated June 24, 2024 | Hamilton SchuttPersonalizing your S197 Mustang doesn't have to mean going broke on expensive mods and customizations. These five upgrades are affordable, impactful, and easy to install. Whether you just got your first S197 or you've been a part of the club for years, this list can help you decide what comes next for your Mustang.
1. LED Marker Lights
Replacing your stock S197 marker lights with a set of multi-bulb LED marker lights increases brightness, making your Mustang look more modern. In addition to offering brighter light, aftermarket marker lights come in a few different lens colors.
Red rear and orange front marker light lenses keep the stock look while adding brightness. Smoked or clear lenses allow you to create a different look for your Mustang.
Installing LED marker lights is a simple process and can be completed with little-to-no mechanical skills. You should be able to get the job done with just a few basic tools. In fact, you won't even need to disconnect the battery.
The 2005-2009 S197s only have rear marker lights to replace. The 2010-2014 S197s have marker lights in the front and rear, though. No matter which marker lights you have, be sure to replace them all at the same time. This keeps the lighting consistent and makes your Mustang look better.
2. Modern LED Headlights
The S197 Mustang's factory headlights aren't very efficient or bright (by today's standards). The 2005-2012 Mustangs use halogen headlights as the standard, with HIDs available as an upgrade starting in 2007. While HIDs are a huge improvement over halogens, they still don't offer as many benefits as LEDs.
There are a lot of differences between halogen, HID, and LED headlights. But essentially, LEDs use less energy. That means that while halogens last up to 1,000 hours, and HIDs last up to 3,000, LEDs can last up to 30,000 hours.
LED headlights are significantly brighter as well. This means you'll have an easier time driving at night, and you'll be more visible on the road.
You can personalize your Mustang by selecting LED headlights with sequential turn signals, and smoked lenses, or go for projector-style headlights for a more focused beam of light. Halo rings are another way you can personalize your headlights. They add a ring of light around each headlight and, depending on the halos you pick, can be set to different colors.
If you really want your Mustang to stand out, a pair of headlights with Oracle Lighting's ColorSHIFT technology is a good option. ColorSHIFT allows you to customize your headlights with different colors and patterns via a remote or app. You even have the option to sync your headlights to music for a stunning light show.
3. Axle-Back Exhaust
Axle-back exhaust kits allow you to fine-tune your S197 Mustang's exhaust note. With plenty of options for V6s or GTs, you can make your exhaust louder and add a bit of style.
Aftermarket exhaust kits can change the look of your exhaust system with stylized exhaust tips. Options like polished or powder-coated finishes, large tip diameters, and varying tip lengths make it easy to personalize your Mustang.
Choosing the right material for your exhaust is also important. Axle-backs are typically available in aluminized or stainless steel. Aluminized steel exhausts are less expensive than stainless steel, but they aren't as durable. Stainless steel exhausts are more expensive, but last much longer and are more resistant to rust.
Explore some of your options in our roundup of the best axle-back exhausts for S197 Mustangs. If you're interested in more than just axle-backs, check out our 2005-2010 Mustang exhaust guide or the 2011-2014 Mustang exhaust guide for more ideas.
4. Oil Separator
Over time, oil and fuel can build up on parts of your S197 Mustang's engine, like the intake and throttle body. This results in reduced engine efficiency and power loss. An oil separator can fix this problem.
Oil separators filter oil and fuel out of the air that gets rerouted from the crankcase to the intake. Filtering this air improves engine efficiency, prevents carbon buildup, and reduces the chance of engine knock or ignition failure.
The removed oil and fuel pool into a reservoir at the bottom of the oil separator's filter pod. You can then easily remove, empty, and reinstall the reservoir once it fills up.
Considering how big of an impact oil separators have on engine performance, it's startling how easy they are to install. The process requires no tools and should take under five minutes.
If you're still not sold, discover more about how oil separators work and their benefits here here.
5. Hood Struts
Your Mustang's prop rod has a lot of shortcomings. It's flimsy, unreliable, poorly placed, and isn't very attractive. Hood struts replace your Mustang's prop rod and excel in all the areas where the rod falls short.
Instead of holding the hood up with one thin metal rod, hood struts come as a pair for better support. These struts also use gas springs to easily lift and secure the hood, so you don't wear it as a hat while you work.
The prop rod sits at the front of the engine bay. Maneuvering carefully to avoid knocking into the rod can make it challenging to work. Hood struts install at the back of the engine bay, so you'll have more room to work and won't need to worry about the hood slamming shut on you.
Hood struts also look way cooler than the prop rod does. This benefit may not be practical. But, if you plan to upgrade your engine with stylish mods or a dress-up kit, a set of hood struts will complement them nicely.
Now What?
If you've made it to the bottom of this list and still aren't satisfied, it may be worthwhile to look through our 2005-2010 Mustang mod guide or our top mods for 2011-2014 Mustangs. The recommendations on these pages can point you to the best upgrades for power, performance, and style.
You could also check out some of the guides below if you're looking for something specific like wheels, hoods, or cold air intakes.