The Right Way to Modify Your SN95 Mustang

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With the introduction of the 1994 Mustang, Ford launched the SN95 generation (1994-1998), which looked nothing like the 1987-1993 Fox Body it replaced. The new design featured softer lines, a more refined ride, and overall improved build quality. While slightly heavier — and therefore a touch slower — than the outgoing model, the SN95's updated Fox-4 chassis gave enthusiasts more confidence, especially for open track or road racing.

Equipped with four-wheel disc brakes (including 13-inch front and 11.65-inch rear rotors on Cobra models), this performance-focused update opened the door for significant handling and braking improvements. This made the SN95 Mustang one of the most exciting platforms for modification and performance upgrades.

The 1994-1995 SN95 Mustang models still carried the tried-and-true 5.0L pushrod V8 engine, essentially a carryover from the 1987-1993 Fox Body Mustang. For 1996-1998, Ford introduced the Modular 4.6L V8 in two forms: a single overhead cam (SOHC) version for the Mustang GT and a dual overhead cam (DOHC) version for the Mustang Cobra. The 4.6L SOHC offered power similar to the outgoing 5.0L, while the 4.6L DOHC delivered 305 horsepower, quickly becoming a favorite among enthusiasts for its high-RPM powerband and racetrack potential.

Unfortunately, many SN95 Mustangs have not aged gracefully. Years of neglect, abuse, and poorly executed modifications have left many in rough condition. The upside is that this generation can still be purchased at lower prices compared to other Mustang platforms, making it an affordable entry point for Mustang enthusiasts. Whether you find a stock example or one with questionable mods, the SN95 Mustang remains an ideal platform for the right upgrades. In this guide, we'll outline the best performance modifications to help you transform your SN95 Mustang into a reliable, stylish, and powerful machine.

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SN95 Mustang Exhaust Upgrades

One of the first areas many enthusiasts address on the 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang is the exhaust system. Unfortunately, most used SN95s we see have poorly fitted, low-quality exhaust parts that hurt both sound and performance. Many owners buy based on price, but the result is often an obnoxious system that can be heard from blocks away. To get the right tone and lasting performance, it's best to invest in quality components the first time.

Steeda Autosports offers proven exhaust upgrades designed specifically for the SN95 Mustang platform, including the GT and Cobra models.

• Headers - Factory manifolds are restrictive; performance headers free up horsepower and improve exhaust flow.
• Intermediate Pipe (H-Pipe or X-Pipe) - Positioned between the headers and cat-back, both styles impact tone and horsepower. An H-pipe gives a deeper classic muscle sound, while an X-pipe produces a higher-pitched, free-flowing tone.
• Mufflers - While they don't add significant horsepower, aftermarket mufflers transform the exhaust note and overall driving experience.
• Cat-back Exhaust System - A complete cat-back upgrade, which includes new mufflers and piping, maximizes flow and complements other engine mods.

Installing headers, H-pipe or X-pipe, and cat-back may not provide huge power gains immediately, but it creates the ideal foundation for future engine upgrades while ensuring your SN95 Mustang sounds as good as it performs.

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SN95 Mustang Wheels & Tires Upgrades

When it comes to the factory wheel choices on the 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang, the cars came with attractive designs, but the bold curves of the body often made stock wheels look too small — especially in the rear. The solution is upgrading to staggered wheel fitments for the perfect stance and performance look. Wheels and tires are one of the most impactful SN95 Mustang mods, so measuring carefully and ordering the correct setup is essential. Here at Steeda we offer numerous SN95 wheel options for you to choose from.

• Size - A proven street setup is 18x9 front wheels with 265/35 tires and 18x10 rear wheels with 285/35 tires. For a drag racing build, enthusiasts often choose 17-inch skinnies up front with either 15x10 or 17x10 rears.
• Offset - For the front 18x9 setup, a +24mm offset works best, while an 18x10 rear looks right with a +20mm offset. Alternative offsets can be used with the proper spacers.
• Weight - For daily-driven street cars, wheel weight isn't critical, but for drag racing and road course builds, lightweight wheels make a huge difference by reducing unsprung mass and maximizing horsepower transfer to the ground.
• Style - Personal preference matters, but the SN95 aftermarket now offers far more than the same 4-5 common designs. New styles allow enthusiasts to make their Mustang stand out with a unique look.

The great thing about the SN95 Mustang platform is that it's easy to dramatically improve appearance and handling. With the right wheel and tire combination paired with quality lowering springs, your Mustang will instantly have a more aggressive stance and street-ready style.

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SN95 Mustang Lowering Springs - Suspension Upgrade Options

Lowering springs are one of the most effective upgrades for improving both the stance and handling of your 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang. A stock SN95 sits too high, but pairing quality wheels with the right springs instantly transforms appearance and performance. Steeda offers three distinct lowering spring packages designed specifically for SN95 Mustangs:

• Steeda Front Competition Springs - Ideal for serious track enthusiasts, these are engineered for high-rate front-end support to improve weight transfer and cornering response.
• Steeda Competition Springs - A full set designed for competitive driving and open track use. They lower the car for an aggressive stance while maintaining maximum handling performance.
• Steeda Sport Springs - Perfect for street-driven SN95 Mustangs, these offer a balanced drop that improves aesthetics and handling without sacrificing ride quality.

With these options, SN95 Mustang owners can choose the right spring setup for their goals — whether it's track domination, street performance, or a perfect blend of both.

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SN95 Mustang Bumpsteer Kit - Improve Steering and Handling

When modifying the suspension on a 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang, it's important to include supporting upgrades that ensure predictable handling. One of the most common issues with lowered Mustangs is bump steer — when the car reacts erratically over uneven pavement or during aggressive cornering. A Steeda SN95 Bumpsteer Kit is engineered to correct this issue and restore proper steering geometry.

This complete kit includes adjustable tie rod ends, application-specific spacers, and high-quality installation hardware. Together, these components improve steering feel, precision, and stability, while reducing unwanted “wandering” across bumps or road imperfections. For any SN95 Mustang lowered with aftermarket springs or coilovers, a bumpsteer kit is a must-have upgrade to achieve safe, consistent, and performance-oriented handling.

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SN95 Mustang Chassis & Suspension Bracing Upgrades

The 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang's Fox-4 chassis provides a solid foundation, but aftermarket chassis upgrades dramatically improve rigidity, handling, and driver confidence. Steeda offers proven solutions to stiffen and strengthen your Mustang's structure.

• Subframe Connectors - Weld-in connectors solidly tie the front and rear subframes together. This upgrade reduces chassis flex, increases rigidity, and improves cornering stability on both street and track.
• Strut Tower Brace - By bolting across the strut towers and to the cowl, this brace reduces suspension flex and cowl shake. The result is sharper steering response and a more planted front end.
• Steeda G-Trac Bar - Designed specifically for the Fox-4 chassis, this bar bolts to the bottom of the K-member to reinforce the front suspension and maintain proper suspension geometry during aggressive cornering.

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SN95 Mustang Rear Suspension Upgrades

In addition to chassis bracing, rear suspension upgrades are essential for maximizing traction, handling, and overall performance in a 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang. Steeda offers proven components that outperform the factory hardware.

• Lower Control Arms - Factory arms were designed with comfort and noise reduction in mind, not performance. Steeda aftermarket lower control arms deliver improved grip, durability, and responsiveness, whether you're powering out of corners on a road course or cutting better 60-foot times at the drag strip.
• Upper Control Arms - Available in single or double adjustable versions, Steeda upper control arms allow you to fine-tune suspension geometry and traction. Enthusiasts can choose from street-friendly polyurethane bushings or race-ready Heim joints for maximum adjustability and performance.
• Additional Suspension Options - Pairing upgraded control arms with Steeda components such as adjustable shocks, performance sway bars, and upgraded bushings further enhances rear-end stability, ensuring your SN95 Mustang handles predictably on the street and dominates at the track.

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SN95 Mustang Engine Upgrades - Power to the People

Engine performance upgrades for the 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang vary depending on which V8 is under the hood. Whether you own the classic 5.0L pushrod or the newer Modular 4.6L, the right combination of bolt-ons and supporting mods can dramatically improve horsepower, torque, and drivability.

For 1994-1995 SN95 Mustangs with the 5.0L Pushrod V8:

• Start with a high-flow cold air intake system featuring a washable, reusable filter for improved airflow.
• Upgrade the intake manifold, cylinder heads, and camshaft for significant horsepower gains.
• Complement these upgrades with a numerically higher rear gear ratio, an underdrive pulley kit, and a free-flowing exhaust system to maximize performance.

For 1996-1998 models with the Modular 4.6L V8:

• Both the SOHC (GT) and DOHC (Cobra) engines respond well to cold air intake, throttle body, and intake manifold upgrades.
• Cylinder head and camshaft swaps unlock high-RPM potential, especially on the DOHC models.
• Supporting mods like underdrive pulleys and steeper rear gears help these engines make the most of their naturally rev-happy character.

By combining these upgrades, SN95 Mustang owners can transform their cars into stronger, faster, and more reliable performance machines while keeping the unique personality of each engine platform.

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SN95 Mustang Power Adders & Engine Durability Upgrades

For enthusiasts looking to move beyond basic bolt-ons, additional power adders can take the 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang to the next level of performance.

• Supercharger Kits - Available for both pushrod 5.0L and Modular 4.6L engines, a supercharger kit dramatically increases horsepower and torque by forcing more air into the engine. While installation and tuning are more involved, the gains in acceleration and overall power are substantial.
• Nitrous Oxide Systems - A cost-effective way to add instant horsepower, nitrous systems deliver a powerful performance boost at the push of a button. Proper installation and supporting mods such as upgraded injectors, spark plugs, and fuel delivery components are essential for reliability.
• Forged Internals for High-Horsepower Builds - If you plan to run high boost or large nitrous shots, upgrading to forged pistons, rods, and stronger fasteners will greatly improve engine durability. These upgrades ensure your SN95 Mustang can withstand the additional stress of high-horsepower builds, keeping everything in the short block secure under extreme conditions.

With the right combination of power adders and internal engine upgrades, the SN95 Mustang becomes a true street and track weapon capable of handling serious horsepower while maintaining long-term reliability.

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SN95 Mustang Exterior Mods - Personalization & Styling Upgrades

Exterior modifications are one of the easiest and most effective ways to personalize your 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang and make it stand out on the street or at the track. These upgrades not only enhance appearance but can also improve functionality and aerodynamics.

• Aftermarket Hoods - Available in styles such as heat extractor, ram-air induction, cowl induction, and Cobra R designs. These hoods improve airflow, cooling, and add an aggressive look that signals performance.
• Rear Wings & Spoilers - Pedestal-style and race-inspired wings give your SN95 Mustang a distinctive profile while improving high-speed stability, downforce, and reducing drag.
• Exterior Trim, Emblems & Graphics - Adding badges, decals, and graphics has been a Mustang tradition since the beginning. These simple upgrades are an affordable and effective way to showcase your personal style and Mustang heritage.
• Lighting & Detail Enhancements - Upgrading to modern headlights, taillights, or smoked lenses further refines your Mustang's look while improving visibility and safety.

With the right exterior mods, the SN95 Mustang becomes a true reflection of its owner — blending performance, personality, and style for a unique build that stands out in any crowd.

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Conclusion - Building the Ultimate SN95 Mustang

The 1994-1998 SN95 Mustang may often be overshadowed by other generations, but with the right upgrades it can become a true performance icon. From exhaust and suspension modifications to chassis bracing, power adders, and exterior personalization, every upgrade helps transform this platform into a street or track machine that is uniquely yours.

Whether your goal is improved handling, more horsepower, or a show-stopping look, Steeda Autosports has engineered, tested, and proven parts that deliver real results. Explore our full line of SN95 Mustang performance parts and start building your perfect Mustang today — backed by decades of racing experience and enthusiast support.