From 306 to 360

Tickford’s tweaks rearrange the numerals to take the Mustang GT’s 5.0-litre V8 from 306 to 360kW while ramping up torque from the standard 530Nm to 585Nm, increases of 18 and 10 percent respectively.

The additional outputs come via improvements to intake and exhaust flow. The overhead-cam bent-eight retains the standard headers, the 3.0-inch, mandrel-bent stainless steel exhaust running cat-back to a pair of dual carbon-wrapped outlets nestled in a Tickford quad-outlet diffuser.

A cold-air intake frees induction flow and noise and teams with a throttle body spacer designed to boost torque, along with a specific tune lets the V8 make the most of its newfound ability to breathe.

The package is covered by a driveline warranty that extends to the remainder of the Ford new-car warranty, and a numbered built plate and Tickford Enhanced badge complete the upgrade, which costs $7500 fitted. The exhaust and rear diffuser are also offered on their own for $3990.

The test car’s additional, $3990 Mustang Sports Suspension drops the coupe 25mm using adjustable coil-over front struts and conventional rear springs and dampers developed in conjunction with German brand H&R.

The 20-inch wheel and tyre package brings unique satin black 10-spoke semi-forged alloy wheels measuring 9.5 inches wide at the front and 11.0 inches wide at the rear, wrapped in 265/35 and 295/30 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT tyres. The $4500 package retains the factory tyre pressure monitor functionality and comes with Tickford centre caps and chrome nuts.

A Tickford Leather Interior upgrade provides the finishing touch. The $4490 option brings front and rear seats with upgraded foam support and re-trimmed in retro-inspired charcoal black, a suede- and leather-trimmed centre console, and Tickford logos in the seat backs.

You can piece together your own Mustang from the various Tickford packs, or tick every box as our test car did, for $20,480 on top of the $54,990 for the Mustang GT manual, or a total of $75,470.