The BBK Mustang Throttle Intake for 1996-2004 Mustang GT is not only a great looking appearance upgrade, but is proven to make significant gains in power output and throttle response. This one-of-a-kind throttle body and upper plenum combo is one of the most popular items Brothers Performance sells. That popularity is most likely due to the fact that it is inexpensive, easy to install and a proven performer. Not only that but it is a great upgrade at any stage of modification, from mild bolt-on street cars to supercharged dedicated drag race cars.
It’s pretty common knowledge that the easiest way to extract more power from your Mustang's engine is to make it easier to get air in. By reducing intake restriction, the BBK Throttle Intake makes it easier for the engine to draw in more air. The increase of air that results from this means more air in the combustion chamber, and therefore more power.
BBK was one of the first to market with a larger throttle body for the 4.6L 2V Mustang engine. Those did a great job improving airflow and throttle response, but further testing showed that the stock upper intake plenum was a restriction also. BBK engineers went back to the drawing board and worked out a much improved upper plenum design to maximize the airflow gain from their larger throttle body. Those 2 components complimented each other so well the engineers thought “Why not simply combine the bigger throttle body and improved upper plenum into a single bolt-on?” and this all-in-one style throttle intake was born.
By combining the Mustang throttle body and upper plenum BBK not only eliminated a possible leak point (the throttle body to plenum gasket) but this produces a seamless transition all the way through the unit, providing even greater airflow and further simplifies an already easy installation.
There are three models available. You can get the 78mm version in both a dark charcoal finish (BBK 1780) and fully polished (BBK 17800). There is also a 73mm throttle intake (BBK 17801) that comes in dark charcoal finish only.
You’re probably wondering how to decide if you need a 73mm or 78mm model for your Mustang. Either will be an improvement over stock but, depending on the application, one may be a better choice than the other. The BBK 73mm throttle intake is a great choice for a mild bolt-on application. Unless you’re doing a max effort naturally aspirated build or a high boost supercharger or turbo setup this size will be more than adequate. The 78mm throttle intake really shines with high revving naturally aspirated engines and even better on high boost turbocharged & supercharged applications. This is especially true when used with an aftermarket intake manifold due to the factory intake’s airflow limitations.
Check out the following videos featuring veteran race car driver, Mustang enthusiast and magazine editor Evan Smith. In the first video Evan gives a detailed overview of the BBK throttle intakes, followed up by an installation and dyno test video.
As with most modifications, horsepower gains vary but BBK’s well-documented dyno testing shows that gains of 12 to 15 rear wheel horsepower are typical on a stock or mildly built Mustang. We have many customers with supercharged applications that have seen gains of 20 horsepower or more! This is a serious gain, especially for such an affordable upgrade.
So we know these throttle intakes make power, but what about quality? Like all BBK products, the 4.6 2V Mustang throttle intake is made in the USA. They start as a high quality 356 aluminum casting that is then CNC machined for a perfect fit on your Mustang. Each throttle intake also features die stamped throttle linkage, double sealed bearings and an O-ringed throttle shaft which provides smooth and reliable operation. Each part is designed, assembled and tested in BBK’s facility in Southern California. Speaking of California, all three of the BBK Mustang throttle intakes are CARB approved (EO# D-245-17). So they are all totally street legal in all 50 states including California.
Installation couldn’t be simpler and can typically be done in about 30 minutes. Essentially you just need to remove your intake tube and factory upper plenum assembly. From there you repeat the process in reverse order using the supplied hardware and EGR fittings. No special tools are required, but an impact screwdriver can make the factory TPS screws easier to remove without stripping. They are often coated in thread-locker from the factory and can be easy to strip. Click Here to download the installation instructions.
In summary, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to pep up the performance of your 1996-2004 Mustang GT it’s hard to beat the BBK 4.6L 2V Throttle Intake. Brothers Performance stocks all three models, so order one up on our website or give us a call at 1-800-486-2681 and we’ll be glad to take your order.
