how can i add horsepower to a 1997 mercury cougar with a 3.8 liter V6?

Q: my mercury cougar has a 3.8 liter V6 with only 145 horsepower. i am looking for ways to add more power. can any one help me out.

A: Listen here... The easiest, most effective method is as follows: Get a cold air intake, new exhaust, or new headers. After you have the components to increase air flow, you will need to have your ECU remapped. By adding the air intake/exhaust/headers, you will only gain HP at the redline, by remapping your ECU, you can expect to gain a lot more HP in the lower to mid range RPMs, as well as the higher rpms. My 1998 bmw 328is (2.8L I6), came stock with 190hp, and 207 ft lbs of torque. By adding a K&N intake, I gained 9hp at the redline, (that's the best any intake will do, don't believe the sellers that claim 15-30 hp gains, that just aint gonna happen!). After i added the air intake, I sent my ECU to the guys at Speed Tuning USA, there they remapped my ECU. I now have 217 hp and 230 ft lbs of torque, in the low to mid range rpms, not bad for a naturally aspirated engine! With the exceptionally weak cougar V6, these upgrades would give you a significant power increase. Type Speed Tuning USA into google, and check them out, they are extremely helpful and knowledgable! I gained that extra HP for just under $200. If you were to add the intake, headers, exhaust, and ECU modification, expect your car to hit around 180-190hp. With the decently light cougar, you'd most definately feel the difference! Good luck!

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