Ford Racing Performance Parts...
Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) produces a blower kit for the '10 Shelby GT500 that will bring output to a stellar 675 rwhp and 629 lb-ft of torque. The kit is 50-state emissions legal when used with the FRPP computer re-calibration.
Factory-supplied horsepower has launched us into a new golden generation of hot rodding not seen since the '60s muscle-car era. In some respects, we are living through better times since OEM power is far greater than anything Detroit ever produced, and it's doing so with reduced emissions and outstanding mpg ratings. Some might argue that the muscle-car era did offer more variety, but the horsepower of today far exceeds that of yesteryear. The forthcoming '11 Mustang GT has a 5.0L producing 412 hp-a Shelby GT500 makes 500 rwhp off the showroom floor (or more), and let's not forget the wild offerings from Roush, Saleen, Shelby, SMS, and Steeda.
MM&FF tested a '10 Shelby GT500 in the Oct. '09 issue ("Shelby Shakedown"), and the results were outstanding. It cranked out 502 rwhp and 476 rwtq and ran mid-11s at about 120 mph on the dragstrip (using Mickey Thompson ET Street 26x11.5 tires). And don't think the latest Shelby GT500 is all brawn-the fit, finish, and refinement of interior and exterior appearances show Ford's commitment to producing an awesome modern muscle car. As great as the '10 Shelby GT500 is, there is always room for improvement.
This month, we sample the offerings directly from Ford's in-house aftermarket component company, Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP). It seems the factory hot-rod parts division has ramped up its efforts since the introduction of the S197 platform back in 2005.
The GT500 comes with an Eaton...
The GT500 comes with an Eaton M122 supercharger on top of a 5.4L engine that features cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder. In stock trim, our test vehicle unleashed 501 rwhp and 474 lb-ft of torque, which is on par with the '10 Shelby GT500 MM&FF tested last year.
Case in point, the 750hp Supercharger Upgrade Kit (PN M-6066-MSVT29PC) for the '10 Shelby GT500. We stopped by Downs Ford Motorsport (Toms River, New Jersey) to check out the addition of this kit to Shay Varone's brand-new Shelby. Based around a replacement blower from Whipple Superchargers, it boasts a displacement of 2.9L and is classified as a twin-screw-style supercharger.
A twin-screw blower is different than the Eaton M122 Roots-style supercharger that comes from the factory. The twin-screw compresses the air internally in the housing, whereas the Roots-style blower compresses the air in the intake manifold. Typically, a Roots blower will produce more low-end grunt while the twin-screw is more efficient in the upper rpm levels.
The battery is removed, as...
The battery is removed, as is the stock supercharger, EGR pipe, and the intake tract.....
Ricky Riccardi of Downs Ford Motorsport told us that the kit is more than just a blower upgrade. A dual-bore throttle body (PN M-9926-CJ) is included in the system. Opening up the restriction in front of a positive-displacement-style supercharger will yield large gains and 30 rwhp is not unrealistic. A 123mm MAF sensor is utilized so the 2.9L and dual-bore throttle body have ample air to suck in. More air is useless without additional fuel, and a new FRPP high-volume dual fuel pump assembly is part of the package. An FRPP handheld ECU calibrator modifies the tune and keeps the car 50-state legal.
"The kits are sold as a package. You receive a voucher that requires you to go online to register your kit. Once that happens, FRPP builds a tune and ships it the next day. We have sold and installed many of these kits and have not had one customer have a problem because FRPP builds it to be safe," said Riccardi. He did say that if a customer is adamant on getting a custom tune or has other mods that require a custom ECU recalibration, then Downs Ford Motorsport works with Dwayne Gutridge of Big Daddy Performance to handle those requests.
....These components are replaced...
....These components are replaced with new ones from FRPP.
If there is one drawback to the 750hp kit, it's that installation voids the powertrain warranty, but the non-powertrain components are still covered.
"While we take the industry's best steps to ensure long life with our testing, we cannot warranty the car at that power level. With normal street driving, the likelihood of having an issue is slim," says Jesse Kershaw of FRPP.
FRPP includes new NGK spark...
FRPP includes new NGK spark plugs, which Shaun Lacko gapped at 0.035 inch. The NGK plugs are a traditional style, unlike the....
....'05-'07 4.6L Three-Valve...
....'05-'07 4.6L Three-Valve engine that has a specialized plug end and long body.
The 2.9L twin-screw unit does...
The 2.9L twin-screw unit does not require a cowl hood like some other superchargers on the market, however, Lacko had to bend the engine ground strap bracket to clear the inlet tube.
Two dowels were removed from...
Two dowels were removed from the factory blower and placed on the lower manifold. The dowels are used to properly line up the supercharger.
One tip from Lacko is to add...
One tip from Lacko is to add gasket sealer to the bolts on the bottom of the supercharger.....
....It's not very common,...
....It's not very common, but Lacko said he has seen pressure leak through these bolt holes.