Right out of the factory, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a formidable machine. Priced at $74,095 in 2021, it has a 5.2-liter V8 engine that generates 760 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds.
By 2021, Ford had stopped producing the GT350, making the GT500 the only Mustang with the Cobra snake badge. But some want more performance. That’s where Stephen and his team at Late Model Racecraft come in. The owner of this 2021 GT500, a Texas customer, wanted the V8 to run exclusively on E85 and to use the car daily, not just for shows.
Late Model Racecraft added power safely. The car still looks stock, with 20-inch carbon fiber wheels. The team replaced the rear tires with the Toyo R888 for better traction. The engine now redlines at 8,000 rpm, making the extra traction necessary.
The owner wanted 900-1,000 horsepower at the rear wheel and a louder exhaust. So, despite his plan to keep a low profile, the car’s sound draws attention. The GT500 already had the $18,000 Carbon Fiber Track Pack, including carbon fiber wheels, an instrument panel, a GT4 track wing, and splitter wickers.
Late Model Racecraft added a larger throttle line, cold-air intake, a boost pump, and ID1300 injectors. On the dyno, the car produced 974 rear-wheel horsepower and 691 pound-feet of torque, making the owner very happy.
Stephen believes the owner will return for more power upgrades, which will involve replacing the factory fuel pumps and revising the fuel system to achieve 1,050-1,100 rear-wheel horsepower. They might also upgrade the DCT clutch. The GT500 is estimated to go from 0 to 60 in 2.0 seconds, with a ferocious sound.