Regardless of this Shelby's intended street focus, the 9-second timeslips generated on its regular dragstrip outings required a rollcage that was up to the task-and complied with track safety regulations. Tony turned to Tig-Vision Welding (West Palm Beach, Florida) owner Dave Dodge for a 10-point chrome-moly cage that, despite being 8.50-certified, conforms amazingly well to the contours of the GT500's interior, and retains its street practicality. It envelops a cabin that is otherwise nearly stock, meaning it's not missing any of its factory baubles.
Saying he built the Shelby "to prove how far technology has come," Tony sums up the project as "the most fun car I've ever had ... It makes 1,200 rwhp, has ice-cold A/C, and still drives like stock."
For our part, we look at its innocuous, stripe-less exterior and wonder just how many rivals have been shocked and awed by this earthbound stealth fighter. Kind of fitting, given that the compound turbo/supercharging thing got its start in combat aviation.
Engine and Drivetrain
Block Stock
Crankshaft
Stock
Rods Oliver
Pistons CP, stock compression
Camshaft Stock
Power Adder Stock Eaton M122 plus Hellion twin turbos (64mm)
Cylinder Heads Stock
Intake Manifold Stock
Fuel System MagnaFuel 750 pump, custom rails, and Injector Dynamics 212-lb/hr injectors
Exhaust DynoMax (aft of turbo kit components), with electronic cut-outs
Transmission Stock, with SPEC P-trim twin-disc clutch
Rearend 9-inch, 35-spline axles, 3.70 gears, and spool
Electronics
Engine Management Stock, with Thunder Autosports tune
Ignition Stock
Gauges Stock, plus TurboSmart boost gauge
Chassis and Suspension
Front Suspension
K-member Stock
A-Arms Stock
Struts QA1
Springs UPR
Brakes Stock
Wheels Bogart, 17-inch
Tires M&H Racemaster skinnies, 17x4.5-in
Rear Suspension
Shocks QA1
Springs Stock
Control Arms Racecraft
Brakes Stock
Wheels Bogart, 15x10-in
Tires Mickey Thompson, 325/50-15
Even opening the hood gives...
Even opening the hood gives little suggestion that this is anything but a stock Shelby. Hellion's twin-turbo kit lurks mostly out of sight, while helping send 1,200 horses and 1,100 lb-ft to the rear wheels.