When a new Mustang is released, a virtual race begins for those in the business to stake a claim by laying down performance milestones with various combinations. The milestones of note typically start at 10-second e.t.'s and quickly. Typically these milestones are achieved with street cars the eventually become race cars. This is usually a gradual transition culminating in a full-blown race car. It's usually the street cars, however, that most enthusiasts relate with.
With only 13 passes under...
With only 13 passes under its slicks at the time of this writing, the MMR GT500 has already set records. The company’s next goal is challenging the status quo in the PSCA’s Outlaw class.
It's rare that there are cars that move right into the race-car category yet still resonate with general enthusiasts. These are precisely the kinds of rolling billboards that Modular Mustang Racing (
www.modularmustangracing.com) aims to create. "That's one of the things we've always been about--street-appearing cars," said Mark Luton of MMR. In face, if you were to just take a passing glance at the company's latest ride--a '10 Shelby GT500--you might think it was just another Grabber Blue 10 with a few stickers. That is, until you walked around back to see the giant rear slicks and twin parachutes.
In fact, MMR strives to create some of the quickest rides out there to showcase its engine-building acumen. So far it seems to work, as the outfit sells its engines worldwide, and what is learned at the track trickles all the way down to the company's entry-level engines. "If we can make an engine live at 2,500 hp," said Mark Luton of the tech transfer from the track to the street. "Imagine how your engine will live at 700-800 hp."
Of course, it certainly can't hurt that the all-aluminum 5.4 powers the first GT500 in the 6s. That's right. This striking blue Shelby conquered the quarter-mile in 6.99 seconds at 205 mph. That's an impressive accomplishment in and of itself, but what's truly impressive is that the 330ci MMR Shelby competes with 450ci small-blocks and 550ci big-blocks that can also employ twin-turbocharging in the ranks of the Pacific Street Car Association.
"We are outgunned by cubic inches, but there's only so large an engine we can build," Mark explains. "(However) it's fun to be an underdog and our customers can relate." It's that sort of stiff competition that led to this car's quick transition from wounded street car to racetrack sensation. "We needed a lot more to compete in the PSCA," Mark elaborates. "We needed the best of everything. The black car (MMR's 7-second S197) was so overweight, it was easier to just start fresh."
Fresh meant acquiring a legit '10 Shelby GT500 that suffered a rearend collision. The damage required a new body panel and other bodywork, but it wasn't too tough to repair. What's interesting is that all the body panels--stock and replacement--are factory metal. That includes the stock aluminum hood. While there is some racy carbon fiber inside the car, this 6- second Shelby is truly a doorslammer.
Of course, running a real Mustang with a 5.4 modular is a challenge, and though the car has run impressive numbers, it's going to take mid-6s to compete in PSCA Outlaw 10.5. However, Mark is confident that they can get there with this car. "I think 6.70s to 6.80s are a goal for this year, and we've been dead-on with our predictions so far," Mark says. "The turbos are running well below their efficiency level at only 35 psi. They can support 42-50 psi."
"The craziest part is that this car has only been down the track 13 times (as of this writing)," Mark added. "It has so much potential." Apparently for the MMR GT500, setting records is just the beginning. 5.0
Horse Sense: MMR's next project is a single-turbo '11 GT. The goal of this Coyote-powered project is 7.80s on a 10.5 tire! They also have a new Jerry Haas chassis that will eventually set its sights on the PSCA's all-out Pro class, where it will square off with the likes of John Mihovetz's record-setting ride.
Engine And Drivetrain
Block Aluminum 5.4 w/MMR Dry Deck Technology
Crankshaft MMR 4340 billet steel
Rods Manley billet
Pistons Manley
Camshafts MMR custom turbo cams
Cylinder Heads GT500 Four-Valve aluminum w/MMR Stage 3R port
Intake Manifold MMR custom sheetmetal w/Accufab 105mm throttle body
Fuel System Weldon fuel pump w/Fuel Lab regulator, MMR fuel rails, and Bosch 160-lb/hr injectors
Exhaust MMR custom long-tube headers
Transmission Rossler Turbo 400 w/Continental torque convertor, PST carbon-fiber driveshaft and Precision Performance Products shifter
Rearend Strange 9-in w/Strange 40-spline axles, Strange spool, and 3.08 gears
Electronics
Engine Management Fast XFI
Ignition MSD 10 w/MSD wires and Autolite race plugs
Gauges Fast touchscreen
Front Suspension
K-member MMR custom
Control Arms MMR custom
Struts Strange Ultra
Springs Strange
Brakes Strange carbon fiber
Wheels Weld Racing Aluma Stars
Tires Mickey Thompson
Rear Suspension
Shocks Strange adjustable
Springs Strange
Brakes Strange carbon fiber
Wheels Weld Aluma Star
Tires Mickey Thompson ET Drag

From this view, the true mission...

From this view, the true mission of MMR’s ’10 Shelby GT500 is revealed. With wheelie bars, two DJ Safety spring-launched parachutes, and a pair of 29.5x10.5 sticky Mickeys out back, it’s easy to see this Snake has bite.

We could never call a 6-second...

We could never call a 6-second GT500 a sleeper, but this Grabber Blue rocket isn’t as overt as most other cars this quick. In fact, all the body panels are factory metal parts. Of course, seeing those two Garrett 80mm turbos lurking behind the grille might give away the true potential of this ride.

Can you believe the MMR gets...

Can you believe the MMR gets this done with 3.08 gears inside the Strange 9-inch rear?

Lightweight Weld Alumastars...

Lightweight Weld Alumastars spin around racing brakes from Strange Engineering. Obviously, these brakes get a helping hand from the two DJ Safety parachutes to slow the MMR GT500 down from 205 mph.

The guts of MMR’s Shelby are...

The guts of MMR’s Shelby are decidedly racier than its outward appearance. A Kirkey race seat is perched in front of a removable Sparco steering wheel and a FAST touch-screen display. The Precision Performance Products shifter controls a Rossler Turbo 400 transmission.

Lurking behind the Shelby...

Lurking behind the Shelby snake is the real bite of the combination, one of Garrett’s 80mm turbos.

Ever wonder what a 2,200hp...

Ever wonder what a 2,200hp modular looks like? Well, this is it. MMR constructed a 10:1, 330ci, 5.4 engine and pumped it with 35 pounds of boost from two Garrett 80mm turbos. That was just the beginning, however—they plan to push this combo further with 42-50 pounds of boost.

This tank houses the fluid...

This tank houses the fluid for the air-to-water intercooler system from Deeds Performance.

Along with the fuel cell,...

Along with the fuel cell, the MMR GT500 is equipped with a full FireFox fire-suppression system. Other safety gear includes a DJ Safety engine diaper and a full 25.3-certified chassis.