Shelby GT 500 Blower Upgrade - Factory-Backed Boost

Horse Sense: In this day of our government, environmentalists and others trying to limit the performance of our "performance vehicles," Ford offering a 50-states-approved, bolt-on that can take a Shelby's horses above the 600 mark, and a factory limited warranty that protects a GT 500 against damage it sustains as a result of the part failing, is huge. But, don't for a moment think warranty coverage is limited to just the 'Stang hierarchy. Ford Racing Performance Parts also offers twin-screw supercharger systems for '05-'08 S197s (PN M-6066-M463V and M-6066-M463V7) that bump their Three-Valve flywheel power level to four hundie, and also fall under a protection program that assures enthusiasts it's really OK to put the hammer down!

Here's a challenge to the older members of the 'Stang Nation-those who have been around since the days when making (at a minimum) 275 horsepower put your 5.0-powered GT or LX in the upper echelon of Mustangs that hit the local cruise spot. Tell us the last time Ford Racing Performance Parts (it was called Ford Motorsport back then) offered any engine-specific, horsepower-improving part that could be bolted on a 5.0 or 4.6, that would cover the part or a Mustang with a limited warranty if the part is installed by a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury dealer?

If you're having a difficult time with your answer, you shouldn't. The simple fact of the matter is, while Ford Motorsport/Ford Racing Performance Parts has offered a host of hi-perf goodies for 'Stangs and other Blue Oval vehicles over the years, there has never been any real "coverage" associated with any of its bolt-ons that unleash the beast in stock engines. Enthusiasts who wished to make serious performance upgrades using Ford parts were basically "on their own," at the mercy of sympathetic dealers (or those they might have a hookup with), or willing to go through a logjam of red tape and bureaucracy if they wanted any kind of retribution if those bolt-on parts failed in any way. Well, times finally have changed when it comes to Ford "showing love," in the form of a factory warranty, to those who upgrade their S197 'Stangs with a few specific parts and performance packages in the FRPP catalog.

We've already shined the spotlight on Ford's performance division's Power (FR1: CAI, mufflers and PCM calibration), Drag (FR2: CAI, short-tube headers, 3.73 gears, short-throw shifter and PCM calibration) and Handling (FR3: lowering springs, shocks and struts, anti-roll bar and strut-tower brace) "Packs" in previous reports. Components in each of these upgrade kits are covered by a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty when installed by the dealer on new GT or Shelby GT 500 'Stangs at the time they're sold, or 12 months/12,000 miles if installed after the date of sale, but before the vehicle's Basic warranty period (3/36) ends (for more info on the Ford Racing Limited Warranty Program, go to www.fordracingparts.com).

The latest FRPP package to be blessed with a warranty is the new, Supercharger Upgrade Kit for '07-'08 Shelby GT 500s (PN M-6066-SGT; $5,600), which also is referred to as the Super Pack. While protection period in this kit's (and blowers for Mustang GTs) warranty is limited to only 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first), it's monumental nonetheless, and we knew we had to check it out and tell you about it, as it's probably the most-powerful, single bolt-on accessory that Ford has ever offered for any Mustang.