Click Here For Dyno Comparison
The Fluidyne coolant-pump...
The Fluidyne coolant-pump bracket (PN FHP-07GT500KIT; $49.99) bolts directly onto the heat exchanger assembly and allows us to keep the stock pump in place for coolant circulation through the unit.
The information in this article is presented in the same format we used to detail the bolt-ons in "Reality Checklist" (Apr. '08, p. 124). Each capsule includes part info and highlights its installation. This time, however, we're waiting until the end of our report to let you know the collective impact our upgrades had on a stock Shelby GT500's rear-wheel performance.
Before going any further, note that Horse Sense for this story discusses use of the term simple in magazine tech articles. With the exception of the tuning work that is done using the chassis dyno, there honestly isn't anything overwhelmingly difficult about bolting any of the pieces we're using on a Shelby. Sure, having a twin-post hoist and/or the mechanical skill and knowledge of someone like Extreme Automotive's Saul "The Surgeon" Gutierrez would be nice. But what makes this group cool is that the parts can be installed by mechanically inclined do-it-yourselfers, those who are only able to elevate a Mustang as high as a good set of jackstands allow.
As you'll see when you read on, nothing in this group of parts requires additional fabrication or modifying for installation, and it's possible to have everything installed and your Shelby back on the road in 4 to 6 hours if you're doing it yourself.
Keep in mind that maintaining an air/fuel ratio below 11.8:1 at wide-open throttle is critical for supercharged Mustangs such as Shelby GT500s. All the timing and fuel adjustments for this particular setup can be made using the DiabloSport Predator's preloaded JLT CAI/2.7-inch pulley tune and the Shelby-specific unit's provisions for timing and fuel adjustments. However, using a wide-band air/fuel gauge is strongly recommended if you elect to tune it this way instead of on a chassis dyno.
This replacement requires...
This replacement requires breaking the bumper assembly down to its core. Using 13mm sockets and wrenches, Saul removes the inner bumper, which allows him to fully dislodge the stock heat exchanger from the bumper. Upper and lower hoses are disconnected at this time. Make sure a catch can or bucket is in position before disconnecting any of the lines. This helps prevent having to clean up a river of coolant when the exchanger is pulled.
Fluidyne Heat Exchanger
Despite its intercooler and small heat exchanger, one of the big problems with a Shelby's stock blower is that it heat-soaks in a hurry, which leads the PCM to pull timing, making power the victim. To remedy this, especially when making mods for increased horsepower, adding a large-capacity heat exchanger is a good idea.
We're treating Carlos' GT500 to Fluidyne's low-temperature radiator unit for Shelby GT500s (PN FHP30-05MUSLTR; $499.95). The new exchanger is twice the size of the OEM Shelby GT500 unit, thus helping to increase both the blower, and especially the intercooler, efficiency quite a bit. Installing the heat exchanger is the most time-consuming task out of all the upgrades we make. If you're doing this job yourself, allow about an hour to remove and replace all the pieces (that's if you're really going for it).
JLT Cold-Air Intake
JLT Performance's cold-air intake system (PN CAI-GT500-0708; $449) definitely has all bases covered when it comes to looks and functionality. Thanks to its super-trick, carbon-fiber intake tube, JLT's kit is 2 pounds lighter then a Shelby's OEM intake tube and airbox. The system also features an enormous, 110mm mass air housing (the factory sensor is retained) and includes all the pieces required for an easy installation, which shouldn't take more than an hour.
Steeda Supercharger Pulley
Installing Steeda's 2.7-inch Shelby GT500 supercharger pulley (PN 555-3345; $159.95) is another "quickie" component in the upgrade package we're installing on Carlos' ride. Saul has the stocker off and the new smaller-diameter pulley in place in about 45 minutes. A smaller pulley increases a blower's speed, which in turn raises the amount of boost the supercharger generates.
Bassani Aft-Cat Exhaust
Bassani's 21/2-inch, stainless steel Aft-Cat exhaust system (PN 4607SR5; $498.39) rounds out the hard parts we installed on Carlos' Shelby. Similar to the other installation tasks that were performed, there really isn't anything exotic about the swap procedure. As long as you're able to raise the car high enough to work under it without too much hassle, this leg of the project is a 30-minute deal.
 Notice the width of the new...  Notice the width of the new heat exchanger. The unit has a three-row, "core-style" configuration, which allows it to drop coolant temperature significantly. Cooler fluid passing into a GT500's water-to-air intercooler helps reduce intake air's temperature. We've discussed many times how essential cool air is to performance. In this case, cool air primarily benefits efficiency, as the new heat exchanger will help disperse heat trapped inside the blower. |  Because of its much larger...  Because of its much larger size, Fluidyne's heat exchanger must be installed from below the bumper. |  Once the radiator assembly's...  Once the radiator assembly's stock hoses and electrical connections are returned to their places, we're finished with this antiseptic installation. With coolant added to the intercooler's fluid reservoir and the pump cycled a few times to ensure the system flows as it should, we're ready to move on to the next mod. |
 All of the parts required...  All of the parts required for a painless CAI swap (silicone couplers, clamps, conical air filter, heat shield, and so on) are included with JLT's Shelby GT500 system-including the mammoth-sized, 110mm mass air tube your tech editor is peering through in this photo. |  Saul removes the stock airbox...  Saul removes the stock airbox assembly. While there's usually no looking back when performance mods are made on a 'Stang, hanging on to a Shelby's original pieces is a good idea, so take care with their removal. |  First remove the serpentine...  First remove the serpentine belt. Saul uses a long-handle ratchet and a simple 3/8-inch extension to rotate the tensioner, then slips the belt off of and away from the factory pulley. |
 JLT's Shelby cold-air kit...  JLT's Shelby cold-air kit includes two steel shims that are used to create ample clearance between the carbon-fiber intake tube and a GT500's factory strut-tower brace. It's important not to overtighten the nuts when resecuring the brace, as the studs snap fairly easily, and extracting them from the strut towers is no fun at all. |  As it is with most cold-air...  As it is with most cold-air systems, the factory mass air sensor is reused with JLT's big tube. Installation is straightforward, and screws for securing the sensor are supplied with the kit. |  Saul drops the cold-air system...  Saul drops the cold-air system in place and tightens the mass air sensor with factory hardware. |