The landmark tech effort took place in February 2009 when your tech editor arrived at Gear Heads Automotive and Performance in Arlington, Texas. Company-owner and lead-tuner Travis Franklin was ready and waiting with a mostly new, bone-stock GT500 that we used for the installation and the all-important workout on the rollers of Gear Heads' Dynojet chassis dyno.
Don't just skim through this one. The following photos and captions will let you know the real deal on whether the saying "everything's big in Texas" is true, at least in regard to compound boost and the horsepower it makes on our stock Shelby test 'Stang.
 Turbochargers rely on oil...  Turbochargers rely on oil for lubrication and cooling. However, with the twin turbos in the GT500 system positioned below the oil pan, there is no way that pressure alone will allow oil draining from the turbos to reach its depository at the passenger-side cam cover. To remedy this situation, Hellion includes an oil-scavenge pump that force-feeds oil through AN -6 rubber hose to its final destination in the engine compartment. |  While turbos mounted on the...  While turbos mounted on the down-low are cool, there's always a concern that they could be damaged by road debris or an obstruction of some sort. On non-lowered 'Stangs, the Hellion twins only take away -inch of ground clearance. However, as a precautionary measure, a bolt-in, stainless-steel turbo shield is included for protection against groundborne enemies. |  Hellion relies on Turbosmart's...  Hellion relies on Turbosmart's TurboXS race bypass valve, which installs at the side of the final boost before the mass air, to immediately bleed boost pressure out into the atmosphere when the throttle is closed. |
 A pair of solenoids for the...  A pair of solenoids for the system's optional Turbosmart e-boost 2 electronic boost controller are attached to both framerails and allow total manipulation of the wastegates (and infinitely adjustable boost) by way of a control unit mounted in the cabin. The boost controller will allow Travis to set up custom boost curves that can change the Shelby's demeanor from mild to tire-melting wild in seconds. |  A Shelby GT's stock (52-lb/hr)...  A Shelby GT's stock (52-lb/hr) fuel injectors will support approximately 650 rwhp, compound-boosted-or-other, which makes upgrading to Ford Racing Performance Parts new Cobra Jet-spec 80-lb/hr injectors a good idea. The larger squirters increase a stocker's power-making range considerably (to about 800 horses), and definitely will be necessary if making big steam with the 66mm turbos (and a stout fuel system and bottom-end in the engine, of course) is your goal. |  Powering the oil-scavenging...  Powering the oil-scavenging pump is a plug-and-play deal with the turbo system's supplied wiring harness, which simply taps into a keyed 12V source in the fuse compartment. |
 In order to complete the coolant-flow...  In order to complete the coolant-flow circuit for the additional intercooler, a -inch T-fitting and length of hose from the secondary intercooler are plumbed between a Shelby's OEM intercooler and the coolant reservoir. |  The rubber AN -6 return hose...  The rubber AN -6 return hose coming from the oil-scavenging pump is secured to this block, which deposits oil into the passenger-side valve cover. |  Before lowering the 'Stang,...  Before lowering the 'Stang, Travis added a new freer-flowing exhaust system from Magnaflow. The stainless cans are a classy touch for the Shelby, and they greatly improve the exit strategy of the 'Stang's exhaust gases. |
 Although hidden, the twin-turbo...  Although hidden, the twin-turbo assembly looks wicked below Travis' Shelby. For the record, installing Hellion's compound-boost system on a Shelby GT500 is not something we recommend for the do-it-yourself enthusiast who is limited to working in the driveway or home garage (unless a twin-post hoist is handy). The process definitely requires full access to areas that will be frustratingly difficult to reach if the Shelby is only elevated with jacks and jackstands. |  Linking the last boost tube...  Linking the last boost tube (which routes through a natural opening in the driver-side front of the car), Hellion's polished mass air cylinder and the intake tube are the final stages of plumbing required for the compound-boost system's airstream. All of the necessary silicone couplers and clamps for this step are included. |  |