Warning! Unsubstantiated daydreaming follows:

What if the rumors are true and there will be a 5.4L N/A GT 350 and a 5.4L S/C GT 500? In 1967 the way they differed was that the GT 500 had a bit different springs and other differences to accomodate the big block engine. Well, in 2006, the engines will not be substantially different in configuration except that the S/C engine will be a good bit taller. So, let's suppose that from the heads down, the engines will be the same. Furthermore, this time around lets assume that there will be no need for suspension differences between the 350 and 500. The difference will be badges, hood, a supercharger, and $10,000.

Hmm. If this is true, I would definitely go for the GT 350 and mod with a turbocharger. As compared to the supercharger there would be less parasitic drag at low RPM, full boost at about 2750 RPM, and about 60 pounds less weight. So, for less money there would be faster car than a GT 500, a true Shelby car, and something that just might walk any 'Vette or Viper in the quarter. Most importantly, it could carry 3 girls instead of one! Hmm.

OK, back to work ...

 

The difference would be the GT500 and the additional $10K would have all the engine goodies to sustain the additional power and last. I rather pay the extra money to Ford and get a warranty with it.

 

I doubt they would make a N/A engine using low compression forged internals, so it would probably be a lot less suitable for boost than the one coming from the factory with a blower. I'd spend the extra cash and get the factory blown motor...

 

and then turbo it!!!

 

 

I am with CrossBoss and MustangFanatic I would rather a NA 5.4 so I could slap on twin turbos. I doubt that for would butil it with forged inturnals but I sould still want one even if it did not have them. I could always build the motor. And now you are asking why I dont just put in my own 5.4. Well the answer is quite simple, simplicity. It would just be far simpler to already have the car set up for the 5.4.