I'm sure some, if not most of you, have read or seen the 5.0 Mustangs and Super Fords article that goes into heavy detail on the development of the Coyote 5.0. I myself have been a long time GM V8 (98 Z8, 06 GT0, 06 Z06) owner until recently, in attempt to save some cash and purchase some property when the housing market bottoms out. So I'm not as familiar as most in regards to Mustang technical history. But the 5.0 has me scratching my head, weighing a modified 2011 GT vs. the returning Z28...

My question is in regards to history of Mustang engines and their forced induction friendliness. The 5.0 Mustangs and Super Fords article seemed a little bipolar as to whether it would reliably support some boost. The forged powder metal connecting rods were singled out as a weakpoint, but in other sections of the article, the strength and durability and support for forced induction is emphasized. I know the 5.0 is an entirely new engine, but what kind of rods were the SN95 GT's, the 03-04 Cobras, previous 2004-10 S197 GT's sporting? The GT350 is Whipple-charged, anyone know what if any internals were modified?

Thanks in advance for any info you guys and gals might have.

P.S. I've been following this board for a couple months now. Cool group of folks and very cool to see some outgoing sales folks offering competitive pricing.

 

The "forced induction support" seemed to focus mostly on the block design.

Stock Modular connecting rods (except 2003 Cobra) are of the powdered-metal type with cracked caps. Stronger "I-beam" and "H-beam" rods (center and right) are available from Manley Performance. The 2003 Cobra engine gets the Manley units.

A picture is worth 1,000 words.

 

As far as I've read the internals will not be changed, nor would they be to support the power it'll have.
'Support boost' is really vague.

Yes the article says it won't be able to support boost, but the GT350 has it? Say what?

Ok being realistic here, you won't be able to push tonnes of boost down this engines throat.
If you were to try putting say a current 10psi+ system on the coyote to put down crazy numbers, your days are probably numbered. You won't see the 200+hp increase that we've seen on the 3v. 300-500/550.
That being said you WILL be able to produce at LEAST that, on say lower boost.

So bottom line, if you are a looking for 575-600+hp on a stock engine, you'll probably be sorely disappointed. At least in this configuration.
The article is correct in that the BLOCK was made for boost, but yes the rods are the weakest point. But as above, weakest doesn't mean weak in the sense that they'll fail indefinately.
If the stock engine has 500hp you (theoretically) have a block that can support 1000hp and the rods support only 750, the rods are the weakest link....it's all relative.
What are you trying to achieve, or what is your goal.
But then again, if you're playing with those numbers, you'll need a lot more than just a couple internal components anyway.

On the other hand, if you want to play the fast game, you're better off going with a Cobra/GT500 anyway for large numbers and modability.
The Z28 won't even be aimed at the GT anyway, it's a GT500 fighter.

 

Boomer, I think when he mentioned the Z28, he was talking about his '98

 

Doesn't sound like it to me

 

A new Z28... now there is the vaporware everyone was up in arms about several weeks ago! lol

But I'm interested in this as well, as I'm anticipating the 5.0 being my first sc'd car.
Wonder what kind of boost could be supported with more robust rods?

 

I misread that, thought it said "retuning" the Z28

 

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, I'm just trying to weigh costs on a reliable-ish (again all relative as stated), 500-550hp Mustang or Camaro. Depending on what info comes out about the Z28 and what kinds of results people see on their supercharged 5.0's will affect my decision, as well the cost of Z28. Rumors are below Vette pricing, but only time will tell.

Thanks again,

Sean

 

If you're looking a reliable 500-550hp Mustang, why not just go for a leftover 2010 GT500 that is still hanging around?

By the time you throw a supercharger on a new GT, and take into account any necessary supporting mods, you would be up in that price range anyway.

 

That's true. I'm just much more a fan of new appearance of the 2010+. And anytime I've owned a used car, there's always something(s) that bothers me about it. I'd rather have the peace of mind of purchasing a new car. It's just a matter of personal preference I suppose. More costly sure, but there are deals to be had late in the year.

 

He's saying pick up a new 2010 gt500 that is still on a lot. Its not used...

 

Ah my mistake, misread. Tired I'd be reluctant to purchase a 2010 with the aluminum block coming for 2011. Plus I've yet to find a dealer within driving distance that allows test drives on a new Shelby GT500. I've never driven one and can't justify the price difference without having done so. At the same time I was buying my last car, Z06, I considered a GT500, but the dealer simply wouldn't let me drive one until I agreed on a price and purchased the car. So it made my last buying decision pretty easy.

 

that dealer should be slapped. You shouldn't have to buy a car before you can drive it. I understand they want to make sure people aren't just joy riding Shelbys, but there has got to be a better way...

 

WTF That's completely ridiculous. Do not put up with that at all. I can see them wanting to sit down with you first and maybe talking some basic finances and making sure you're serious before a test drive, but come on, it's not a Veyron or something.

Honestly, I know the aluminum block is an improvement, but the 2010 is still an amazing car. I don't think you should consider 50 fewer pounds and 10 hp a deal breaker considering the deal you could get.