OK, I know we all love to voice our disapproval of things -- especially over-hyped tuner cars, but when we really get down to it, could we have come up with something better and still have it be profitable?

So I wanted to see just what I would have done for the $34k upgrades on the GT350, using currently available (or produced in prototypes) parts/technologies. I figured if you "spend" $20k on retail parts, and figure 15% for profits built into the parts, that would still leave roughly $17k for installation and profits.

How would you have spent that money on the GT350?

Here is my list:

/ cost / weight savings
SLA front suspension/K-member / 4200 / 20
Rear suspension (incl. watts link) / 1700 /
Lightweight driveshaft / 600 / 24
Limited Slip Diff / 1400 /
carbon/kevlar roof / 1300 / 20
Seats / 1500 / 60
rear seat delete / 140 / 50
Body Kit / 1900 /
Hood / 600 /
Forged wheels / 4000 / 40
Engine components / 2500 /
Totals / 19840 / 214
/
less 15% off for cost / 16864 /
Total Profit / 17136 /


(Brakes would be options given the factory Brembos and the choice for 4- or 6- piston calipers up front)

I figure that ought to be good for 450hp in a 3400# car with "streetable race car" suspension that could live up the to original purpose of the GT350 -- a lightweight screamer that can beat a corvette around a track.

It would also have "GT350R" upgrade potential (hp, roll bar, carbon brakes, etc.), and be unique in the marketplace since everyone is doing the same 'ol blower/springs/damper/body kit. This would clearly differentiate it from everything else out there.


Anyway, just fun to think about what could have been.

 

I would have done just that. And made it available in other colors.

 

I'm going to do a little spin on yours instead of the cost break down just what I would have wanted to see.

GT 500 Body, except do a flat hood, no bulges or cut lines like the powerdome, with a hood scoop in the middle, heat extractors like the KR hood, and hood pins

White with Blue stripes... of course!

Gauge pod in the center of the dash just like the original (think 07-09 Supersnakes).

Engine: Ram air setup on the hood scoop, MAFS, Throttle Body, aggressive cam, forged internals, computer tune.

Exhaust: Headers, high flow cats, x-pipe, out the sides just like the original

Handling: Sway Bars, stiffer suspension, slight drop on all 4 corners, and big brakes.

Driveline: 6 speed manual only, 3:73's in back.

The GT-350 was not some exotic looking ricer with badges everywhere, it was a bare bones no nonsense street machine. A stock GT is already going to haul ***, focus on handling, and the typical add-ons to boost HP to 430-440 range. Can someone do a photoshop of this?..

 

I would have started with the V6 $23,000
Add a supercharger(or better yet talk Ford out of some Eco-Boost engines) $5000
Big Brembo's $5000
Forged Wheels/Sticky tires $5000
Track Pack $1000
Tastefull Body Kit developed in a wind tunnel $3500
Roll Bar $500
Recaro's $2000
Then you would have a $50,000 dollar 50/50 track weapon!!

 

A blown V6 would have a good chance of being heavier than an N/A V8. Forced induction is about 150#. On the Taurus, the SHO is 144 pounds heavier than the Limited, and I think the only difference is the EcoBoost motor.


Shelby tried the V6 thing with the Terlingua, and I still think that was a waste (though, primarily because the old iron block V6).

 

I messed around a bit with the idea of using the front from 302R (or GT/CS) for making a GT350.
Trying to keep the look to be more stock with the performance focus on suspension, brakes and drivetrain like the original 1965 model.

 

I would have badged the 07-08 Shelby Gt as the GT-350.

 

My exact thinking.

 

Me too. And that ^ is hot.

 

Ecoboost V6
Carbon Hood (with small scoop), Roof, Decklid
Delete rear seat
Lightweight racing seats
GT-500 suspension treatment
Functional brake scoops for all 4 wheels
This body:

 

YES! YES! YES!

This is exactly what I was expected. HOWEVER, I also expect the roadgoing Boss 302 SE to look very similar to the racer, so I wonder if Ford had any say in making sure the GT350 took a different styling direction?

Anyway, hope you don't mind if I copy this picture into a thread I've got running in the Photoshop section

https://themustangsource.com/showthr...95#post5803395

 

That's what it should have looked like ...minus the mirror stripes

 

Thanks, and no problem with spreading the design around.
(I do wonder if you are on the spot with this being the body work Ford would use on a new Boss.)

And Kahdir--and the mirror stripes was just a bit of fun play on the pit stripes that seems
to be popping up on the front fenders of many Shelbys.

 

Blip........it's be nice to see your take on the Boss in the other thread

 

I agree the Shelby GT would have been perfect as the 350. Add in some high performance cams and maybe ported heads together with it's handling upgrades and you would have had one hell of a car.

 

I have to say, I am a bit surprised at the focus on aesthetics and thinking re-used Ford GT/CS and FRPP parts and a hood scoop is enough for people. The GT350 is supposed to be unique, rare (which today means expensive) and focused on handling and lightweight (the only way it would beat a Vette). A GT/CS with some spring/damper changes and stripes doesn't make a GT350 in my book.

 

Yeah I see your point, not really sure what could have been done to please everyone. I mentioned in another thread that I've always thought that the s197 body style really lends itself to simplicity as opposed to dramatic flare designs. Seen some neat ideas floating around here though.

 

I like it!

 

Look at an original 66 Fastback. Then look at a 66 GT350. The differences were pretty much along the lines of what the '08 Shelby GT gave us. The only thing the Shelby GT lacked was the name. However, I bet if they had gone down this route, everyone would moan that they didn't try hard enough. Instead, they produce something totally different........and still everyone moans

 

OK, I hear you. I think there were two ways they could have gone -- simple package with little upgrades that was cheaper but more readily available, or high-end iteration with lots of upgrades that made it a true performer. Unfortunately, they made it a high-end iteration with very little upgrades (for the money). I think that is why everyone is complaining.