I just took possession of my brand new 2011 Shelby GT500 today, odometer was showing 34 km (about 20 miles). I read in the owner's book, that the Supercharger is blocked for a certain time, anyone knows if the dealer during the preparation unblocked it ? Right now, the car is new so I'm not really pushing her very much, so I cannot say if I do have the whole 550 hp.

In the owner's book, it says it should unblock if you drive 5 strait miles, or 50 starts. Not sure how it works....

Anyone can help me ?

 

Drive for 5 consecutive miles or 50 cold starts. Just drive 5 miles and your good. Go 1000 miles before you start pushing it hard.

 

Ok thanks for te anwer. But I'm wondering what kind of 5 miles ? Today I must have driver, at least 35 miles, but I was shifting often, slowing down and reducing speed.

Is it possible that it is 5 miles straight on highway, at constant crusing speed ?

 

Just 5 miles without turning key off. If you drove 35 miles, you have access to full boost.

 

Ok thanks again. I noticed once the boost gauge moving a bit, but otherwise it was not moving. Its a sign I'm driving quiet....for now !

 

Punch it and that boost needle will jump.

 

Don't baby your car early on, you have to seat the rings nice and vary the RPM.
Your engine will thank you later.

 

Today I was testing her a bit on acceleration. Not too much of course, let say not above 4000 RPM. I find the power very progressive, but nothing to kick as much as expected. I drive for 2 years now a 2009 Volkswagen Passat (reprogrammed with unitronic), with 250 hp and 285 pound/feet of torque from as low as 1750 RPM (turbo 4 cylinder). At low RPM I find the Passat more prime, more quick to answer the throttle. I find hard to believe that the Shelby developped twice the power of my Passat.

But at 4000 RPM with 9 PSI of boost, the vert was pulling hard and was pulling harder every additionnal RPM I was driving her....Maybe at 6000 RPM she's the beast she's suppose to be ?

Does my impression normal ?

 

You should be opening it up once in a while. You're not going to hurt it. Do it man, do it.

 

+1. It's called "break in" and not "baby in" for a reason. New cars, new engines. Run it through the RPM range to set the rings. http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

That being said, newer motors don't benefit from the break in process the same as motors in the past. Enjoy your new car!

 

Hi lemarin,

Just wanted to agree with 11SHELBYGT500! What he mentioned is correct info!

Deysha

 

ok, thank you !

 

Remember that the passat is 3200lbs.

 

Yes I know, and especially mine with the Unitronic chipped to stage 1+, with 94 of octane, I get 250 hp and 295 pound/ft of torque as low as 1750 RPM.....My stock turbo now push 15 PSI of Boost.

 

Well of course you are going to feel a kick in the *** from that little thing.
My civic feels faster than my mustang going 60+mph, but it's not lol

 

I drove the Passat today few hours ago, and yes the kick in the a** is great, but short also, since the gears are closer....so it does'nt last for very long !

 

Just open the Shelby up!!! You're being way too afraid of stomping on the gas! Forget driving it at 4000rpm, you should be hitting the redline on it.

 

but take it easy untill your use to the power.

 

Don't forget, you have full warranty too. During "break in" period, driving at a consistent RPM is not recommended. Drive hard, Live free.

I just test drove a 2010 GT500 and fell in love.....wife though.

 

Thats about right, the 5.4 SC builds power like a frieght train. rather than having explosive power off the line.

Eventually when you get around to it you can always add a pulley and tune which will pump up the power across the rev range as well as provide more throttle response.