However.....I am a little disappointed that the latest "Shelby" mustang and f-150 are both using internally stock engines with a cat back exhaust and "normal" whipple supercharger kit. These aren't the same as, say, the Shelby gt500 with its own engine, the 662 hp trinity 5.8.

 

I'm sure they are playing to the masses and at the current prices, these vehicles are more a status symbol for the posers than vehicles enthusiasts can buy. I mean seriously, who is going to spend $140k (CDN) on a 1/2 ton that can be built for much less and to your specific wants.

Like you have stated before though, the "stock" 5.0 is capable of big numbers and why build a motor when off the shelf will do.

 

A few sources indicate that the crank and rods are actually forged. Pistons are hypereutectic, but so are the ecoboost, gm lsa, and even the Buick 3.8 (cast, that is).

 

I hear ya but that truck would be worth every penny if it had the 2013/4 gt500 engine. It makes about the same peak hp, but the extra .8 liter gets it an additional 100 ftlb of peak torque. The 5.8 would put 500 ftlb to the wheels at 2000 rpm, which is a far cry from what the whipple 5.0 is capable of.

 

For sure, I would love to see the 5.8 in the F series. Honestly, it makes a lot of sense. Maybe one day we will see it. I know I would start saving pennies and working the streets to be able to get one.

That is one nice power curve.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...no-tested.html

 

Still not a fully forged engine. To my larger point - if you are going to spend that much on a vehicle with forced induction, you shouldn't have to spend even more to start playing with the boost.

 

ford has done their research with forced induction. Even tho not completely forged, that combination of rotating assembly is good for right around 1000hp before tot have to worry about piston failure. So concerns of it not being fully forged are kinda false.

 

Surviving a couple hits on a Dyno and actually providing longevity in a 4wd truck are two completely different environments.

I'm entitled to my opinion. For the money, the Shelby truck should come with a built engine.

 

Fair point to me. Otherwise they should shave $20-25k off.

 

I'm working from the perspective that Shelby American isn't paying full price for anything. They are getting the trucks below invoice. Probably getting the supercharger kits at near cost, same with the suspension components. The stickers and embroidery are either in-house or outsourced cheaply. I would bet the profit is at least 20k per truck. It would take two, maybe three days labor for two people and about $500 in parts for the added security (and bragging rights) of forged pistons. Take into account the other work you can't do when a bay is tied up and it's what, 5k? So they only make 15k per truck but the performance potential has increased dramatically - which if it is a Shelby, shouldn't that be the expectation?