I know it is early in the game but I'd be interested to hear just what everyone is considering or has already done to their GT500. The aftermarket will no doubt be releasing hardware in the near future but for now the typical choices are admittedly fairly slim for dedicated GT500 mods.
I've had plenty of time to think this through so I have a few items on my list that I'd be happy to share.
Lethal Performance Resonator Delete
- In the past I have always done headers, a cat back, or custom somewhere in between. I see no reason (for me anyway) to change from the factory tubular manifolds to a full length header. I'm in NY and we have emissions testing here as draconian as CA and I also have no desire to play warranty games. I think the mufflers and tailpipes are more than adequate but just as on the GT350 I'm a fan of a bit more base as seen without resonators in place. Not stupid loud exhaust but just a hair more angry. Quiet Mode will still be there if I need or want it. So I ordered Lethal's pipe and look forward to it being shipped.
Lethal Performance 2020 Shelby GT500 T304 3" Stainless Steel Resonator Delete X-Pipe
Beith Performance Steering Wheel
- As much as I like alcantara I always feel like I have to be extra cautious with my hands to not trash suede-like material. I much prefer leather here. It isn't inexpensive but I made the decision to order this exact wheel that I saw posted elsewhere...
it was ordered as a "full black leather outer, perforated leather side grips, non-perforated leather top and bottom, white stitching, carbon fiber thumb grip inserts in side grips, white leather top stripe, 3 piece bezel trim set in carbon fiber" and should show up in the beginning of March. It might be a bit much for some but it is exactly what I was looking for.
Beith Performance Parts
GrimmSpeed Front License Plate Bracket
- I already fit this one up. It doesn't require drilling through the bumper and can be quickly removed when NY's finest aren't out pointing radiation guns at me. The bracket is actually for a Focus RS but it fits the GT500 perfectly.
License Plate Relocation Kit - 2016+ Ford Focus RS
Caliperfexion Front Brake Caliper Studs
- It helps being married to the owner of the company as this kit has yet to be released and is still in the prototyping phase. I had these studs on my GT350 (in stainless) and can honestly say they should be an OEM part. Then again, the factory would figure out a way to screw them up. They offer rapid caliper removal and easy access for pad, rotor, hub, etc, maintenance.
FORScan
- There are some small changes I'd like to make to what I consider to be nuisance mitigation. The double-horn honk irritates the shit out of me. I used FORScan on the GT350 I had to do some control module tweaking and will likely do the same here. Door chimes, seat belt chimes, horn feedback when locking, dark mode...all on the list. This one takes a bit of homework and I'm collecting data from a number of different vehicles, including my own GT500, to interpolate and test with. When done right these adjustments are very satisfying.
Factory CFTP/Handling Package Oil Air Separator
- I actually have two of these on the shelf as I bought one before I had the car and Ford wasn't including these in the Handling Package until much later. I'm considering fabricating a drain sump, separate from the separator itself so the oil collected doesn't go back into the engine through the valve cover. Real estate in the engine compartment is a bit tight so we'll see how this one plays out.
And while in the engine compartment...one detail that I haven't agreed with was the snake sticker Ford placed atop the blower case. I cringe and see a half assed cheesy effort.
Th brushed finish on the plate seems out of place (as does the UAW plate for that matter). I'm considering replacing it with a laser etched, deep etch that is, of something that may be more in line with the Predator name that has been linked with this powerplant for some time now. The factory plate is bonded and would require the same in order to attach anything else. Still looking at options here.
Rear Seat Delete
- I did this on both the GT350 and the last GT500 I had. Since FP no longer carries it I have to see what piecing a kit together from service parts will run. I'm just not a fan of ever having anyone in the back seat and/or having to move my seat forward. Weight reduction (saves ~32lbs) is a bonus.
Jacking rails (I'm a BMR fan here), custom wheels (Signature), some CF pieces from Anderson are all part of the plan at some point as well. I have no intention to tune or to kiss the factory warranty goodbye and to be honest I'm happy with current power levels. If FP comes out with a power pack of sorts I'd absolutely consider but short of that, nada.
I'm eager to hear what the rest of you are doing.
I've had plenty of time to think this through so I have a few items on my list that I'd be happy to share.
Lethal Performance Resonator Delete
- In the past I have always done headers, a cat back, or custom somewhere in between. I see no reason (for me anyway) to change from the factory tubular manifolds to a full length header. I'm in NY and we have emissions testing here as draconian as CA and I also have no desire to play warranty games. I think the mufflers and tailpipes are more than adequate but just as on the GT350 I'm a fan of a bit more base as seen without resonators in place. Not stupid loud exhaust but just a hair more angry. Quiet Mode will still be there if I need or want it. So I ordered Lethal's pipe and look forward to it being shipped.
Lethal Performance 2020 Shelby GT500 T304 3" Stainless Steel Resonator Delete X-Pipe
Beith Performance Steering Wheel
- As much as I like alcantara I always feel like I have to be extra cautious with my hands to not trash suede-like material. I much prefer leather here. It isn't inexpensive but I made the decision to order this exact wheel that I saw posted elsewhere...
it was ordered as a "full black leather outer, perforated leather side grips, non-perforated leather top and bottom, white stitching, carbon fiber thumb grip inserts in side grips, white leather top stripe, 3 piece bezel trim set in carbon fiber" and should show up in the beginning of March. It might be a bit much for some but it is exactly what I was looking for.
Beith Performance Parts
GrimmSpeed Front License Plate Bracket
- I already fit this one up. It doesn't require drilling through the bumper and can be quickly removed when NY's finest aren't out pointing radiation guns at me. The bracket is actually for a Focus RS but it fits the GT500 perfectly.
License Plate Relocation Kit - 2016+ Ford Focus RS
Caliperfexion Front Brake Caliper Studs
- It helps being married to the owner of the company as this kit has yet to be released and is still in the prototyping phase. I had these studs on my GT350 (in stainless) and can honestly say they should be an OEM part. Then again, the factory would figure out a way to screw them up. They offer rapid caliper removal and easy access for pad, rotor, hub, etc, maintenance.
FORScan
- There are some small changes I'd like to make to what I consider to be nuisance mitigation. The double-horn honk irritates the shit out of me. I used FORScan on the GT350 I had to do some control module tweaking and will likely do the same here. Door chimes, seat belt chimes, horn feedback when locking, dark mode...all on the list. This one takes a bit of homework and I'm collecting data from a number of different vehicles, including my own GT500, to interpolate and test with. When done right these adjustments are very satisfying.
Factory CFTP/Handling Package Oil Air Separator
- I actually have two of these on the shelf as I bought one before I had the car and Ford wasn't including these in the Handling Package until much later. I'm considering fabricating a drain sump, separate from the separator itself so the oil collected doesn't go back into the engine through the valve cover. Real estate in the engine compartment is a bit tight so we'll see how this one plays out.
And while in the engine compartment...one detail that I haven't agreed with was the snake sticker Ford placed atop the blower case. I cringe and see a half assed cheesy effort.
Th brushed finish on the plate seems out of place (as does the UAW plate for that matter). I'm considering replacing it with a laser etched, deep etch that is, of something that may be more in line with the Predator name that has been linked with this powerplant for some time now. The factory plate is bonded and would require the same in order to attach anything else. Still looking at options here.
Rear Seat Delete
- I did this on both the GT350 and the last GT500 I had. Since FP no longer carries it I have to see what piecing a kit together from service parts will run. I'm just not a fan of ever having anyone in the back seat and/or having to move my seat forward. Weight reduction (saves ~32lbs) is a bonus.
Jacking rails (I'm a BMR fan here), custom wheels (Signature), some CF pieces from Anderson are all part of the plan at some point as well. I have no intention to tune or to kiss the factory warranty goodbye and to be honest I'm happy with current power levels. If FP comes out with a power pack of sorts I'd absolutely consider but short of that, nada.
I'm eager to hear what the rest of you are doing.
