S197steve

So I've been wondering how my car will do against the new 5.0s ever since they came out. Unfortunately, prior to tonight I hadn't even seen a 5.0 in person, let alone run one. Well I had just left my buddies house after helping to install some new fuel pumps in his Factor Five Cobra and was just going to stop and top off at the gas station. Well I see the a '10 or '11 Mustang ahead of me with paper tags and figure I'd pull up along side just see if its the 5.0. Sure enough, it was a red California Special just like mine!! We stopped next to each other at a light and were chatting it up. He was a super cool dude and we both complimented each other on our fraternal car twins. :-)

Well light turns green and we just cruise along side of each for a mile or so at around 30mph or so. He gives it some gas and then slows back down pretty quickly. I pull back up along side of him and light them up in 2nd. :-) He asked if I was supercharged and I said "maybe."

Run 1: He follows me onto the feeder road and we're pacing each other at 50mph and then I let him hit it first. We went up to about 120 or so and I had about 3-4 cars on him, but I didn't really pull much on him from 50-80 or so. It wasn't until the higher speeds that I pulled him, but at that point I moved past pretty quickly.

Run 2: We're going a bit slower this time, 40mph and I give him the hit again. I let off around 120 again and had about 2-3 cars on him this time. I assume it was a better gear/rpm mix for him on this run.

He pulled back up along side of me and gave me a big thumbs up, I returned the gesture and then we went on our separate ways. I have to say, I'm hugely impressed with the car, it has a ton of grunt and sounded really good even with the stock mufflers.

I honestly thought I'd pull harder on him than I did, but I'm assuming he had the 3.73s (I think they come with the new GT/CS) and I only have 3.31s. Either way, for a stock $35k car that thing is badass and with the CS package with 19in wheels it looks fantastic.

Needless to say, I didn't stop at the gas station...

Big50

Nice runs. what kind of numbers are you making? When the 5.0's start getting supercharged 500 whp ain't going to be as impressive as it used to be. I'm going to have to get above 600 now, geez.

Stkjock

nice run man... too bad for us once the 5.0 mods start coming out, even us blown guys will have our hands full!

Soldier GT

Good run man. He** I'm hoping for a little over 400 RWHP once I install the V1 but it seems as though that want be enough. Like Stkjock said, once those cars go S/C know one will be safe, not even the GT 500's....

S197steve

Thanks guys, it was the first run I've had in a while and I'm glad it was the new 5.0!

Big50, I have the Brenspeed Stage II Saleen kit and they advertise around 420-430rwhp. I haven't had it on the dyno yet, but I assume I'm within that range.

My dad is considering upgrading his 2007 GT to a 2011 GT and I have to say I've been on the fence... this experience pushed me over the edge. I'd have to recommend he upgrade now!

98LS1

B S.

S197steve

Care to elaborate?

83gtragtop

He's having a lot of trouble dealing with the fact that Ellis Juan owners no longer rule the domestic performance scene.

99GTvert

98 just wants to stir the pot because his momma never hugged him as a child.

67mustang302

Have you ever had your car to the track?

And I was doing some calculations....the mean cylinder pressure(max) at peak torque in the new 5.0 is around 195psi. That's high for a production car. I mean REALLY high. Generally the 200+psi range of BMEP is considered race car engine territory, as it's difficult to achieve n/a in a reliable production package that's affordable. 195psi for ANY factory car n/a is extremely impressive...especially for a mass produced engine. For comparison, the stock LS7 in the Z06 is only at ~165psi....and that car is a beast. The 4.3L in the Ferrari F430 is at 197psi.....that's right....the new 5.0 is achieving the same level of efficiency as the Ferrari 4.3L, just at a lower rpm.(granted though that the F430 is still faster...lighter car with more rpm and much more gearing)

That means we'll see what happens with mods....but there's not much room for improvement n/a in the existing rpm range. In order for the new 5.0 to make more power, it will need to turn more rpm and stretch the top end out. But my guess is it's basically maxed up to around 5,500-6,000rpm. And if it's not....and there's room for more power under 6k, then Ford has built an absolutely insane engine.