Who Will Win: GT500 vs Supercharged GT350

The Hennessey Performance HPE850 Package pushes the 2016-2020 Shelby GT350/R to 858 bhp @ 7,700 rpm with a 3.0L engine topping Ford’s flat-plane crank 5.2L Voodoo V8.

Got a quick video for you today, but before you watch it, let’s place our bets. Who wins in a roll race: a stock 2020 Shelby GT500 or a Hennessey Performance supercharged Shelby GT350/GT350R? Personally, despite its manual transmission, I’m going with the supercharged GT350. But let’s watch and see…

(No cheating.)

Okay, I’m back. That wasn’t a very hard call to make. With very similar chassis, suspension, and tire components, but an extra hundred or so ponies under the hood, the GT350 is a roll-race monster compared to the stock GT500. Yes, the GT500 can be modified too. But, if you were thinking about buying a GT500, but were holding back because it didn’t offer a manual transmission, a supercharged GT350 or GT350R might be the perfect Mustang for you.

If you already own a Shelby and are looking to install the HPE850 package, head over HERE to HennesseyPerformance.com. We didn’t notice any pricing on the site, so we called Hennessey directly and spoke to a performance specialist named Greg. He said the HPE850 package costs $24,500 “out the door” and comes with a two-year / 24,000 warranty “for everything Hennessey touches or anything that might cause the engine to fail.”

The only bad news is that this package is not CARB legal, so California Shelby GT350 owners are SOL.

Here’s a quick breakdown of everything that’s included:

POWER

• 858 bhp @ 7,700 rpm
• 673 lb-ft torque @ 4,600 rpm

PERFORMANCE

• 0-60 mph: 3.3 sec.
• ¼ mile: 10.8 @ 133 mph

HPE850 SUPERCHARGED 5.2L V8 VOODOO ENGINE UPGRADE

• 3.0L Supercharger System
• High-Flow Throttle Body
• High-Flow Fuel Injectors
• High-Flow Heat Exchanger
• High-Flow Air Induction System
• Chassis Dyno Calibration & Testing
• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
• Professional Installation
• Road Testing up to 200 Miles
• Hennessey & HPE850 Exterior Badges
• Serial Numbered Interior Plaque & Under Hood Plaque
• Hennessey Premium Floor Mats
• 2 Year / 24,000 Mile Limited Warranty
• Shell V-Power 93 Octane Gasoline
• Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Synthetic Oil & Filter Change

Photos: Hennessey Performance

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Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.

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