[Rex B]

My white 2007 is now bone-stock, and I'm good with that.
However, I'm wondering if there are any upgrades - mechanical or cosmetic - that are considered a must for a long-term Shelby GT.
The only thing that currently interests me is a lower grille to protect the cooling fins in there. Also synthetic lubricants at some point, unless synthetics are factory fill.
The scoop upgrade is also on the list.

What else?

[clark17357]

You are correct that the lower grill is a must. I suggest some suspension pieces, specifically upper and lower control arms and a Watts Link or adjustible panhard bar to center the rear wheels under the car. Getting drilled and slotted brake rotors, with stainless steel lines and Hawk brake pads would be nice as well.

Jim

[AstroDan]

I don't think it's a "must have", but a SC is nice.

[SGT2666]

AstroDan, on Oct 27 2009, 11:43 AM, said:

I don't think it's a "must have", but a SC is nice.

Great picture !

[motorjock205]

Lower Grille was first priority on my list just for the reason you listed...I bought my SGT to drive, so I was very concerned about how open that was down there...Next was the Panhard bar to re-center the rear end since the car was lowered and SAI didn't seem to think to put in an adjustable panhard bar...DOH! The panhard bar will get the rear end where it should be...if you go to larger tires/wheels like I did, you'll definately notice it more...Brakes are also good to upgrade...I just added the Front Brembos off of a GT500 to my SGT...they will NOT fit stock SGT wheels though, so be aware of that...unless you use some spacers...I bought GT500 wheels so not an issue...Stainless Steel brake lines are a must with any brake upgrade...J&M and STEEDA both make lines that are pretty much exact factory replacements...Goodridge are very close, but not exact...the J&M and Steeda lines are not cheap...the Goodridge are a little less expensive if you look around...I got mine for about 160.00...

[kahmann]

#1 must do mod for a stock SGT = custom tune. Google Brenspeed or VMP.

Ken

[motorjock205]

kahmann, on Oct 27 2009, 03:30 PM, said:

#1 must do mod for a stock SGT = custom tune. Google Brenspeed or VMP.

Ken

Hey Ken,

Does a custom tune stop all or at least some of the black all over the exhaust tips? Mine must be running pretty ruch, cause it's always black all over the tips...

Carl

[kahmann]

motorjock205, on Oct 27 2009, 01:39 PM, said:

Hey Ken,

Does a custom tune stop all or at least some of the black all over the exhaust tips? Mine must be running pretty ruch, cause it's always black all over the tips...

Carl

Yeah man it definitely will, if the custom tune is setup right. If you have black soot on the muffler tip, you're definitely running rich.
But the tune from SAI isn't much more aggressive than the stock Ford tunes on the MGT's. A custom tune will make your car perform better, unlock hidden HP, and increase throttle response.
It's a heck of a bang for the buck mod. Beyond that, I'd say tires and brakes.

Ken

[rush_junky]

Must have: Mr. Shelby's "John Hancock"

[EL SHELBY]

motorjock205, on Oct 27 2009, 12:39 PM, said:

Hey Ken,

Does a custom tune stop all or at least some of the black all over the exhaust tips? Mine must be running pretty ruch, cause it's always black all over the tips...

Carl

Carl, did you get your Brembo installed?

[ilmor]

I'm in the slow process of doing what I feel are the "must haves". See my sig for the items and links.

I also want the lower grille and Shelby brake ducts.

I'm not exactly decided on the lower control arms yet; if I do them it will be with the adj. panhard bar. Or, I may go w/ a Watts Link.

I'm saving the custom tune for the post warranty days, but I do see a Brenspeed tune in my future.

I also want the aluminum driveshaft.

This post has been edited by ilmor: 27 October 2009 - 03:09 PM

[motorjock205]

Ah Nuts, on Oct 27 2009, 05:56 PM, said:

Carl, did you get your Brembo installed?

Yes sir, I sure did and I definately notice a difference too...

[Frank S]

Rex B, on Oct 27 2009, 06:37 AM, said:

My white 2007 is now bone-stock, and I'm good with that.
However, I'm wondering if there are any upgrades - mechanical or cosmetic - that are considered a must for a long-term Shelby GT.
The only thing that currently interests me is a lower grille to protect the cooling fins in there. Also synthetic lubricants at some point, unless synthetics are factory fill.
The scoop upgrade is also on the list.

What else?

The "else" depends on what you intend to do with the car.

Many of the suggestions you've seen here are intended to improve the pavement-ripping or corner-carving behavior of the beast. The SGT is good for both those, in stock form, but adding the suspension and brake parts mentioned will make it even gooder.

My process was:
· protect the car (lower grill insert; dual-action buffer for the paint and wax; car cover for use even when it's parked indoors)
· increase my enjoyment of the car (custom tune by [your choice among Brenspeed, JLT, BamaChips, and a very few others] will change the experience in quality and quantity; turn off the radio, so I could hear all the sweet sounds of driving; wider wheels and tires because they not only add to performance in an appropriate way, but make me feel better as I drive, knowing they look good!).
· increase braking and handling performance and thereby safety (bigger tires, wider wheels; larger brakes; more anti-sway front and rear).
· increase power (that custom tune will do plenty in that direction; you may want more).

The 'net is loaded with opinions.

[07-2937]

first choice (mo money )Brakes SC and panhard then maybe a driveshaft LCA UCA
second choice (mo sensible )Dyno tune Panhard bar and brakes...

[Rex B]

clark17357, on Oct 27 2009, 07:22 AM, said:

You are correct that the lower grill is a must. I suggest some suspension pieces, specifically upper and lower control arms and a Watts Link or adjustible panhard bar to center the rear wheels under the car. Getting drilled and slotted brake rotors, with stainless steel lines and Hawk brake pads would be nice as well.

All that sounds good, but I want to keep it SCCA F-stock Solo legal, so most of those won't work.
You did not mention shocks though. What are the shocks on the car?

[Rex B]

Had not thought about an AL driveshaft. I like that idea.
I also like braided brake lines. I doubt I'd do the full brake upgrade.
No SC for me. I'd have bought a 500 if I'd wanted boost.
Panhard rod sounds interesting. What locates the axle laterally now?

What's involved in a Brenspeed or other tune? Do you take the car to the shop, or do you buy a chip, or have it flashed or what?

[motorjock205]

Rex B, on Oct 27 2009, 09:26 PM, said:

Had not thought about an AL driveshaft. I like that idea.
I also like braided brake lines. I doubt I'd do the full brake upgrade.
No SC for me. I'd have bought a 500 if I'd wanted boost.
Panhard rod sounds interesting. What locates the axle laterally now?

What's involved in a Brenspeed or other tune? Do you take the car to the shop, or do you buy a chip, or have it flashed or what?

The panhard rod locates the rear of the car now, but it is NOT an adjustable one...therefore, when SAI lowered the car by putting in the Ford Racing Springs, it moved the rear end over toward the driver's side of the car about 1/8 of an inch. Not much, but if you ever go to wider wheels and tires, you will definately notice it...

[kahmann]

Rex B, on Oct 27 2009, 07:26 PM, said:

What's involved in a Brenspeed or other tune? Do you take the car to the shop, or do you buy a chip, or have it flashed or what?

1st, spend some time perusing the mod/tech section. All of your questions so far have already been asked and answered in previous threads.
As for the tune, Google Brenspeed. You can buy the programmer from them. It arrives in the mail with the custom tune already loaded.
Plug & play.

Ken

[ilmor]

Rex B, on Oct 27 2009, 10:19 PM, said:

All that sounds good, but I want to keep it SCCA F-stock Solo legal, so most of those won't work.
You did not mention shocks though. What are the shocks on the car?

Yeah, w/ respect to the slotted/drilled rotors (which I already bought), I thought of this also. You can change the lines and the pads and stay stock, but no the rotors. I'm sort of on the edge about changing them now because once you "modify" then your in a class where a lot more mods are needed (i.e. $$$) to stay competitive.

[Matts]

20" shelby razors
supersnake quarter window scoop
lower grill
install brake duct bezels with brake ducts (uninstall come race day)
sequential brake lights
shelby upgraded leather interior
shelby gauge pod
Carroll Shelby's signature on the airbag cover (A MUST)
Roll bar or cage (if wanted)

That's all I could think of that could keep you in F stock.

I'll probably be seeing you out there from time to time.

Best of luck!