The 2013 Shelby GT500 is already a formidable machine straight from the factory, boasting impressive performance figures. For enthusiasts craving even more power and pushing the boundaries of its capabilities, understanding the stock 2013 Shelby Gt500 Performance Specs is the crucial first step. However, unlocking the true potential of this American muscle car goes far beyond simply bolting on a few aftermarket parts. It involves a comprehensive and intricate process, demanding expertise, patience, and a significant investment.
Delving into enhancing the performance of a 2013 Shelby GT500 reveals a journey that extends well beyond swapping out a “rotating assembly.” As any seasoned mechanic or performance specialist will attest, achieving substantial and reliable power gains requires a meticulous and holistic approach. It’s not just about increasing horsepower; it’s about engineering a symphony of upgrades that work in harmony to deliver exhilarating performance while maintaining the integrity and longevity of the vehicle.
Upgrading the engine of a 2013 Shelby GT500 to handle significantly increased power involves a deep dive into the engine’s internals and supporting systems. This is where the real work begins, and the costs can quickly escalate. Preparing the engine block alone can be a substantial undertaking, potentially ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. This meticulous preparation often includes:
- Total Balancing: Ensuring all rotating components are perfectly balanced for smooth, high-RPM operation.
- Upgraded Bearings: Replacing stock bearings with higher-performance bearings capable of withstanding increased loads and stresses.
- Custom File Fit Rings: Precision-fitting piston rings to optimize sealing and reduce blow-by.
- Forged Internals: Essential for handling significantly increased power, this includes:
- Forged Rods: Stronger and more durable than stock rods, preventing bending or breaking under high stress.
- Forged Pistons: Designed to withstand higher combustion pressures and temperatures.
- Micro-Polished Crank: Reduces friction and improves the crankshaft’s durability.
- Oil System Enhancements:
- Chamfered Oil Galleys: Improve oil flow and lubrication to critical engine components.
- Internal Block Edge Grinding: Optimizes oil return and reduces potential oil starvation.
- Bores Plate Align Bored and Honed: Ensures perfectly round and straight cylinder bores for optimal piston ring seal and performance.
- Billet High Volume Oil Pump: Provides increased oil flow to maintain consistent oil pressure under demanding conditions.
Beyond the block itself, the valvetrain and timing components are also critical areas for upgrades. Reliable high-performance builds often incorporate:
- New Billet Chain Guides: More durable and precise than stock guides, ensuring accurate timing chain operation.
- Upgraded Timing Chains and Tensioners: Heavy-duty chains and tensioners to handle increased engine stresses and prevent timing chain failure.
- ARP Bolts: Replacing standard bolts with high-strength ARP bolts throughout the engine for superior clamping force and reliability.
- Performance Cams: Optimized camshaft profiles to increase airflow and power output.
- Heavier Valve Springs and Keepers: To control valve motion at higher RPMs and prevent valve float.
- Upgraded Valves with Multiple Grind Angles: Improve airflow into and out of the combustion chamber.
- Crank Balancer and Bolt: High-performance balancer to reduce vibrations and a stronger bolt to secure it.
The labor involved in such a comprehensive engine build is also a significant factor. Assembly by a reputable and knowledgeable shop specializing in high-performance engines is crucial, and this expertise comes at a cost. Furthermore, simply removing and reinstalling the engine (R and R) in the vehicle can easily exceed $1,000 in shop time.
To handle the increased power output, the drivetrain also requires substantial upgrades. The clutch assembly is a prime example, often necessitating a complete replacement, including:
- New Flywheel: Potentially a lighter flywheel for improved engine response.
- Multi-Disc Clutch Plates: Provide increased clamping force to handle higher torque levels.
- Pilot Bearing: A new, high-quality pilot bearing is essential.
- Stainless Steel Clutch Line: Improves clutch feel and durability.
- Automatic Throw Out Bearing and Bleeder: Upgraded components for reliable clutch operation.
A robust, one-piece driveshaft, rated for the increased horsepower and torque, is another critical upgrade to ensure power is reliably transmitted to the wheels. This often includes upgraded U-joints and careful balancing to minimize vibrations at high speeds.
Of course, maximizing performance gains from these engine and drivetrain upgrades often involves forced induction enhancements. Upgrading the supercharger is a common path, often coupled with smaller upper and lower pulleys to increase boost levels by 10 to 15%. However, increased boost demands further supporting modifications, particularly to the fuel and cooling systems.
Fuel system upgrades are essential to provide the engine with the necessary fuel to support increased power. This typically includes:
- Upgraded Dual Fuel Pumps: Higher capacity pumps to deliver more fuel.
- New Fuel Lines with Return System: Larger lines to handle increased fuel flow and a return system to regulate fuel pressure.
- Larger Cold Air Intake (CAI): To maximize airflow into the supercharger.
Managing the increased heat generated by a high-performance engine is also crucial. Cooling system upgrades often include:
- 170 Degree Thermostat: Opens at a lower temperature to help the engine run cooler.
- Multiple Pass, Larger Heat Exchanger (HT XCGER): More efficient heat exchanger to cool the intake charge.
- Larger Coolant Reservoir: Increased coolant capacity for better heat management.
- Upgraded Intercooler Pump: Higher flow pump to circulate coolant more effectively through the intercooler system.
Finally, no performance upgrade is complete without proper tuning. A reputable tuner experienced with the 2013 Shelby GT500 engine is essential to calibrate the engine management system to take full advantage of all the modifications and ensure optimal performance and reliability. This often involves installing new gauges to monitor critical parameters and make fine-tuning adjustments.
Undertaking a comprehensive performance upgrade of a 2013 Shelby GT500 is a significant commitment in terms of both time and finances. As one enthusiast noted, such a project can easily take nine months or more, with parts availability often being a contributing factor to delays. Unexpected issues can also arise, adding further time to the project. This path is certainly not for the faint of heart or those lacking patience. However, for those seeking to unlock the ultimate potential of their 2013 Shelby GT500 and push its performance specs to the extreme, the rewards can be truly exhilarating.
