2010 Shelby GT500 Cobra - Owned by Jeff Grethel
Story: Jeff Grethel
My infatuation with four wheels started with a 1999 Ford Mustang Cobra ragtop, and then continued with my purchase of a 2005 Chevrolet SSR. The power was great, but it wasn’t what I really wanted. Then, they unleashed the new 2010 Shelby GT500 Cobra. I knew then that I had to have one. So I contacted Mike Jackson at Beechmont Ford, and the search was on. I wanted a Torch Red convertible with a black top. When we found her in Florida, the fun began.
I purchased a set of 20-inch Shelby Razor Rims painted black with the red Shelby logo; tinted the windows; added new front Billet Grilles painted red to match the car; and finally bought a set of Eibach springs to lower her stance. At first I was happy with the power from the factory—540hp at the crank and 459 at the rear wheels—but the need for more power was driving me insane. I researched on the Web and in magazines for all the information I could get about how to improve her power. I found a shop right here in Columbus (Intense-Racing.com).
In order for me to achieve more power, I started collecting all the necessary parts. I was put in contact with Justin at VMP Tuning (VMPtuning.com), and he ordered all the performance parts I needed. These new parts included 60 lb. fuel injectors; throttle body and elbow; 2.6 supercharger pulley; new Innovators West 10-percent balancer; JLT cold air intake and Stainless Works headers; an H-Pipe; and an SCT computer. I am grateful for Intense Racing, who did the entire install.
Next, a call went out to Brian, the owner of Dyno Tune Motorsports (dynotunemotorsports.com). Brian took my tame snake and started to mold her into a snake with a bite. She now breathes 575 rwhp and an amazing 580 lbs. of torque. And though she is breathing a lot of power, it’s still not enough for me. A new Whipple supercharger will be next, I’m sure. Then, I will take the stock supercharger and put it on my 2008 limited edition F150 super crew and start my new project with it. And the cycle continues ...
Date ran: December/January 2010