Image via HPJ Performance/YouTube
Some have found the dual-clutch transmission on the last generation of the Shelby GT500 to be an obstacle to big power upgrades. But this 2020 GT500 build takes that into account while adding a massive supercharger, ditching the DCT completely in favor of a TH400.
A twin-turbo C8 Corvette E-Ray holds the world record.
Laugh at that swap, we did, but the guys at HPJ Performance say it was the most logical move to put big power down at the wheels. While some seem to love the DCT, it does have its limits and these guys felt this build would be better served by another option.
This Shelby is pretty extreme with a 3.8-liter Whipple supercharger. That’s displacing more air than most Hondas, Hyundais, and Kias! To help deliver plenty of fuel, a Fore Innovations fuel system was also installed by the shop, so it’s not exactly sipping gas at this point.
But HPJ Performance says the custom tuning it did means with E85 this pony is putting down 1,064-rwhp. That means even more is produced at the flywheel. You have to admit that’s impressive.
What’s even more interesting is the GT500 doesn’t have many bolt-on mods. It’s just sporting the fuel system, long-tube headers, and the supercharger. All it’s doing is adding more air and fuel to the cylinders and the engine is boosted to monstrous output.
We’ve seen other high-horsepower Shelby builds where there’s zero mention of swapping out the DCT, so we know not everyone goes that route. But this customer came to HPJ after having the Whipple supercharger installed and asked for the TH400 to be swapped in.
Some have questioned this decision, pointing out other 1,000-plus-hp builds where the DCT is still in the GT500. But some owners have experienced problems or want a transmission that’s tunable, so the TH400 is a viable alternative.
What do you think of this move?
Image via HPJ Performance/YouTube
