Stage 3 vs. Shelby GT

[wildcat]

If the new Shelby GT (from Shelby Autos ... NOT the GT500) has a supercharger option, how do you think it compares w/the Stage 3? Performance numbers might be pretty close, but I'd have to give a serious nod to the Stage 3 on appearance, especially the interior.
However, the Shelby GT may have a MSRP of 35K (w/supercharger it would probably be 40K). This makes it about 8K less than what I can get a stage 3 for. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
p.s. as for the ADM on the shelby gt, I'm #1 on my dealer's list for his shelby gt at sticker when he gets it. I'm seriously considering going w/a stage 3 instead though.

[RickRoush03]

if i had to put money on it they'll prob do a vortech type blower. IMO, i'd go roush if $$ was not much of a factor. plus, you have 1 of maybe a few hundred S3's vs 1 of 1000's of shelby's. plus all you have to do is say its a roush, they'll know its game over then

[snkchmr]

I say it will go over sticker just like the 500s

[Roushinator]

I dont see the big deal with the Shelby GT.

[05-1947]

The Shelby GT is not going to have a supercharger option.

[wildcat]

Actually AmyB president of Shelby Autos said it would have a supercharger option, hopefully by the time order guides are out (she posts on mustang forums).

[Scarface]

The problem with Shelby is...just what is a Shelby now, in the year 2007?? Are you talking about the GT500 that Shelby sold his name to?? Are you talking about the Shelby of West Coast Custom and Crazy Mike that Shelby sold his name to?? Are you talking about the V6 (oh god) Shelby that's supposed to be supercharged to 350HP+?? Are you talking about the same Shelby that's in litigation right now over his name?? The Shelby name doesn't have the same ring as it does years ago. Shelby's got competitions from the Germans (M Power/AMG/Audi S), the Japanese (STi, WRx, Nismo and the upcoming Skyline), and he's got it coming from Detriot especially next year with the Camaro, Challenger, and Vette. I wouldn't be suprised to see his name sold to one of these companies too. A lot of "tuners" have promised 500HP+ Mustangs including Foose, Cervini, WCC, etc.. the truth is none of these companies have delivered/provened anything 500HP+ due to the fact that the S197 Motor will go Kaboom. The only manufacturer and tuner that have delivered 500HP+ is the Saleen(manufacturer) S281E and the Steeda(tuner) Q, but you are looking at $70k+ because of the rebuilt motor. Promising 500HP is a nice PR move, it recreats a lot of buzz and excitement but delivering it is another story. Speaking of 500HP, Cervini delivered 1 CT500 to a customer on a stock motor. To this day, they have not allowed it to be dyno tested (featured in MMFF but wasn't allowed to Dyno), so what's the point of my story?? Go with Roush, they are a proven company, they've been called on by Ford many times to develope racing products, to test products, and to race for Ford. If you go with the Shelby, make sure you got a couple of big V8 emblems on because most Shelbys on the road nowadays are V6s.

[wildcat]

Good points scarface. The Shelby GT, however, doesn't even claim to be 500HP. They are saying that w/a supercharger it'll be in the 400HP range, similar to the Roush Stage 3. I wouldn't want a 4.6L that was charged past 450HP since like you said, it'll only be a matter of time until ..... BOOM

[Shay]

There is no question the Shelby GT will be a nice car.

But I dont think there is an "apples" to "apples" comparison to a Roush Stage 3 even though the Shelby GT may or may not have a supercharger option.

What many people forget is the content of parts and engineering that goes into a Roush vehicle. There is an OEM level of engineering and manufacture there.

As to content, the Shelby GT wont have the larger wheels, tires, and brakes that the Stage 3 comes with for starters. The Shelby GT wont have the custom leather interior that comes with the Roush Stage 3. Those items right there account for most of the price difference that you cite in your initial post. There are many more items as well, but you get the point.

The Shelby GT will be able to have a supercharger bolted onto it that is either sourced from Ford Racing or some other place. But the likelyhood that the engine/supercharger combo is fully warranted as a Roush Mustang is in question.

That said, there will be some value to having what I consider to be a "real" Shelby. As Scarface aluded to, there is much gray matter in the world these days as to what a real Shelby is. The GT-500 is an SVT creation that lawyers negotiated a name for. The Shelby GT is a car built in Carroll's shop, on the other side of the door from his office.

But while that is significant, it does not mean in any way that the car is any better than a car from any other tuner/customizer. Most if not all the parts added to the Shelby GT are either from the Ford Racing parts bin or the prison industries shop at the penetentary in Indian Springs, NV. While I will not cast dispersions on the workmanship of rapists, murders, robbers and thieves it can be said that Ford Racing parts are known for their mediocrity compared to other name brand parts when it comes to performance results.

[RickRoush03]

so far all valid points. i agree shleby is releasing his name to too many diff places, qaulity will not be std across the board. at least with roush you know your getting the best and its been proven. how many of those tuner edition mags do you read and the hennesy blew an oil line, and this joe schmo operations car blew a head gasket etc and on and on.

i say go with roush. the name alone sets you and the car apart from the rest of the crowd.

[wildcat]

Mustang One, a very fine argument. 'Nuf Said! you've definitely swayed my thinking on them. Thanks for the objective points you make.

[xzo6]

Originally Posted by wildcat

Mustang One, a very fine argument. 'Nuf Said! you've definitely swayed my thinking on them. Thanks for the objective points you make.

One more point...the August Road and Track says the 4.6 has an aluminum block and the Shelby 's is iron.The Shelby is nose heavy.