GT500
Mustangs

The Manual On How To Take Care of A Shelby Mustang In 3 Clicks

Service

ENGINE OIL

Use  SAE 5W-50 full synthetic or an equivalent SAE 5W-50 full synthetic oil

  • Must meet Ford specification WSS-M2C931-B.

Do not use;

  • supplemental engine oil additives,

  • cleaners or

  • other engine treatments.

Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule listed in the scheduled maintenance information.

ENGINE AND INTERCOOLER COOLANT

Check concentration and level of coolant  at the mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance information.

Coolant concentration should be

  • maintained at 50/50 coolant and water,

    • equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C)

Coolant concentration testing

  • Use a hydrometer or antifreeze tester

    • (i.e. the Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 0014–R1060).

  • The level of coolant should be maintained

    • at the “cold fill range” level in the coolant reservoir.

  • If the level falls below,

The Shelby Mustang is factory-filled with a 50/50 coolant and water concentration.

Engine parts could become damaged or not work properly if the concentration of coolant

  • falls below 40% or

  • is above 60%

 A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:

  • freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).

  • boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).

  • protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.

  • an accurate temperature readout from the engine coolant gauge.

Check the level of the engine coolant in the reservoir.

  • When the engine is cold

Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined in Adding engine coolant

Engine Coolant Reservoir

Image Courtesy of Jasonn Pellegrini and his 2008 GT/CS

  • The coolant should be at the “cold fill range” as listed on the engine coolant reservoir and intercooler coolant reservoir.

  • Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for service interval schedules.

  • Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your vehicle in your Owner’s Guide.

  • If the reservoir is low or empty, add coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding coolant

Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant/antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and vehicle location.

Adding coolant

When adding coolant,

  • make sure it is a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water.

  • Add the mixture to the coolant reservoir, when the engine is cool

  • Fill until the appropriate fill level is obtained.

WARNING: Do not add coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.

WARNING: Do not put coolant in the windshield washer fluid container. If sprayed on the windshield, coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield.

DO NOT

  • MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.

  • MIX recycled coolant and conventional coolant together in the vehicle.

  • USE stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants/additives

  • Use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant)

  • Add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant

 Refer to Maintenance product specifications and capacities in this chapter.

A large amount of water without coolant may be added, in case of emergency. In this instance, the cooling system must be

  • drained and

  • refilled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water

  • as soon as possible.

Water alone (without coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.

WARNING: Make sure the engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.

The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come

out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.

If you must remove the pressure relief cap or radiator cap (depending upon engine application), follow these steps to avoid personal injury:

1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool.

2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.

3. Step back while the pressure releases.

4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.

Coolant and intercooler refill procedure

This procedure should be used when refilling the cooling system.

1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the coolant reservoir

2. Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill level.”

3. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.

4. Start and idle the engine until the upper radiator hose is warm (this indicates the thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through the entire system).

5. Shut the engine off and let it cool.

6. Remove the pressure relief cap from the coolant reservoir.

7. Add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill range.”

8. Reinstall the pressure relief cap.

9. Check the coolant level in the reservoir before you drive your vehicle the next few times (with the engine cool).

10. If necessary, add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill range.”

After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer to the Maintenance and Specifications chapter of your Owner’s Guide). If the concentration is not 50/50 (protection to –34°F/–36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.

Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of coolant and distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.

If you have to add more than 1.0 quart (1.0 liter) of coolant per month, have your dealer check the cooling system. Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.

BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID

Brake and clutch (if equipped) systems are supplied from the same reservoir.

Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir

Image Courtesy of Vincent Larsen and his 2008 GT/CS

The fluid level will drop slowly as the brakes wear, and will rise when the brake components are replaced. Fluid levels between the MIN and MAX lines are within the normal operating range; there is no need to add fluid.

Brake Fluid Fill Levels

If the fluid levels are outside of the normal operating range, the performance of the system could be compromised; seek service from your authorized dealer immediately.

 

ENGINE SPARK PLUG INTERVAL

To keep your high performance engine operating at peak performance, the spark plug service interval is every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).  Reference the Motorcraft Part Numbers chart for the specific spark plug application.

OCTANE RECOMMENDATIONS

Your vehicle is designed to use “Premium” unleaded gasoline only, with an (R+M)/2 octane rating of 91 or higher. SVT recommends using unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 93 or higher for optimal performance of this vehicle. Recommended fuel is an important part of the proper maintenance and optimal performance of this vehicle. The use of gasoline with an octane rating lower than 91 can lead to severe mechanical damage to your vehicle, may degrade vehicle performance, and may affect your warranty coverage. Please see the Warranty Guide for complete information.

SVT does not recommend the use of gasoline labeled as Premium with octane ratings of less than 91.

AIR FILTER

Refer to scheduled maintenance information for the appropriate intervals for changing the air filter element. When changing the air filter element, use only the Motorcraft  air filter element listed. Refer to Motorcraft part numbers .

WARNING: To reduce the risk of vehicle damage and/or personal burn injuries do not start your engine with the air cleaner removed and do not remove it while the engine is running.

Changing the air filter element

1. Loosen the air filter clamp bolt enough to allow the air filter to slip off the air filter housing easily.

2. Slip the air filter off from the air filter housing.

3. Wipe the air filter housing clean to remove any dirt or debris.

4. Install the new air filter taking care not to damage the air filter element. Align tab on closed end of filter with notch in air filter housing.

5. Tighten the air filter clamp bolt.

MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS

Component 5.4L DOHC Supercharged V8 engine
Air filter element FA-1896
Fuel filter FG-1083
Battery BXT-40-R
Oil filter FL-820S
Spark plugs* AGSF-22FM1

 * Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark plug gap information.

Maintenance Specifications and Capacities

PART Capacity Ford Part Name or Equivilant Ford Part Number / Ford Specification
Brake Fluid Between Min and Max line on reservoir Motorcraft High Performance / DOT3 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid PM-1-C/ WSS-M6062-A or WSS-M6O65-A1
Engine Oil with oil filter change 6.5 Quarts / 6.1 L Motorcraft 5W-50 Full Synthetic Motor Oil X0-5W50-QGT / WSS-M2C931-b
Engine Coolant 21.1 Quarts / 20.0 L Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant with bittering agent (US) / Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant (Canada) VC-3-B (US) CVC-3-B (Canada) / WSS-M97B44-D
Intercooler Coolant *1 4.17 Quarts (3.95L) See authorized Mechanic XY-75W140-QL / WSL-M2C192-A
Rear Axle Lubricant *2 4.25 Pints (2.0L) Motorcraft SAE 75W-140 High Performance Synthetic Rear Axle Lubricant XY-75W140-QL / WSL-M2c192-A
Fuel Tank 16.0 Gallons (60.5 L) 91 Octane or Better 91 Octane or Better
Transmission Fluid *3 6.35 Pints (3.5L) *4 Motorcraft MERCON V ATF XT-5-QM / MERCON V
Windshield Washer Fluid 4.0 Quarts (3.8L) Motorcraft Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate (US) / Premium Quality Windshield Washer Fluid (Canada) ZC-32-A (US) CXC-37-(A,B,D, and F) Canada) / WSB-M8B16-A2

*1  Add coolant type originally equipped in your in your vehicle.

*2  Rear axle lubricants do not need to be checked unless a leak is suspected, service is required, or the axle assembly has been submerged in water. The axle lubricant should be changed any time the rear axle has been submerged in water.

Fill 1/4 - 9/16 inches, (6-14 mm) below bottom of fill hole.

*3 The Tremec TR-6060 6-Speed manual transmission on the Shelby GT500 uses MERCON V automatic transmission fluid. Ensure that the correct MERCON V ATF automatic transmission fluid is used as indicated on the label on the transmission.

*4 Service refill capacity is determined by filling the transmission to the bottom of the filler hole with the vehicle on a level surface.

 

USING THE RIGHT BULBS

Function

Trade Number

Park lamp, turn lamp, side marker (front) 3156K
Luggage compartment lamp  S211
Fog lamp PS24N

Drivetrain

Part Description
Rear Axle 8.8 inch solid rear axle with limited-slip differential 3.55:1 ratio
Driveshaft 2 piece alluminum
Transmission Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual with integral clutch housing
Gear Ratios Gear Ratio
1st 2.98
2nd 1.78
3rd 1.3
4th 1.0
5th .74
6th .50
Reverse 2.9

Engine

Part Description
Configuration Longitudinally mounted, 90 degree V8, cast aluminum cylinder block and cylinder heads
Bore & Stroke 3.55 by 4.165 inches (90.2 by 105.8mm)
Displacement 330 CID - 5410 cc
Compression Ratio 8.4:1
Horsepower 550 horsepower @ 6200 RPM
Torque 510 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
Redline 6250 RPM fuel shut-off
Specific Output 100 HP per Liter
Valvuetrain Dual Overhead Chain-Driven Cams, roller finger followers with hydraulic lash adjustments, ovate-wire valve springs, four per cylinder
Fuel System sequential electronic fuel injection
Mass Air Sensor 4.13 inches (105 mm) Circle
Throttle Body Twin ( 2.36 inch (60 mm) diameter bore - simultaneously open
Pistons Aluminum Forged
Crankshaft Forged Steel
Connecting Rods Forged Steel I-Beams
Supercharger Eaton Model 122, Roots-type
Exhaust Manifold Cast high-silicon, molybdenum iron
Exhaust System Dual Stainless Steel

Engine drivebelt routing

5.4L DOHC 32V Supercharged V-8