Hennessey Camaro HPE650 vs SpeedFactory Challenger SRT8 vs Shelby GT500 Super Snake

[MN12Fan]

Originally Posted by Klay

While I agree with you to an extent, the camaro did have the zr1 engine in it, which is probably not going to be a common modification to this car. Just like the the Ford GT engine doesn't find its way into the GT500 very much if ever.

So I don't know if this test actually proves anything either way. I do believe however, that the camaro is a veryyyy potent setup, even stock. I think the mustang will definately have its hand full at every trim level.

You know, there's a very strange thing about the specifications Motor Trend lists for the Super Snake in this comparison. One of the biggest things about any GT500's 5.4L V8 that differed it from what was used in a Ford GT is the block material. The Ford GT used an aluminum block and the GT500s have been using a cast iron block. However, in this comparison -- and a while ago when Motor Trend first unveiled the Super Snake -- they listed the Super Snake's engine as having an aluminum block:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/specs.html

I've searched around and can find nothing to corroborate this. In fact, I've found more evidence suggesting that the Super Snake is still using an iron block.

An aluminum block is not listed as one of the upgrades in the Super Snake package on Shelby's website and the 3944 lb curb weight listed for the Super Snake tested by Motor Trend is 20 lbs heavier than the curb weight for a standard GT500. Its weight distribution is also worse at 59/41 compared to a standard GT500's 58/42. An aluminum 5.4L block should weigh close to 100 lbs less than a cast iron one which means that the Super Snake should be a lighter, more balanced car if it truly has an aluminum block.

Either Motor Trend is mistaken or they know something most of the automotive world doesn't.

[63GrandSport001]

Originally Posted by MN12Fan

You know, there's a very strange thing about the specifications Motor Trend lists for the Super Snake in this comparison. One of the biggest things about any GT500's 5.4L V8 that differed it from what was used in a Ford GT is the block material. The Ford GT used an aluminum block and the GT500s have been using a cast iron block. However, in this comparison -- and a while ago when Motor Trend first unveiled the Super Snake -- they listed the Super Snake's engine as having an aluminum block:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/specs.html

I've searched around and can find nothing to corroborate this. In fact, I've found more evidence suggesting that the Super Snake is still using an iron block.

An aluminum block is not listed as one of the upgrades in the Super Snake package on Shelby's website and the 3944 lb curb weight listed for the Super Snake tested by Motor Trend is 20 lbs heavier than the curb weight for a standard GT500. Its weight distribution is also worse at 59/41 compared to a standard GT500's 58/42. An aluminum 5.4L block should weigh close to 100 lbs less than a cast iron one which means that the Super Snake should be a lighter, more balanced car if it truly has an aluminum block.

Either Motor Trend is mistaken or they know something most of the automotive world doesn't.

I find that very often there are errors in automotive publications...........

[63GrandSport001]

Originally Posted by Klay

While I agree with you to an extent, the camaro did have the zr1 engine in it, which is probably not going to be a common modification to this car. Just like the the Ford GT engine doesn't find its way into the GT500 very much if ever.

So I don't know if this test actually proves anything either way. I do believe however, that the camaro is a veryyyy potent setup, even stock. I think the mustang will definately have its hand full at every trim level.

From my understanding only the HPE 700 has the LS9 in it, the HPE 650 is just a LS3 with a supercharger on it.

regardless yes it is true that its rare that you will see these two types of setups on these cars, however one must remember that what the SS Camaro competes with is not the GT500 but the Mustang GT. Yes the Camaro SS is currently the top of the line Camaro on offer however its priced at the level of the Mustang GT and not the Mustang GT500 so I don't know why everyone keeps comparing the two vehicles.

Honestly the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang are all very good cars and one couldn't go wrong with any of the choices that they make.

[AMERICA 123]

Originally Posted by ledfoot73

I say thank God for GM, Ford, and Chrysler producing cars like these with the underlying capabilities to rip the retinas right off your eyeballs.

It sure beats the heck out of discussing the merits of 4 and 6 cylinder fwd cars that are now being thrust on us under the guise of near performance and "premium" automobiles, Yawn.

I have been a GM guy most of the driving aspect of my 47 years, now tell me that any of you would deny the desire to own any one of these.

I am just so glad the Camaro wasn't a hopped up 4 cylinder based on the cruise.

Outstanding post.

It is great that we have these three out there - and it would be even better if we had some more like 'em.

[Klay]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

From my understanding only the HPE 700 has the LS9 in it, the HPE 650 is just a LS3 with a supercharger on it.

regardless yes it is true that its rare that you will see these two types of setups on these cars, however one must remember that what the SS Camaro competes with is not the GT500 but the Mustang GT. Yes the Camaro SS is currently the top of the line Camaro on offer however its priced at the level of the Mustang GT and not the Mustang GT500 so I don't know why everyone keeps comparing the two vehicles.

Honestly the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang are all very good cars and one couldn't go wrong with any of the choices that they make.

I agree with your sentiments exactly, I wouldn't mind owning any of them. They all would be a step up from what I got now, that is for sure.

[MN12Fan]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

I find that very often there are errors in automotive publications...........

Of course, but you have to ask "when are they going to fix this?" when they keep on printing the same error. In this particular case, assuming Motor Trend is indeed wrong, an aluminum block could have a significant impact on the GT500's performance. All other things being equal, an aluminum block would reduce the car's weight by close to 100 lbs and it'd all be off the front end.

[E. Haskell]

Originally Posted by PistonsFan

Based on looks - 1. Camaro/Challenger 2. Mustang

[MN12Fan]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

Based on looks - 1. Camaro/Challenger 2. Mustang

I'd agree if the Camaro weren't yellow. There's something about yellow cars that I don't find attractive. With the extra exterior upgrades this Camaro has I think Cyber Gray or black or Victory Red would look much better. The Challenger looks good in its particular color though I like them in Bright Silver. The hood looks out of place the way it is though, like they didn't finish painting the car. The Super Snake would look better if it didn't have so many goofy Shelby add-ons (the hood, for example, is awful). A standard GT500 looks better.

[63GrandSport001]

Originally Posted by MN12Fan

Of course, but you have to ask "when are they going to fix this?" when they keep on printing the same error. In this particular case, assuming Motor Trend is indeed wrong, an aluminum block could have a significant impact on the GT500's performance. All other things being equal, an aluminum block would reduce the car's weight by close to 100 lbs and it'd all be off the front end.

The weight reduction going from an iron block to an aluminum block is going to vary, I remember reading that the SBC going from the Gen II iron block LT1 to the Gen III aluminum block that the new block was 70 pounds lighter then the old block.

however you have to take other factors into consideration such as if they had to beef anything up on the super snake and that the supercharger may add on a few more pounds as well which could counter the lower weight of an aluminum block.

Although in this case I'm going to go with a typo.

[63GrandSport001]

Originally Posted by Klay

I agree with your sentiments exactly, I wouldn't mind owning any of them. They all would be a step up from what I got now, that is for sure.

Out of the 3 vehicles in this test I have to say that the Dodge impressed me the most, in stock form it doesn't get much attention as it always seems to be about the Camaro vs the Mustang. Not only that but it had a good deal less horsepower then the other cars in this group yet it sounded great and it performed faster then anyone expected it to which says that it probably was tuned the best (as in taking most advantage of what it had) even though the Mustang had the most horsepower and the Camaro put down a 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.

[MN12Fan]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

The weight reduction going from an iron block to an aluminum block is going to vary, I remember reading that the SBC going from the Gen II iron block LT1 to the Gen III aluminum block that the new block was 70 pounds lighter then the old block.

however you have to take other factors into consideration such as if they had to beef anything up on the super snake and that the supercharger may add on a few more pounds as well which could counter the lower weight of an aluminum block.

Although in this case I'm going to go with a typo.

I'm going by the dry weights of a Ford GT-spec aluminum block and a GT500 iron block, which is essentially the same block as what an F-150 or other Ford trucks and SUVs have. All of the specs are listed in the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. The Ford GT block weighs 110 lbs, the GT500 block weighs an even 200 lbs. The ratio of how much the aluminum and iron 5.4L blocks weigh relative to each other is the same as that of Ford's 4.6L blocks; aluminum 4.6L blocks weigh 85 lbs while iron ones weigh 155 lbs.

[63GrandSport001]

Originally Posted by MN12Fan

I'm going by the dry weights of a Ford GT-spec aluminum block and a GT500 iron block, which is essentially the same block as what an F-150 or other Ford trucks and SUVs have. All of the specs are listed in the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. The Ford GT block weighs 110 lbs, the GT500 block weighs an even 200 lbs. The ratio of how much the aluminum and iron 5.4L blocks weigh relative to each other is the same as that of Ford's 4.6L blocks; aluminum 4.6L blocks weigh 85 lbs while iron ones weigh 155 lbs.

Now I can't remember if the Gen III aluminum were 70 pounds lighter then the iron blocks or 70 pounds total lol...... Im getting old before my time.