GROUND CLEARANCE
Because of low vehicle ground clearance, use caution when
approaching curbs/curb stops from the front and rear as vehicle
damage will occur. Additionally, when crossing speed bumps or
driveway curbs, SVT recommends approaching at a 45 degree
angle to reduce the risk of vehicle damage.
WASHING YOUR SHELBY GT500
Do not drive your vehicle through an automated, commercial car
wash due to the vehicle’s low ground clearance, tire width and
track. Wash your vehicle by hand, or by using a touchless
commercial wash with no mechanical tracks on the floor. Do not
use a commercial or high pressure wand on the striped surfaces
or stripe edges.
Driving your ShelbyGT500
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SUSPENSION
•MacPherson strut with L-arm front suspension
•8.8 inch solid rear axle with limited slip differential (3.55:1 ratio
standard, 3.73:1 ratio optional))
Coupe stabilizer bars:
•33.2 x 5.0 mm tubular front stabilizer bar
•23.0 mm standard, 24.0 mm optional solid rear bar
•Tokico twin tube shocks and struts
Convertible stabilizer bars:
•33.2 x 5.0 mm tubular front stabilizer bar
•23 mm standard, 22 mm optional solid rear bar
•Tokico twin tube shocks and struts
Coupe spring rates:
•34.0 N/mm front and 31.5 N/mm rear standard
•41.0 N/mm front and 34.5 N/mm rear optional
Convertible spring rates:
•31.5 N/mm front and 27.3 N/mm rear standard
•34.0 N/mm front and 31.5 N/mm rear optional
WHEELS
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with unique wheels matched to the tires.
These wheels are more susceptible to damage due to their diameter,
width and low profile tires. To avoid damage to your wheels:
•Maintain proper tire pressure (seeTiresin this supplement).
•Do not drive your vehicle through an automated, commercial car wash
due to the vehicle’s low ground clearance, tire width and track. Wash
your vehicle by hand, or by using a touchless commercial wash with
no mechanical tracks on the floor. Do not use a commercial or high
pressure wand on the striped surfaces.
•When installing wheels, always torque lug nuts to specification with a
torque wrench.
•Inspect your wheels for damage on a regular basis. If a wheel is
damaged, replace it immediately.
•In the event that you encounter an abnormally harsh impact, inspect
the outer diameter of your wheels, both inside and out, for damage.
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Operating at high speeds
Your SVT vehicle is capable of high speeds and is equipped with tires
rated for the vehicle’s maximum speed, electronically limited to 155 mph
(250 km/h). Remember to drive safely, obey all traffic laws and only
operate your SVT vehicle at high speeds at locations equipped and
designed to do so safely. Before operating your vehicle at high speeds:
•Ensure correct tire pressures (seeTiresin this supplement).
•Inspect wheels and tires for wear and damage. Replace any damaged
wheels or tires.
•Do not operate your vehicle at high speeds with more than two
passengers or while carrying cargo.
Wheel Lug Nut Torque Specifications
WARNING:When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake drum or
brake disc that contacts the wheel. Make sure that any fasteners that
attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they do not interfere with
the mounting surfaces of the wheel. Installing wheels without correct
metal-to-metal contact at the wheel mounting surfaces can cause the
wheel nuts to loosen and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in
motion, resulting in loss of control.
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque*
ft-lb N•m
1 2x 20 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Ford recommended replacement fasteners.
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TIRE INFORMATION
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with unique wheels and tires designed to
enhance performance. To continue providing this performance, extra
care must be taken when operating and maintaining your vehicle.
TiresP255/40ZR-19 front, P285/35ZR-19 rear
(standard)
P265/40-19 front, P285/35-20 rear tires
(optional)
Wheels19 in. x 9.5 in. forged aluminum wheels
(standard)
19in.x9.5in.front,20in.x9.5in.rear
forged aluminum wheels (optional)
Tires
Your SVT vehicle is equipped with low profile, high performance tires
that are designed to optimize the driving dynamics you expect in a SVT
vehicle. These tires are not optimized for off-road or winter (snow or
cold weather) performance, and their ride, noise and wear characteristics
are different than non-performance tires. Also, because of their lower
profile, the tires are more susceptible to damage due to potholes and
rough roads. To ensure that your tires perform as intended, it is
important that you maintain your tires properly:
•The Shelby GT500 original equipment tires are optimized for
performance in both wet and dry conditions. Ford does not
recommend using the original equipment tires when temperatures
drop to approximately 40°F (5°C) or below (depending on tire wear
and environmental conditions) or in snow/ice conditions.
•The Shelby GT500 optional P265/40-19 front, P285/35-20 rear
directional tires were designed for track use and may exhibit
significantly reduced tread life and increased tire noise compared to
the standard equipment tires under normal driving conditions.
Increasing the front camber settings beyond the factory settings may
further accelerate tread wear and induce tire noise.
•Do not use tire chainson the original wheels and tires of your
vehicle. The use of any type of tire chain on these tires may damage
your vehicle.
•For tire pressures, see the placard located on the B-pillar inside the
driver’s door.
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•Always maintain your tire pressures according to the tire information
placard on the driver’s door jamb, using an accurate gauge.
•Tire pressures are specified “cold” and should be checked after the
vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours. Do not reduce pressure
of warm tires.
•Check your tire pressure often to maintain it properly. Tire pressure
can diminish over time and fluctuate with temperature.
•Do not overload your vehicle. Maximum vehicle and axle weights are
listed on the tire information placard.
•Extra caution should be taken when operating the vehicle near its
maximum load, including assuring proper tire pressure and reducing
speeds.
•Extra caution should be taken when operating on rough roads to avoid
impacts that could cause tire damage.
•In the event that you encounter an abnormally harsh impact, inspect
your tires for damage.
•Inspect your tires for damage on a regular basis. If a tire is damaged,
replace it immediately.
•Proper suspension alignment is critical for maximum performance and
optimal tire wear. If you notice uneven tire wear, have your alignment
checked.
•Rotate tires as recommended in the following sectionTire rotation.
•When replacing tires, the only way to ensure original performance is
to use the original equipment tire. If a different tire is used, it should
be the same size, speed rating and load rating and be replaced as a set
of four. Never mix tire brands.
WARNING:For vehicles equipped with optional performance
package tires (P265/40-19 front, P285/35-20 rear), only replace
wheels and tires with the EXACT original brand, size and construction
tire with which your vehicle was originally equipped. Use of any other
wheel/tire combinations, even with identical size ratings, may result in
insufficient running clearances, tire rubbing and eventual puncture.
Loss of tire pressure could lead to a loss of vehicle control leading to
serious injury or death.
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•Tire rotation (front tires at the
top of the diagram)
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating the tires.
Note:If your tires show uneven wear, ask an authorized dealer to check
for and correct any wheel misalignment, tire imbalance or mechanical
problem involved before tire rotation.
Note:After having your tires rotated, inflation pressure must be checked
and adjusted to the vehicle requirements.
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WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, 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
The following procedure should be used when refilling the cooling
system after it has been drained or become extremely low.
1. Remove the pressure relief cap from the coolant reservoir as
previously outlined.
2. Slowly add a50/50 mixtureof coolant and distilled water to the
coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill level” as listed
on the reservoir.
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 as
previously outlined.
7. Add a50/50 mixtureof coolant and distilled water to the coolant
reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill range” as listed on the
reservoir.
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 a50/50 mixtureof coolant and distilled water to
the coolant reservoir until the coolant level is at the “cold fill range” as
listed on the reservoir.
Maintenance
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Value Shopping for Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Needs
Your dealership recognizes the competitive landscape of maintenance and
light repair automotive services. With factory-trained technicians, and
one-stop service from routine maintenance like oil changes and tire
rotations to repairs like brake service, check out the value your dealers
can offer.
WHICH MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE SHOULD YOU FOLLOW?
Owner Checks and Services
Certain basic maintenance checks and inspections should be performed
by the owner or a service technician at the intervals indicated. Service
information and supporting specifications are provided in this owner’s
guide.
Any adverse condition should be brought to the attention of your dealer
or qualified service technician as soon as possible for the proper service
advice. The owner maintenance service checks are generally not covered
by warranties so you may be charged for labor, parts or fluids used.
Engine oil/coolant change intervals
Engine oil6 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, initial
change6 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
(whichever comes first)
Engine coolant, after
initial changeEvery 3 years or 45,000 miles (72,000 km)
Check every month
Engine oil level
Function of all interior and exterior lights
Tires for wear and proper pressure, including spare
Windshield washer fluid level
Check every six months
Battery connections; clean if necessary
Body and door drain holes for obstructions; clean if necessary
Cooling system fluid level and coolant strength
Door weatherstrips for wear; lubricate if necessary
Hinges/latches/outside locks for proper operation; lubricate if necessary
Scheduled Maintenance Guide
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