What would it take?
 

I'll just go right out and say it, what types of modifications would it take to keep up with a 2020 GT500? 1/4 mile racing is different then road racing obviously but keeping up on the straights are my concerns....thoughts anyone? keep in mind I live in california so the upgrades will need to be smog compliant. I thought this would be a cool little build project between the people on here.

i would hit up ryne or roy but keeping it carb legal is going to be hard...

Would be very difficult carb legal. These cars with a few mods are capable but most would involve a tune and probably headers too.

It already beats it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zx8-CBtXIs

Drag Race: 16 minutes
Track Times: 28 minutes

Your best CARB compliant option: Buy a ZR1.

There are no such CARB compliant mods that will get you the 110+ crank hp you need to "keep up" with a GT500.

If the ZR1 is not an option, then a Driver Mod (i.e. training school) will get you more than anything you can bolt on the car, but even that won't help as much in a roll race as on a road course or in the 1/4 mi.

Sell the ZL1 and buy a GT 500! 👍 Lol...

From a numbers POV they make approx 705-ish RWHP to our approx 550-ish RWHP. However they are a bit heavier. A lot of them are modded so you have to be careful. If you're aiming at them then I would suggest going with a full build including cam, ported heads, LTs, and blower swap. Because trust me, if you come across one with mods, you're gonna need at least that much to keep up with them. And you also have to contend with modded REs out there too so don't forget about them.

Considering all the competition out there I personally decided to go with a full build. My car just got shipped out yesterday and should be ready in a few weeks hopefully!! Shooting for 800+ to the wheels. Even then I still don't think that will be enough up against some of the highly modded monsters out there.

Move from California

Won't radz28's CARB compliant ZL1 run with a stock Mustang? I suppose if it's modded, that will be tough.

Edelbrock has an CARB-legal kit: http://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/.../d-215-117.pdf

I have opinions on this kit, which is why I don't use it.

Magnuson has a kit pending CARB-certification: https://www.magnusonsuperchargers.co...-62-176-bl.htm

This is the kit I have and there is little that I take any issue with.

Both of these kits have the same rotors ZR1 and the GT500 use. Both kits will push similar boost numbers as ZR1 and the GT500. Both kits also put out about the same as ZR1 and GT500. This is all you need to keep up with the GT500. ZL1 already has a better chassis. If you put the GYSC3R on ZL1, it sticks nearly the same as ZLE.

The only issues you might face at that power level is engine cooling. There's a member running almost the same set-up that has found and upgraded radiator, IC, and larger oil cooler (replaces the secondary IC - which is why you would need the upgraded primary IC) provide adequate cooling for about 70-RWHP around a track.

s mentioned. Fueling will ultimately be the problem due to the DI, hence why the ZR1 fixed it.

Just remember to vote. Almost all California's laws and regulations are dictated my morons.

Not sure if you mean drag or road course…but on a road course its a driver’s race, and somewhat dependent on the track. Go to a technical track and ZL1 already has a clear advantage based on weight alone. A bigger track with more straights would be closer…but again…a driver’s race. Ive been on track with them, they don't appear as agile/nimble as a ZLE.

Short version; Mods to beat a GT500 on track: more seat time, more coaching.

I haven’t done much research on upgrading the fuel system on these zl1s but that shouldn’t affect smog at all I’d assume. And is it an expensive upgrade if i go magnuson and e85?

Best advice in this thread.