Lucas Bell 
Forced induction has helped to propel the horsepower war that wages between automakers to new heights. With the increasing popularity of turbocharged and supercharged powertrains, the level of power available on the market has skyrocketed. While it’s true that these systems were integrated largely to help with fuel economy, we can’t deny that many models have used this technology in the name of sheer performance. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 falls into that category, with its monstrous 760 horsepower supercharged 5.2L Predator V8 engine. That much power can make it hard to keep an engine cool out on the track, which is why VMP Performance have released their new GT500 Intercooler Upgrade.
This is the same company that will fit the Predator V8 with a manual transmission.
Heat soaking is not something that is new to the world of supercharged engines. When the temps under the hood begin to rise, the supercharger begins to heat the air that it is forcing into the engine, and thus causing a drop in horsepower. While not a Ford product, the C7 Corvette Z06 became infamous for its issues with heat soak out on the racetrack, a fate that VMP Performance hopes to avoid with the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. While the GT500 hasn’t gained that reputation for itself at this point, heat soak is almost unavoidable when running multiple passes on a sun-baked drag strip.
That is where the VMP Performance GT500 Intercooler Upgrade comes in. Constructed from aluminum, this factory-sized replacement is ready for the racetrack. Thanks to its added cooling capacity, this intercooler upgrade promises to bring a 50 percent decrease in peak downstream air temps during a wide open pull or a 1/4 mile pass. The 81mm-thick design means that it is a direct bolt-on part, with no need for drilling or cutting of any kind. It’s not cheap however, as the Race Core model carries a price tag of $1,500.
While the benefits of a supercharger are undeniable, thermal management is key to extending peak performance throughout the day. This new VMP Performance GT500 Intercooler Upgrade aims to do just that for those of you who want consistency pass after pass.
