Motor Engine Block

Ultimate Muscle Car - 2011 Ford Shelby

Let’s face it there are two types of car buyers: practical individuals who just need something to get them to and from their routine destinations and car fanatics who develop a love affair with their vehicles.  For decades the Ford Mustang has been owned and treasured by the ‘enthusiasts’ group and as the Ford Motor Company continues to make improvements on this beloved American icon the romance continues.

The old GT500 version of the Ford Mustang proved to be a popular pony among car aficionados.  Now 2011 marks the return of the 5.4 liter aluminum engine.  Impressive power numbers will make your head spin at 550 horsepower.  Not only is the 5.4 liter engine back after many years, but the all new GT 500 is lighter and more importantly faster.  A lighter structure, enhanced horsepower and awesome speed are a great combination for a muscle car.   Plus this version comes tuned by SVT Performance which added components to the suspension.  This new 2011 Ford Shelby also gets lightweight wheels with better performing rubber.

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is 100 pounds lighter than the 2010 model and weighs in at a slight 3820 lbs. .  Also the weight is better distributed at 57/43 front to rear weight distribution.  With a monsterous 5.0 liter V-8 engine under the hood, the 2011 Shelby is approaching Ferrari territory.   Speaking of the engine lets crack this puppy open.  Most significantly the engine block is not made of aluminum instead of iron.  Aluminum is not only lighter but it distributes heat more quickly, making the engine block much more efficient. .  Why is heat important?  Well, the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 has a big supercharger sting on top of the engine.  The Shelby also has DOHC which control 32 valves for proficiently moving air and exhaust out of the cylinder.  Out back the 550 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque is transferred to the pavement through a 3.37 limited-slip rear end.

Performance times are what you would hope to see out of a Supercharged Muscle car!  The 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 can clip off 0-60 MPH in the low 4-second range.  The quarter mile drag is over in 12 seconds flat at 115 MPH.  This all from a car costing $50,000.  This kind of performance can only be found in cars costing twice as much like a Ferrari or Lamborghini.  Believe it or not the car gets good gas mileage.  Avoiding the extra gas tax imposed on gas guzzlers, the 2011 Shelby GT500 gets 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.  These are great numbers considering you have 540 horses available under your foot.

For safety, the GT500 has front and side curtain airbags to protect driver and passenger alike.   The NTHSA and the IIHS both gave the new Shelby good scores on crash test safety.  These are the two governing bodies on crash test safety and data in the U.S.  Extraordinary traction control to avoid spinouts and unfailing stability control to avoid collisions were two of the top reasons for the high marks by both departments.   In addition to the peace of mind these safety measures serve up a 60 month/60,00 mile warranty is standard with all new models.

If the last few years of sales numbers are any indicator; you should see a Shelby GT500 prowling the streets near you. With a price tag of around $50,000, the 2011 Ford Shelby is well within reach of Mustang enthusiasts everywhere.   Oh and the sport stripes are awesome!

For more information about the Ford Mustang visit Huntington Beach Ford. Texas residents be sure to see the Mustang inventory at Ford Dealers Dallas

Provided by Jazel Car Dealer Websites

Matsuura Maxia: V8 Engine Block Machined From Solid

How To Fix Motor Mounts

Ok, another generalized topic of auto mechanics is replacing loose motor mounts. Now, there are generally only two reasons to replace a motor mount. 1) You are putting in a different engine that needs different motor mounts, or 2) You have cracked the old ones or they no longer snug up to the frame of the car or the engine block.

It is important to remember that motor mounts should never really have to be replaced unless they are broken. If they are loose, it would be better to just go in and tighten them.

In any case, let's go through a simple explanation of replacing your Motor Mounts. It will have to be general because with out knowing anything precise about the vehicle you are replacing them in; it is hard to give details.

Step One: Lifting the Engine

In order to get to the motor mounts and take them off to replace them, you will need to hoist the motor. This can be done with our without disconnecting the transmission or transaxle, but you will still need to go through the same process that you would to remove your engine.

During the process of removing the engine, you will need to take off the bolts that hold the motor mounts to the frame of the vehicle. Then, you can freely lift the motor to get access to the rest of the mount on the block of the engine.

Step Two: Remove the Motor Mounts

There should be 2 to 4 bolts holding the motor mount onto the block of the engine and you will need to pull them off. If you are changing the bracket that holds the motor mount on the frame of the vehicle, you will also need to remove that.

Step Three: Put on your new Motor Mounts

Replace the motor mounts on the block of the engine and the bracket onto the frame of the car if needed. Make sure your bolts are tightened as far as they can go without breaking them. This will keep you from having 'loose' motor mounts in the future.

Let your engine down a little on the hoist until the mounts fit squarely into the brackets on the frame of the vehicle. Once they are lined up, replace the bolts that hold them together while you still have the engine slightly hoisted. This will help make your job easier.

Step Four: Reconnect the Engine

You will need to reconnect any parts, hoses, lines or harnesses that you have removed to hoist the engine up. Make sure everything goes back in its correct place.

Step Five: Wiggle Room!

Get inside the engine compartment and push down on the engine vigorously. You are checking to make sure your engine is securely in place and that there is no longer any signs of a 'loose' motor mount.

Step Six: Test Drive

Take your vehicle for a test drive to make sure you have repaired the necessary parts and that it is functioning properly.

About the Author

Bond Mejeh produces automotive related articles for Quick Cash Auto, a cash for cars service. Quick Cash Auto not only buys pre-owned vehicles of any year, make or model, but they also provide numerous articles about vehicle repair and automotive news.

Please visit QuickCashAuto.com for more information and be sure to check out our automotive blog.