https://media.ford.com/content/ford...s-pinnacle-of-mustang-5-0-liter-v8-style.htmlFord said:
In the hands of an average driver, I doubt it. But someone with skills could probably keep it close.
Yes. The manual comes with no lift shifting through all gears stock which will help greatly on a road course. That combined with the fact that the 6 speed comes with launch control while the auto doesn't makes me think that the drag numbers for good drivers will be very close. If you upgrade the rear tires with some cheater slicks (Like some MT ET Streets or the like) I wouldn't be surprised if the 6 speed is actually capable of faster ETs than the auto unless you upgrade to a higher stall torque converter and brake stand it at launch. A good 60' translates to way better ETs.
If you are very proficient at left-foot braking, I would say that there might be a chance. However, since my GT is a 6-spd, I am not that familiar w/the down-shifting characteristics of the 10-spd. Would the 10R80 have as much 'braking' capability as the manual when down-shifting? If not, that just might negate the 'advantage' of left-foot braking. You guys who track your 10R80s, step right up here.
I have had two track going cars now that have been autos (2009 CTS=V 6 speed auto and my 2018 pp1 10 speed auto) and I have gotten use to them for track use. The one and only limiting factor with the ford 10 speed auto is heat build up. I just can not keep it cool. As far as torque braking i feel it does very well. I have used it in sport/ track auto mode as well as totally manual shifting mode. In many cases my lap times are actually quicker in sport/track auto. mode. One thing is for sure the 10 speed auto shifts quicker then I ever could and with it I never miss a shift. Now if I could just figure out how to keep it cool. Oh, I have added two small Derale coolers that didnt help.
Have you looked into what the GT500 utilizes for its trans cooler(s)? I also see where Shelby offers a trans cooler. The Shelby unit might be easier to retro-fit as opposed to the GT500 which was installed on the assembly line. Just food for thought.
It's not like you need it for automatic.
You absolutely do. I have built auto drag cars before and it is literally the reason why you put trans brakes and high stall converters on them. Launching from idle RPM costs you a good launch.
The reason it doesn't come standard is because it is very abusive to your transmission and the 10R80 wasn't built for that kind of abuse. The HP tuners FAQ even addresses this as it's #1 FAQ here:
Lol. Yep. Mine would occasionally rev up to 4500 rpms when pulling out. Always scared the crap out of me. A little disconcerting when you foot is off the accelerator (on brake) and the car is reving up by itself…?? My 18 had problems.