Edward Snitkoff
As first reported by Ford Authority, the 2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 lineup is set to receive a third performance package in the form of the new Carbon Fiber Handling Package. The newly optional package will exist alongside the existing Handling Package and Carbon Fiber Track Pack to offer one more avenue for those looking for enhanced performance from their pony right out of the gate. But adjustable strut top mounts aren’t available on every S550-gen GT500, and that’s something we wanted to bring to light today.
First things first: the base Shelby GT500 comes with non-adjustable strut top mounts. To get the adjustable units, customers will need to upgrade to one of the three available packages on the 2021 Mustang Shelby GT500. That is a bit of a change from the 2020 model year, as Ford only included the adjustable mounts as part of the Carbon Fiber Track Pack.
| Carbon Fiber Track Pack1 | Handling Package3 | Carbon Fiber Handling Package4 |
|---|---|---|
| 20" Exposed Carbon Fiber Wheel | Adjustable Strut Top Mounts | 20" Black-painted Carbon Fiber Wheels |
| Catch Can | Catch Can | Adjustable Strut Top Mounts |
| Exposed Carbon Fiber Instrument Panel | Gurney Flap | Catch Can |
| Exposed Carbon Fiber GT4 Track Wing | Splitter Wickers | Gurney Flap |
| Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 Tires 305/30R20 Front, 315/30R20 Rear | Splitter Wickers | |
| Rear Seat Delete | Wheel Lock Kit | |
| Recaro Leather Trimmed Seats with Miko Suede2 | ||
| Splitter Wickers | ||
| Wheel Lock Kit | ||
| Adjustable Strut Top Mounts |
- Package is not available for military sales.
- Heated, cooled, and memory functions not available with Recaro leather-trimmed seats.
- Not available with Carbon Fiber Track Pack or for military sales.
- New for 2021; not available with Carbon Fiber Track Pack, Handling Package, or military sales.
Adjustable strut top mounts are extremely useful for owners who are planning to run their vehicles at the track, as it allows drivers to adjust wheel camber. On the Mustang Shelby GT500, Ford recommends a slightly more negative camber for track day events, which would tilt the wheel slightly inward at the top end, such that the top of the wheel leans in towards the car. Such an adjustment increases grip and cornering ability, giving the vehicle more precise handling characterstics, especially when being pushed closer to its limit.
We should also note that the adjustable strut top mounts are not installed at the factory. Instead, the parts are shipped to the ordering dealer separately. Customers taking delivery of a Shelby GT500 should check their pony to make sure the parts are installed before their vehicle leaves the dealer.
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That’s why the aftermarket has so many camber plate offerings. If you’re serious about tracking any Mustang or other vehicle, these are a must. These were one of the first suspension additions to my ’17 Performance Pack Mustang GT along with lower and stiffer springs. The handling improvement was remarkable. These should be standard equipment on any aspiring “track” machine!