Dark Horse SC in Richmond VA at Richmond Ford West $176,000 ($71k in options)

[robvas]

But now we are back to modding. In which case, the DHSC is a TERRIBLE value. Just get a GT/DH and for ~$12k you have 810 HP, instead of spending 2x-3x on a DHSC.

And no warranty, crappy transmission, no forged pistons, you're stuck at about 700hp on 93...

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[robvas]

Also, you can mod C8's very easily. The GSX will have a brand new motor, so yeah, it will take a little time for the aftermarket to catch up.

C8's are expensive to mod and you don't get a lot of out them. DH SC is a pulley and tune away from powah

 

[BuckeyeBOSS]

And no warranty, crappy transmission, no forged pistons, you're stuck at about 700hp on 93...

It will be interesting to see how the DHSC real world performance stacks up to "just" a supercharged GT/DH. I simply don't see the value in the DHSC at all. Again 2x-3x is a HUGE premium to pay, and even worse when you look at the real difference in absolute dollars.

 

[D/\rK•650]

This is just nutsy ! So out the door with tax ect your looking at what? Around 200k or maybe over right? And is this even the top package? Is this All included bells and ect? meaning track package and appearance package or whatever it's called on this? Way way to much it's actually ridiculous in my opinion. Im interested in the darkhorse with an ESS how it might compete with the SC. That would be exciting to watch.

 

[D/\rK•650]

It will be interesting to see how the DHSC real world performance stacks up to "just" a supercharged GT/DH. I simply don't see the value in the DHSC at all. Again 2x-3x is a HUGE premium to pay, and even worse when you look at the real difference in absolute dollars.

Beer owed . Was think same exact thing. Posted 10min apart.

 

[robvas]

It will be interesting to see how the DHSC real world performance stacks up to "just" a supercharged GT/DH. I simply don't see the value in the DHSC at all. Again 2x-3x is a HUGE premium to pay, and even worse when you look at the real difference in absolute dollars.

If you just want to build a drag car and don't mind having an aftermarket engine and transmission and supercharger, the GT is pretty tough to beat, always has been

 

[3Rivers]

Although I am not in the market for a Dark Horse SC, I was surprised to discover that one is available at what is now "my" local Ford dealer. And it has all four seats!

What I would find irritating about this pricing if I were a buyer is that fact that a very high base price serves as a license for the manufacturer to toss in various overpriced options, as if reflecting a mindset of, "No one who's already paying $$$ will care about this extra gouging." A flat $10k for carbon fiber trim bits? And another $10k for some stripes or graphics? Are they serious? To be fair, other makes, such as Porsche, utilize the same ridiculous pricing tactics.

View attachment windowsticker.pdf

 

[Ninjak]

This is just nutsy ! So out the door with tax ect your looking at what? Around 200k or maybe over right? And is this even the top package? Is this All included bells and ect? meaning track package and appearance package or whatever it's called on this? Way way to much it's actually ridiculous in my opinion. Im interested in the darkhorse with an ESS how it might compete with the SC. That would be exciting to watch.

Well, what was posted here, it is the top package. It's the special one.

The reason the Mustang brand has endured is that it is a very modifiable vehicle. The only vehicle I would say that matches for value and mods is a Ford Bronco.

I have gone the route of modding my Darkhorse, and I will say it here and now: my Darkhorse will perform every bit as well as a DHSC on a track. Yes, I said it. I know some may come for me, but I will stand by what I have said. I invite you to read my build thread, and since that thread, I have updated it with other bits to ensure that my vehicle will endure the rigors of the track.

That said, purchase v built will always be a discussion and a debate. My thoughts on this: If a person knows a builder, or has the knowledge of what it takes to put a purpose-built vehicle together, then that vehicle will accomplish what it was built for. Yes, it takes more than added power and external aesthetics to build a vehicle. Chassis, drivetrain, suspension, driveline, aero, fit and finish...many things come to building a proper vehicle. The beauty of this is that Ford gives you the platform; it is up to the owner just what direction they want to take their vehicle.

What is the DHSC? Well, it's an S650 platform that has been updated with many parts from the Ford Performance Parts bin. Looking past the 5.2 and the TVS, driveline, suspension, cabin tech, tuning- well, a few things have been done. The CF on it well that add to all this, the special paint job, quite a few things add to the price tag, and as consumers, we have to decide is it worth it.

So now, let's go back to my earlier statement. I will use my vehicle as an example of a "Built" vehicle. I start from a DH Premium handling package. V4 5.0, forged internals, proven platform. Magnaride suspension. Recaro seats, 305/315 tires. Active exhaust. Top tech. Proven 3160 Tremec. Probably missing some things, but that is my vehicle stock at a glance. A very capable platform to start from.

Now I add these parts. Full suspension package. All bits that will have it perform at its best on a track, whether it be twisty or a straight line. Exhaust, Kooks LT headers, 3' connection pipe, double H with resonators through an active exhaust. Yes, it will breathe. Coolers: I have them. The OEM ones, and upgraded ones that run in parallel. Bigger oil pan and better sumps, yep, that has been upgraded. Aero, GT4 hood, GT250 wing, better front splitter with added aero splitter options. Ok that checks out. Stability with backseat delete along with a safety cage. Also stiffening the chassis with K-member and G-trac braces. Brakes were good already; upgrade pads. Toss in a CF driveshaft for added strength. Lower the stance and improve stability with quality springs. Take the proven 5.0 v4, add a Whipple SC to it. Put on bigger shoes out back; yes, 315 is great, 325 is better. Put it all together and get it out there and enjoy.

You may say, ' Well, how much did you pay for all this?' A lot less than you may believe it cost, especially when you have friends that can turn a wrench and help you. The downside? Well, yes, the big monkey in the room is WARRANTY. Well, considering I have gone toe to toe with Ford before over my GT350, I like my chances even here. Also read that Ford disclosed a little closer. You may be surprised that you are not as covered as you thought if you use the vehicle for what it was built for!

Allas, I have dribbled on long enough. The new DHSC will prove I believe, a capable vehicle. Will it be for everyone? Probably not. But there are options and variants to be had, including the route I went. So for those who have a DHSC on order, get that vehicle and enjoy the hell out of it. If you see me on a track or straight path, don't be alarmed if you come up short; just come back to this thread and understand I have what you have, if not more. There is no shame in looking at my taillights.

 

[robvas]

I have gone the route of modding my Darkhorse, and I will say it here and now: my Darkhorse will perform every bit as well as a DHSC on a track. Yes, I said it. I know some may come for me, but I will stand by what I have said.

Go to a race track and prove it.

 

[Ninjak]

@robvas : Oh, I plan to.

 

[rush014]

Well, what was posted here, it is the top package. It's the special one.

The reason the Mustang brand has endured is that it is a very modifiable vehicle. The only vehicle I would say that matches for value and mods is a Ford Bronco.

I have gone the route of modding my Darkhorse, and I will say it here and now: my Darkhorse will perform every bit as well as a DHSC on a track. Yes, I said it. I know some may come for me, but I will stand by what I have said. I invite you to read my build thread, and since that thread, I have updated it with other bits to ensure that my vehicle will endure the rigors of the track.

That said, purchase v built will always be a discussion and a debate. My thoughts on this: If a person knows a builder, or has the knowledge of what it takes to put a purpose-built vehicle together, then that vehicle will accomplish what it was built for. Yes, it takes more than added power and external aesthetics to build a vehicle. Chassis, drivetrain, suspension, driveline, aero, fit and finish...many things come to building a proper vehicle. The beauty of this is that Ford gives you the platform; it is up to the owner just what direction they want to take their vehicle.

What is the DHSC? Well, it's an S650 platform that has been updated with many parts from the Ford Performance Parts bin. Looking past the 5.2 and the TVS, driveline, suspension, cabin tech, tuning- well, a few things have been done. The CF on it well that add to all this, the special paint job, quite a few things add to the price tag, and as consumers, we have to decide is it worth it.

So now, let's go back to my earlier statement. I will use my vehicle as an example of a "Built" vehicle. I start from a DH Premium handling package. V4 5.0, forged internals, proven platform. Magnaride suspension. Recaro seats, 305/315 tires. Active exhaust. Top tech. Proven 3160 Tremec. Probably missing some things, but that is my vehicle stock at a glance. A very capable platform to start from.

Now I add these parts. Full suspension package. All bits that will have it perform at its best on a track, whether it be twisty or a straight line. Exhaust, Kooks LT headers, 3' connection pipe, double H with resonators through an active exhaust. Yes, it will breathe. Coolers: I have them. The OEM ones, and upgraded ones that run in parallel. Bigger oil pan and better sumps, yep, that has been upgraded. Aero, GT4 hood, GT250 wing, better front splitter with added aero splitter options. Ok that checks out. Stability with backseat delete along with a safety cage. Also stiffening the chassis with K-member and G-trac braces. Brakes were good already; upgrade pads. Toss in a CF driveshaft for added strength. Lower the stance and improve stability with quality springs. Take the proven 5.0 v4, add a Whipple SC to it. Put on bigger shoes out back; yes, 315 is great, 325 is better. Put it all together and get it out there and enjoy.

You may say, ' Well, how much did you pay for all this?' A lot less than you may believe it cost, especially when you have friends that can turn a wrench and help you. The downside? Well, yes, the big monkey in the room is WARRANTY. Well, considering I have gone toe to toe with Ford before over my GT350, I like my chances even here. Also read that Ford disclosed a little closer. You may be surprised that you are not as covered as you thought if you use the vehicle for what it was built for!

Allas, I have dribbled on long enough. The new DHSC will prove I believe, a capable vehicle. Will it be for everyone? Probably not. But there are options and variants to be had, including the route I went. So for those who have a DHSC on order, get that vehicle and enjoy the hell out of it. If you see me on a track or straight path, don't be alarmed if you come up short; just come back to this thread and understand I have what you have, if not more. There is no shame in looking at my taillights.

Sounds lovely..........But I'll take my chances on something Ford did from the factory
and not something done with a couple of friends over the weekend.

Looking forward to seeing your vids of you showing a DHSC Trackpack your tail lights

 

[Ninjak]

Sounds lovely..........But I'll take my chances on something Ford did from the factory
and not something done with a couple of friends over the weekend.

Looking forward to seeing your vids of you showing a DHSC Trackpack your tail lights

Understood

My friends are certified ASE mechanics, one who retired from Ford, another who currently works for Land-Rover as the master technician. Another has run his garage building vehicles for track use for 20 years. Lastly, one works for Steeda.

I think I can have a little faith in them.

I understand people have worries about a 'built' vehicle, but let me lay this before you. What is a Shelby of America build? What is RTR? What is Saleen? What is Spec R? What is a Steeda build? These are builds done by a company using a platform, a base vehicle, and parts to put their version of a vehicle together.

Yes, Ford gives us a warranty with their work, as they should. All of these other companies are putting their builds together with people who understand how to build it. So if you know or have people who ALSO understand how these builds are done, and what parts work with what parts, well, now you are turning a wrench. Just like anyone who works for Ford, GM, or any other manufacturer.

Just my view of this.

 

[robvas]

I understand people have worries about a 'built' vehicle, but let me lay this before you. What is a Shelby of America build? What is RTR? What is Saleen?

Those are just bolt-on cars and won't beat a DH SC either. And RTR uses Nitto 555G2 tires

Ford said it themselves, "Shelby doesn't race."

 

[Q6543]

As a mustang owner, I absolutely LOVE what ford is doing here

just plain and simple gate keeping, the mustang is no longer the “Everyman sports car”, it’s no longer the “poor man’s hot rod”

you want the new hot shit … cut the check, perhaps some of our older used models are more to your budget
Took the car upscale, go buy a used MAC or LAMB, that’s what we’re cross shopping anyways.
Same with Chevy ZR1X and Ferrari.

I was downtown Birmingham a few weeks ago, lambos, Ferraris everywhere…. People were all standing around the ZR1X… no one even gave a shit about the Temerario

I did a quick search, the only examples for sale nationwide are 400K plus

 

[Ninjak]

Those are just bolt-on cars and won't beat a DH SC either. And RTR uses Nitto 555G2 tires

Ford said it themselves, "Shelby doesn't race."

I would have to disagree on one of these points. The new Shelby GT350 T/A is a beast. It is a purpose-built setup, and it will do very well around a track. Ford may claim Shelby does not race, but Shelby's history was built from racing a Ford. One Ford did not build until Shelby did it.

Ford is saying this now because a lot of people put stock in the Shelby name. I agree; Ford does race, and Ford does build race cars. Look no further than a GTD. That does not mean these other vehicles will not be up to snuff. Yes, many are just simple bolt-on vehicles. Others, not so much. A vehicle that comes to mind is the Fathouse Code Red Shelby.

Ford has supplied the platform. It is up to the owners how they want to apply it to their needs.

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