Ford Mustang GTD Dyno Test Shows Its Actual Horsepower Output
Late Model Restoration on YouTube
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The Ford Mustang GTD is the most powerful factory model ever produced by Ford. While the Cobra Jet drag vehicles are indeed more powerful, they belong to a different category. The GTD features a formidable 5.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque at the crank. But how much of that actually reaches the tires?
Late Model Restoration discovered the answer in their recent YouTube video. This Texas-based shop is specialized in various Mustang models, making them the perfect candidate to test a GTD on a dynamometer. They received a white and carbon version with just over 1,100 miles on the odometer, and after a brief initial assessment, they proceeded with testing.
During their first run, they recorded impressive figures: 740 wheel horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 605 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. The run was kept steady, as they maintained fifth gear throughout. They took the same strategy for the second run, yielding even better results with 753 wheel horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 609 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.
In total, this translates to approximately an 8% drivetrain loss, which is quite good. A typical estimate is around 15%. Although the Mustang GTD's power must travel a significant distance from the front-mounted engine to the rear-mounted eight-speed transaxle, most of the output is transferred to the ground via Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires sized 345/30R20.
While there are other dyno videos of the Mustang GTD available on YouTube, having multiple tests helps account for any potential discrepancies. So far, results have shown the car consistently producing a minimum of 740 wheel horsepower, with LMR's 753 whp figure being the highest recorded so far. It's often unclear whether manufacturers provide accurate ratings, as they sometimes prefer to undervalue performance—significantly.
We Dyno'd a Mustang GTD and the Numbers Are Mind-Blowing!
Have a tip or question for the writer? Reach out directly at caleb@thedrive.com.
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Ford Mustang GTD Dyno Test Shows Its Actual Horsepower Output
Ford states that the engine produces 815 horsepower at the crank, but what percentage of that actually reaches the ultra-wide rear tires?