Forever Car

Wider Is Better, And This S197 Proves It.

- Ro McGonegal

Though Ford cars have been a staple at the Dunn household for many years, youthful Andrew Dunn went beyond the universal box at first and then directed in his enthusiasm to the core. He says his father and friends “did a frame-off restoration on [a 1972 Camaro] for my high school senior project.” At least Dunn got to watch a lot. Then he went right for the Shelby. He was 15. He got old—real fast. While the Shelby was being built, he acquired a 2016 EcoBoost convertible “for the mileage.”

He gathered troops: buddies Anand, Brendon, Justin, Adam, and Riyad helped him choose the modifications; Cornell Hogan for the sound system and appearance; Eddie Rios at Addiction Motorsports (Canoga Park, California) for the dyno tuning; Jerry Irons at Ed’s Garage in Santa Monica for some muscle when needed; and the Futuris Group for the exclusive custom seats. Further, Dunn was of the mind that his 2007 Shelby should return to its Las Vegas origins for serious engine upgrades and the pertinent bodywork.

Via a Ford 5.0L aluminum cylinder block, the cats at the Shelby Speed Shop grew displacement to 302ci with a forged crankshaft, forged connecting rods, and Diamond pistons. With the ported and polished cylinder heads, they maintained the 9.8:1 compression ratio, which was perfect for the boost level to come. Stage 2XFI NSR Comp cams (0.450/0.450 inch lift, 235/249-degree duration at 0.050, 101-degree centerline) were soon cradled in the cylinder head races.