Geoffrey Piehl
Aug 20, 2021
Ford’s ‘Trinity’ 5.8L V8 engine is only found in the 2013 & 2014 Shelby GT500s, the last two years of the fifth-generation Mustang. With 662 horsepower, a 3.5-second 0-60, and excellent reliability ratings, yes, you do need one.
Key Points
- The 2013-2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500s are the only cars to have ever received the 5.8L.
- The Ford 5.8 Engine is a bored-out version of the former GT500’s 5.4-liter engine.
- A Trinity 5.8-liter V8 in the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 delivers 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque.
- The 2013-2014 Mustang Shelby GT500s with the 5.8L hit zero to 60 in 3.5 seconds.
- Based on the Ford Modular engine, the Trinity V8 was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2013.
Ford Introduces New 5.8L V8 to 2013 and 2014 GT500s
After a 40-year hiatus, Ford reintroduced the Mustang Shelby GT500 model in 2007, sporting a supercharged version of its tried-and-true 5.4L Triton V8, which, at 500 horsepower made it the brand’s then-most powerful production engine.
In 2013 and 2014 Mustang GT500s, Ford took the same 5.4L, bored it out, and put a larger supercharger on it, creating what’s now known as the 5.8L “Trinity” engine.
Ford’s 5.8L ‘Trinity’ Engine Puts Out an Impressive 662 Horsepower
You read that right, 662 horsepower, and a similarly impressive 631 lb.-ft. of torque, a 112-horsepower increase from the 2012 GT500. Does the 5.8L make the 2013 and 2014 GT500s fast? Yes, with a 0-60 of just 3.5 seconds, there’s no question about it, the 5.8L makes the final two years of the fifth-generation GT500 accelerate very fast.
Ford didn’t just take the old 5.4 Triton and make it bigger, they upgraded most components as well. For a closer look at the 5.8L at its 2011 conceptual debut, check out this video by SVTPerformance, where Ford’s SVT President Jamal Hameediwalks us through the engine part-by-part.
The 5.8L V8 Engine Hasn’t Had a Single Recall Thanks to Reliable Design
The 5.8L was based on Ford’s Module engine design, which was known for being able to reach 200,000 miles with few issues. Currently, eight years have passed since the 5.8L’s release and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t even issued a single recall pertaining to the 5.8L. We even scoured through the NHTSA’s registered complaints pertaining to the 2013 and 2014 Mustang engines as a whole, and not a single 5.8L was mentioned.
That’s not to say you won’t find the occasional complaint across the Internet, but most derive from the owner adding some sort of performance modification to push it even further.
Ford’s Monstrous 5.8L is Also an Award-winning Engine
Thanks to its tried-and-true design and modern upgrades, the 5.8L actually landed on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list in 2013 and was the largest engine on the list by far.
Should You Buy a 2013 or 2014 GT500 with the 5.8L Engine?
The 5.8L is a winner on all fronts. At 662 horsepower, 2013 and 2014 GT500s produce 112 more than the previous model. There are zero recalls and only a handful of complaints. Considering all this is after eight years of being on roads, we absolutely suggest buying a GT500 with the 5.8L Trinity engine. The GT500 was discontinued after the 2014, but reintroduced again in 2020, but with a smaller (albeit more powerful), 5.2L supercharged V8.
Photos: Ford
Frequently Asked Questions
Mar 27, 2022
How much HP can a stock 2013 to 2014 GT500 handle?
The 2013 and 2014 model years of the GT500 come standard with a 5.8L V8 engine that produces 662 horsepower. Although this is an extremely impressive amount of power some owners have wanted to get even more power out of the V8 engine. Right now most tuners agree that around 800 wheel horsepower, closer to 950 at the crank, is about the limit of the stock engine.
Once you go above that much horsepower you will need to start replacing more components inside of the engine to make it stronger and able to withstand the extra stress put on on the engine. These are very stout engines from the factory, but every engine does have a physical limitation.
When you do modify a GT500 you should be prepared for a decrease in reliability. As you push more components to their limits they do begin to fail more, but this has always been the tradeoff for people looking to get the most power out of their cars.
Is the 2013 to 2014 GT500 reliable?
The 2013 and 2014 model year for the GT500 is considered to be a very reliable vehicle for its class. These are high-horsepower muscle cars with large engines so they will never be as reliable as a simple 4 cylinder sedan, but compared to some of the other vehicles in their class they do stand out as being reliable.
These should have no problem lasting over 100,000 miles, which is pretty good for a car that offers this much performance. Usually, when a sports car reaches 100,000 miles they start to need more expensive services to keep them running. With a GT500 the parts are available and affordable, which helps keep them on the road.
As with any vehicle the owner has a lot of control over how reliable it ultimately is. If you are going to be accelerating hard and modifying the GT500 then it will lose some reliability, but if you keep it mostly stock and only accelerate hard on occasions it should be able to last a long time.
How can I get more power out of my 5.8L Trinity engine?
If you are looking to get more horsepower out of your 5.8L Trinity V8 engine there are a few simple things that you can do. The most popular thing to do to these engines is to upgrade the pulley on the supercharger and install a new tune. Doing just these simple mods can get you a nearly 100 horsepower gain.
If you are looking for even more power out of the engine there are new supercharger kits you can install that will help force more air into the engine to give it more power. You can also take these to a professional tuner and have them adjust the settings while they are on a Dyno to get the engine dialed in for peak performance.
The GT500 with the 5.8L Trinity V8 is a great vehicle to check out if you are looking for a sports car that has a lot of power and heritage. These are named after the original GT500 which gained notoriety back in 1968 when they first came out.
Owner Reviews
Damanupnorth on May 1, 2024
Love, only love for GT500
So took two years to find my Shelby then found a 2011 wiht a 5.8 built with all the goodies. Boy you get some real miles on a GT500 and all the fan boys run away. I love to dive this thing and they are so easy to drive. Yes push hard wiht little skills and you make the news but if you think a bit they will run for ever and never hit a tree LOL. OK This thing as been rebuilt and built for track and show but now it looks excellent and has 80k on the clock. I dropped a few adds but all the silly people that fear a built setup have no idea how wonderful this thing is. Wife want's it sold as she can't drive a stick anymore (Storke = sucks) so hope to keep her one more year but regardless I was able to own a chunck of motor history for a few years and I will never stop smiling Damanupnorth MN-US PS how could you say not to this listed add (PU car from East Coast in early 2020) $ 60,000 + WORTH OF UPGRADES WITHIN THE LAST 3 YEARS (2016-2019 @ 62k) WE HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS FOR THE UPGRADES AND MAINTENCE HERE IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE UPGRADES: Full suspension update (front and back) This car tracks like a hot knife in butter,. e****t 9500CI Built-in front and back, LO JACK SLAWKO RACING HEADS 5.8L ECAM RACING ENGINE ECAM BUILT RACING ENGINE PRODUCING 745 RWHP with Eaton 2.3L blower (with stock 2013 GT500 blower Now has a 4 Lt KB Liq. Cooled unit) VIKING CRUSADER REAR SHOCKS, VIKING ADJUSTABLE FRONT STRUT KIT, VIKING COIL OVER KIT WITH SPRINGS BILLET LOWER CRANKSHAFT GEAR SECONDARY BILLET TENSIONER CHAIN VALVE CVR INSERT AVERY BLACK CARBON WRAP 3M, ICE TANK - Methanol Injection Show-Performance BREMBO CALLIPERS, CLUTCH/SLAVE Replaced T6060 TRANSMISSION REBUILD/UPGRADE with new tail section. 2018 CROSS DRILLED ROTORS, THUMP RACING BELT TENSIONER WOT Box Fore Fuel parts Injectors Cams NAVIGATION SYSTEM CAR PERFORMANCE PACKAGE CAR LINE LOCK – FRT. BRAKES ROLL CAGE WITH REMOVABLE SIDE BARS, Front pair 5 POINT SEATBELT HARNESS Dash cam and much more little stuff. PPS I have had zero issues and have only had to do oil changes and belt replacment
Scottie K on April 16, 2024
Never ending gas pedal
I bought my 2014 Shelby in 2017 with 3600 miles on it. It's at about 23,000 now and my wife and I absolutely love driving it! As you accelerate, the gas pedal just keeps going and going! 3rd gear to 130mph, fourth to 165. I've had it 170, just having the balls to shift to 5th at speed. WOW! It will also get about 25mpg on the interstate. 6th gear will cruise at 80mph at about 1500rpm. I made my daughter promise me that it will never be altered from factory and never leave the family.😉
Dion K Maxwell on May 17, 2022
Power and Reliability
This is my second Shelby and I love it. I had a 2010 and when they announced the performance details, I went directly to the dealership and ordered one. I have had it for 11 1/2 years now and never had an issue with it. When o drive it, it gets driven. At high speed (around 300kph), it sits on the road like a brick. Just love the power and handling - you just need to remember the live rear axle because it will try to catch you very quickly if you are unaware.
Dave D on January 22, 2022
2013 GT500
I have a 2013 GT500. I love this car. I got an excellent deal on it in 2016 with 22k miles on the clock. It now has 54k trouble free miles. I have only replaced rear tires and a battery. When I do drive it (summers only in OH) I often drive it 200 miles or more. Drove it 1200 miles on last years Power Tour. It is all stock because I am an old man (70!) and really has about 200 more hp than I can use. Great car that garners a lot of attention.
Bud Olesen on March 22, 2022
Buddyolesen@gmail.com
I am a 68-year-old man, and I purchased my 2014 GT500 nine years ago this coming April. I felt that I wanted even more power. I have modified it slightly and I had it tuned at House of Boost in Kansas City, Mo... The Trinity 5.8 Liter made 741 H.P... I have never experienced any type of mechanical problem with this car. It still brings a smile to my face every time I get behind the wheel of this outstanding automobile. I love this car!
Alonso D on June 19, 2021
The 2014 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 engine is glorious and massive power comes along.
I love my car because it's very powerful whenever you need power it's there and there's plenty of it. Outward visibility is good and overall is a good daily driver for my personal everyday life. I was able to receive this car at a very good price. Ever since then I've been in love with the car.
Amanda on November 22, 2023
You're wrong
I love the confidence but you should really check your facts. I own a 1993 ford bronco. With the 5.8 in it. Stock engine.
Geoffrey Piehl
Geoff Piehl has been covering industry trends for many popular automotive websites for over two years. He is a longtime content creator for the IB Auto Group, and in addition to contributing to Vehicle History his byline can be found on Club Lexus and Ford Trucks.
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GT500 with 5.8L Trinity Engine: Reliable & Potent