WARNING: This post may....

[Coralsnake]

....change you opinion of Carroll Shelby

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=laTEaRWxig4

[Wedgeman]

 ..... .....?

[68countrysedan]

Why would it?

[557]

Wow didn't realize fwd was the hot set up!!!But if ol Shel says it's true it must be true...He never lies...I just wish I could pry one of those dusty original cobra chassis out of the estates hands!!!(because I wouldn't want a "continuation "car......

[69mach351w]

Don't change my opinion, Man needs a nice BJ every once in a while

[98SVT - was 06GT]

That's when Chrysler was lining his pockets. He was a true mercenary and touted whatever was supporting his lifestyle at the time. https://horsepowermemories.com/2014/08/18/1986-shelby-dodge-omni-glhs/

[Side-Oilers]

That's when Chrysler was lining his pockets. He was a true mercenary and touted whatever was supporting his lifestyle at the time. https://horsepowermemories.com/2014/08/18/1986-shelby-dodge-omni-glhs/

Agreed. Just like every other racer, sports celebrity, politician, etc., who has a major sponsor. 
It's how the biz works.

[68countrysedan]

I still don't get the negativity.

CS was hired by Chrysler Corp. to develop performance models from their existing lineup. Considering what he had to work with, I don't think he did too bad. The 2.2L four cylinder was a well engineered motor. Turbocharging, common today, was leading edge then. Ultimately a 4V cylinder head was developed.  Drivetrain details included equal length half shafts to combat torque steer.

Chrysler offered Direct Connection performance parts for them and even a performance shop manual. There was aftermarket support too. Shelby Dodges competed in road rallys, showroom stock, drag racing, and ran at Bonneville.

There was even a Chrysler-Shelby Performance Center in California where they did development work. During this time CSPC engineers were evaluating a Shelby Daytona with a turbocharged, inter-cooled four-cylinder with a 4V head. As for "how much power can you put through front wheel drive. .." this test mule had an all wheel drive configuration.

Don't take my word, try to hunt up a copy of Dodge High Performance, published by Petersen Publishing. It had seriously competent performance technical information.

There was even the Shelby Dodge Automobile club for enthusiasts. I think it was located in West Redding, CT.

All that has long since evaporated from the automotive performance landscape. But I think that Shelby and all the employees and enthusiasts who invested time, effort and money into improving and competing with these cars deserve a modicum of respect. 

[Bigfoot]

We like to see Enthusiasm

[68countrysedan]

Thanks.

And IMHO, I think the 80's Dodge Daytona remains a handsome car, particularly considering what passes for style today.

[FL SAAC]

A great American showing off his enthusiasm and ingenuity.

[Side-Oilers]

I agree with the enthusiasm and ingenuity comments.  I knew CS very well during this time period, and afterwards. I spent many days testing a variety of cars at the Chrysler Shelby Performance Center facility. Wrote a bunch of articles.  When I was with Popular Hot Rodding magazine, we built-up a new '83 Shelby Charger. Got it to run in the 13s on street tires. 

Carroll hired me to work for him in the era of the Shelby Dakota, and I got to see some early development of the Viper and its V-10 engine.

I should have been more detailed in my previous post. Yes, Carroll did what his sponsor (Chrysler) paid him to do....and why not?  Wouldn't any of us, given a similar challenge and a hefty paycheck by a big car company? Carroll pulled Chrysler out of the doledrums and gave it cars to brag about. I drove his 300 hp Omni GLHS that nearly tore the engine cradle out of the car with its torque. Crude, yes. But damn fun! 

[FL SAAC]

Truly appreciate you sharing that story
Thanks

I agree with the enthusisam and ingenuity comments.  I knew CS very well during this time period, and afterwards. I spent many days testing a variety of cars at the Chrysler Shelby Performance Center facility. Wrote a bunch of articles.  When I was with Popular Hot Rodding magazine, we built a new 83 Shelby Charger. Got it to run in the 13s on street tires. 

He hired me to work for him in the era of the Shelby Dakota, and I got to see some early development of the Viper and its V-10 engine.

I should have been more detailed in my previous post. Yes, Carroll did what his sponsor (Chrysler) paid him to do....and why not?  Wouldn't any of us, given a similar challenge and a hefty paycheck by a big car company? Carrolll pulled Chrysler out of the doledrums and gave it cars to brag about. I drove his 300 hp Omni GLHS that nearly tore the engine cradle out of the car with its torque. Crude, yes. But damn fun!

[69mach351w]

Wow, Cool stuff S.O.

That is something to brag about👍🏻🏁

[683760]

I bought an GLHS new in 86.  Still have it.  Blast to drive.