As a proud performance vehicle with a strong racing legacy, it is hardly surprising that the Ford Mustang has developed a large following of driving enthusiasts – whether it’s that they’re still available in manual transmission, the pony car prowess, a love for classic muscle or a passion for performance, many Ford Mustang owners seek more out of their sports car, and that’s where the Mustang performance brands come in. The Mustang performance market is so large, in fact, that it takes more than one company to satisfy consumer demand fully. Two of the most well-known names in Mustang performance optimization are Shelby and ROUSH. Which brand is right for you? Do you roll with ROUSH or stick with Shelby?

Regardless of your decision, Ames Ford Performance is the place for your next performance Mustang. Ames Ford Performance is Iowa's top Shelby and ROUSH performance dealership. We offer Iowa drivers the opportunity to explore both the Shelby and the ROUSH product lines. Our certified performance technicians can install whatever upgrades you can imagine on your existing Mustang, Raptor, or F-150 to take it to the next level – Be sure to contact our performance service department for details.

• ROUSH Performance
• New Mustang

Shelby
The Birth of a Legend

Carroll Shelby was a Texan who began his automotive career driving for Aston Martin in European races. He then went on to win other prominent races in a Maserati and an American muscle car. When heart problems ended his driving career, Shelby turned his talents towards designing race cars. When Ford sought to give its Mustang sports car a racing pedigree, they hired Shelby to design vehicles capable of competing in races around the globe.

It’s safe to say that the insight Shelby gained from his non-discriminatory practice of racing cars, both foreign and domestic, plays not only into his unique additions to the Ford Mustang, but also in Ford’s choice here. This partnership led to the release of the GT350 in 1965 and the GT500 a few years later.

While Carroll Shelby passed recently, his legacy can be seen flying down the track and effortlessly cruising by regular cars on the highway with the distinct cobra logo. The development of Shelby Mustangs by Shelby American hasn’t skipped a beat either – a highlight of this is the Shelby Mustang Code Red, which is so fast it’s not even street-legal!

Shelby Mustangs

Performance Mustang buyers have access to a wide variety of Mustang models that are touched by the careful hands of those at Shelby American. Through meticulous tuning, they’ve created a range of Shelby Mustangs, so it’s easy to find your perfect Mustang in their lineup.

Mustang GT

Shelby GT350

Shelby is such a mainstay in the Ford Mustang lineup that the Mustang GT350, produced in partnership with Shelby American and Ford, is still racing around the streets today. However, distinguished buyers can opt for a Mustang GT350 that’s been further modified for performance handling by Shelby American in the aftermarket known as the Shelby GT350 SE Signature Edition. This makes the 5.2L V8, which produces 526 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, go that much further on the track.

Shelby GT500

The Shelby GT500 features unique performance upgrades to the same engine as the GT350 that allow it to make as much as 760 horsepower. This whopping powerhouse of a machine takes performance to the next level.

Sadly, while Shelby will still modify existing GT500 and GT350 models because Ford has stopped production in recent years, they are currently difficult to find.

Shelby GT

The Shelby GT is still available for the foreseeable future. It’s well worth having your Mustang GT sent to Shelby American for extra performance parts and design features. The Shelby GT can make up to 750 horsepower with optuional upgrades, but still is set apart at its 470 standard horsepower.

Shelby Super Snake

The new 2024 Shelby Super Snake is ready to roll. With an estimated over 830 horsepower, it’s difficult to miss the GT350 and GT500 anyways. This is thanks to a sophisticated supercharger system that’s the pinnacle of design for speed. Carrol Shelby.

Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang

If you’re still into extra power out of your Mustang but you don’t need over 800 horsepower, the Carroll Shelby Centennial Edition Mustang is the choice for you. It makes a more modest 760 horsepower while honoring the life of Shelby while it’s at it – it really does it all. This beauty of a car is outfitted with a variety of design features, and only 100 are manufactured on a limited run yearly. If you’re interested in hopping on the reservation list for next year’s model, contact our performance sales team at Ames Ford Performance.

ROUSH
Precision Engineering for Modern Performance

Jack Roush first got a job with Ford in 1970, working for the company's engineering division. So, when he left to start his own racing company six years later, it was only natural that he would use Ford vehicles as his model for future designs. Today, Jack Roush-led teams claim titles in many prestigious American racing circuits, including NASCAR. That’s all made possible with the existence of ROUSH performance, the firm currently responsible for producing the high-tech advances that have pushed the field of racing further.

ROUSH Mustang

ROUSH performance currently tunes its focus towards pickup trucks more than Shelby American for vehicles available to consumers. This doesn’t mean that their modern racing developments don’t have a significant impact on the Mustangs they do offer, though – A ROUSH car is performance-tuned and ready for the track or an everyday cruise. This does mean that the selection of different currently available Mustang Models from ROUSH performance is relatively scant when stacked up against Shelby American’s lineup.

ROUSH TrackPak Mustang

For those who miss the stock Ford Mustang GT500, the ROUSH TrackPak Mustang is up your alley. It’s 750 horsepower, similar to the GT500, and has a variety of similar performance upgrades. It’s safe to say that the ROUSH TrackPak Mustang and the GT500 are very similar competitors. However, the ROUSH TrackPack is still available.

Jack Roush Edition Mustang

While it’s no longer available new, the Jack Roush Edition Mustang is particularly noteworthy. It was limited to 60 vehicles in the United States and can put out 775 horsepower and 670 pound-feet of torque. While it’s a shame it’s no longer manufactured; drivers can find what they need in the ROUSH TrackPak Mustang.

ROUSH Stage 3

While the ROUSH Stage 3 was discontinued in 2021, it remains the ROUSH car that sticks in driver’s minds. That’s partially because of its Phase 2 ROUSH Supercharger, which gave it a gnarly 750 horsepower. While it’s been discontinued, drivers can still find what they need in the current ROUSH Mustang lineup.

Two Racing Legends, One Legendary Vehicle

It is very difficult to declare a winner in the ROUSH vs. Shelby Mustang debate. While the name Shelby has a more extended history associated with it, ROUSH is also capable of producing innovative and exciting vehicles that live up to their performance reputation. While choosing a performance Mustang with such pedigree shouldn’t be reduced to such a reductionistic oversimplification, it is safe to say that if you’re looking for more options with varying horsepower, Shelby American has it covered. Keep in mind, though, that ROUSH performance matches the top horsepower available from Shelby American…

Perhaps the best way for Iowa drivers to resolve this question is to visit their local Ford dealership that offers aftermarket Mustangs like Ames Ford Performance and explore both types of vehicles for themselves. With such similarities, it may come down to the connection you feel with either a Mustang from Shelby American or ROUSH Performance.

One thing that you can be sure of, regardless of whether you choose ROUSH or Shelby for your next performance Mustang, is that you’ll be picking up a piece of memorabilia that has a significantly higher resale value over time than any other run-of-the-mill Mustang. Mustangs at this level of performance aren’t just a purchase, they’re an investment.

ROUSH, Shelby, and Beyond: Ames Ford Performance

We’ve got all things performance Ford products covered at Ames Ford Performance. Whether it’s upgrades from our expert performance service department, or our carefully selected performance inventory, we’re the dealer to ensure Iowans have what they need to make some speed.

Performance Upgrades at Ames Ford Performance

Do you have a Mustang and are wistfully hoping that you could drive one from ROUSH or Shelby? That’s not a problem for us at Ames Ford Performance. Shelby and ROUSH both offer their performance upgrades sold as parts that our expert service technicians are ready to install on your current Mustang at your convenience. You’re not limited to aftermarket upgrades for your Mustang from Shelby and ROUSH either – whether it’s a Barton shifter or beyond, we’re here to make it happen.

Ames Ford Performance: Refined Service, High-Powered Results

If you’re looking for something special out of your next new car, there’s something for you at Ames Ford Performance. Performance Mustangs from Shelby, ROUSH, Saleen, and others are at your fingertips with us. Whether it’s something currently in our performance inventory or something we can procure for you, we’ll get you what you need at Ames Ford Performance.

Our finance and service centers can help drivers afford and maintain a wide range of vehicles as well - and absolutely are not limited to catering only to the needs of performance drivers. You’re invited to stop by when we’re open or call us at (515) 233-1913 to learn more or to schedule a test drive.