Ford Shelby F-150 Super Snake: America’s Most Powerful Pickup Truck
Ever feel your heart skip a beat when a Shelby F-150 roars past you on the highway, blending raw muscle car power with everyday truck practicality?
TL;DR
The Shelby F-150 Super Snake isn’t your average work truck. This beast combines Ford’s legendary F-150 reliability with Shelby American’s racing DNA, delivering supercharged V8 power that launches from 0–60 mph in under 4 seconds. With over 770 horsepower on tap, upgraded suspension, and aggressive styling, this Ford Shelby truck transforms America’s best-selling pickup into a pavement-shredding performance machine that still hauls your weekend gear.
Key Takeaways
- The Shelby F-150 Super Snake produces 770+ horsepower from a supercharged 5.0L V8 engine
- Accelerates 0–60 mph in approximately 3.9 seconds, rivaling sports cars
- Top speed reaches around 130–140 mph (electronically limited for safety)
- Features custom tuning, upgraded suspension, and Shelby-exclusive styling
- Starts around $115,000–$125,000, depending on options and packages
- Limited production keeps these trucks exclusive and collectible
The Shelby F-150 Super Snake: When Truck Meets Track
What happens when you take America’s toughest truck and inject it with pure racing adrenaline?
You get the Shelby F-150 Super Snake. This isn’t just a modified pickup—it’s a collaboration between Ford and Shelby American that reimagines what a full-size truck can do. Since its introduction, the Super Snake has answered a question nobody thought to ask: “Can a truck compete with a Corvette?”
The answer is absolutely yes.
Shelby F-150 Super Snake Performance Stats: The Numbers That Matter
Let’s talk about what makes enthusiasts’ eyes light up. The Super Snake starts with Ford’s proven 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, then Shelby adds a supercharger that completely transforms its character.
Here’s what you get:
Horsepower: 770+ hp (compared to the stock F-150’s 400 hp)
Torque: Around 590 lb-ft of pure pulling power
0–60 mph: Approximately 3.9 seconds
Quarter-mile: Mid-12-second range
Top Speed: 130–140 mph (electronically limited)
That 0–60 time deserves emphasis. We’re talking about a truck that weighs over 5,000 pounds launching like a muscle car. The twin-screw supercharger forces massive amounts of air into the engine, creating instant throttle response that pins you to the seat.
The Super Snake doesn’t just accelerate—it attacks the road with authority.
Real-World Driving: What It Actually Feels Like
Numbers tell part of the story, but driving a Super Snake is something else entirely.
When you fire up the engine, the exhaust note announces your presence. Shelby’s custom exhaust system gives it a deep, aggressive rumble that’s unmistakably American. The sport-tuned suspension keeps the truck planted during hard acceleration, while upgraded Brembo brakes provide serious stopping power.
Daily driving? Surprisingly manageable. The Super Snake retains the F-150’s comfortable cabin, SYNC infotainment system, and truck bed utility. You can haul plywood on Saturday and smoke sports cars on Sunday.
But step on the throttle, and the transformation is instant. The supercharger whine builds as the tachometer climbs, and you feel the body-on-frame chassis compress slightly before launching forward. Modern traction control keeps the 22-inch wheels from spinning into oblivion, but you’ll still chirp the tires shifting into second gear.
Always obey local speed limits and drive responsibly. This much power demands respect.
Custom Tuning and Performance Upgrades
Shelby American doesn’t just bolt on a supercharger and call it done. The Super Snake receives comprehensive upgrades:
Engine Modifications:
- Shelby supercharger system with custom calibration
- High-flow fuel injectors
- Performance air intake
- Upgraded cooling system
Suspension & Handling:
- Adjustable coilover shocks
- Performance sway bars
- Lowered ride height for better aerodynamics
- Upgraded bushings and mounts
Exterior Enhancements:
- Shelby-exclusive hood with functional vents
- Unique grille and badging
- Custom graphics package
- Performance exhaust with quad tips
Each truck receives a Shelby serial number, documenting its place in automotive history.
Shelby F-150 Super Snake vs. Ford Performance Lineup
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0–60 MPH | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby F-150 Super Snake | 5.0L Supercharged V8 | 770 hp | 3.9 sec | $115,000+ |
| Ford F-150 Raptor R | 5.2L Supercharged V8 | 700 hp | 4.0 sec | $109,000 |
| Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 | 5.2L Supercharged V8 | 760 hp | 3.3 sec | $80,000 |
| Ford F-150 Limited | 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | 400 hp | 5.5 sec | $75,000 |
| Ford Ranger Raptor | 3.0L EcoBoost V6 | 405 hp | 5.8 sec | $57,000 |
The comparison shows the Super Snake’s unique position. It offers near-GT500 power in a practical truck package, splitting the difference between extreme performance and everyday usability.
Shelby Super Snake Performance Comparison
Shelby Super Snake Performance Comparison
Is the Shelby F-150 Super Snake Worth It?
Now here’s the fun part. This truck costs serious money—over twice what a standard F-150 costs. But you’re not just buying transportation.
You’re buying exclusivity. Shelby produces limited numbers annually, making each Super Snake a collectible piece of American muscle history. You’re buying performance that embarrasses vehicles costing far more. And you’re buying the practicality of a real truck that handles Home Depot runs between track days.
“The Shelby Super Snake proves that American engineering isn’t about choosing between power and practicality—it’s about refusing to compromise on either.”
For the right buyer—someone who appreciates automotive heritage, wants head-turning presence, and needs a vehicle that does everything—the Super Snake justifies its price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Shelby F-150 Super Snake differ from the Ford F-150 Raptor R?
A: While both are high-performance trucks, the Super Snake focuses on straight-line speed and street performance with 770 hp. The Raptor R emphasizes off-road capability with 700 hp and advanced Fox Racing shocks. Think dragstrip versus desert racing.
Q: What kind of fuel economy does the Super Snake get?
A: Expect around 12–14 mpg combined. With that much power, fuel efficiency isn’t the priority. The supercharged engine runs best on premium fuel.
Q: Can I order a Shelby F-150 Super Snake directly from Ford?
A: Not exactly. You purchase through Shelby American or authorized dealers. Shelby modifies existing Ford F-150s, so you’re buying a modified vehicle with Shelby’s warranty coverage on their components.
Q: Is the Shelby F-150 Super Snake street legal?
A: Absolutely. It meets all emissions and safety requirements. However, some modifications may affect insurance rates, so check with your provider.
Q: How does the Super Snake handle towing and hauling?
A: It retains the F-150’s towing capacity of around 8,000 pounds, though the lowered suspension limits off-road capability. You can still tow trailers and haul cargo—just with 770 horsepower helping.
Q: What maintenance does a supercharged engine require?
A: Regular oil changes using high-quality synthetic oil, periodic supercharger inspections, and monitoring fluid levels. Shelby recommends professional service from certified technicians.
Q: Will a Shelby F-150 Super Snake hold its value?
A: Limited production vehicles from Shelby typically hold value well, especially with low mileage and proper maintenance. Some appreciate over time as collectibles.
Final Thoughts
The Shelby F-150 Super Snake represents everything great about American automotive culture. It’s excessive, powerful, practical, and utterly unapologetic. Whether you’re a Ford enthusiast, a Shelby collector, or someone who simply appreciates vehicles that defy categories, the Super Snake delivers an experience few trucks can match.
Which Ford performance vehicle would you choose for your driveway—the Super Snake’s street dominance or the Raptor R’s off-road prowess? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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