Six-Speed Auto Swap Pushes A 2009 Shelby GT500 Deep Into The 9s

If you’ve kept a close eye on Blue Oval news as of recent, you’ve probably noticed a trend featuring Ford’s stalwart six-speed automatic transmission in the headlines. That’s because racers of all experience levels are pushing 6R80 transmissions beyond its limits. Thanks to a strong aftermarket, Ford’s electronically shifted automatic transmission has been heavily massaged into the high 7s -- and it doesn’t look like that’s the end of the road yet.

There’s no denying the capabilities of the 6R80, which is why it was an easy choice for Robert Jones III to swap into his ride. Though he doesn’t consider himself a professional racer and he doesn’t plan on running 7s in the quarter-mile, swapping to an automatic transmission in his 2009 Shelby GT500 was a no-brainer ... read more