Let’s be honest, when we think of pickup truck maulers we think of the Ram TRX and Ford F-150 Raptor R. Both hit the nail on the 700 hp head. But the less-mentioned actual king of hammer trucks is the 775 hp 2023 Shelby F-150. You can throw as many superlatives around as you want, but the horsepower numbers speak for themselves. 700 hp, 703 hp, and 775 hp, which one tops them all?

What are the Shelby F-150 suspension upgrades?

Shelby has always stood for high performance. But in the truck world, you need more than that, you need off-road capability. So besides the optional 775 hp, both the base Shelby F-150 and higher-optioned versions have modified Fox suspension system components.

That means 2.5 front and rear aluminum reservoir shocks, internal bypass technology, BDS lift system, and Shelby’s own speed controls system that can switch to off-road, track or luxury settings. It also gets improvements like Borla exhaust, dual black exhaust tips, and rear traction bars. 

What are the Shelby F-150 engine options?

At the heart of the Shelby F-150 is the standard 450 hp 5.0-liter V8. The optional 775 hp Coyote 5.0-liter V8 features quite a few modifications to hit that power rating. It starts with the powder-coated Ford racing blue Whipple supercharger and intake. In addition, high-flow fuel injectors, a billet throttle body, an aluminum heat exchanger, performance air intake with a high-flow air filter, and an oversize carbon fiber air intake tube add flash and power. 

Inside, the interior is upgraded with unique two-tone leather covers on the seats. There is also a carbon fiber interior trim package, embroidered “Shelby” headrests and floor mats, tinted windows, billet racing pedals, a “Shelby” badged console lid, and a CSM numbered dash plaque and engine plate. 

Enhancing the exterior is a combo of paint and unique body additions. Besides the fiberglass tonneau cover, additions include body-color fender flairs and rear bumper cladding incorporating brake cooling vents. In front, a “Shelby” grille identifies this as a unique, powerful half-ton. Behind it is an air-managed grille, dual intake “Ram Air” vents in the unique hood, and a front bumper cover also featuring air intake vents. 

How much for a Shelby F-150?

The door handles and mirror caps are also body-color. Options include 22-inch Shelby alloy wheel rolling stock wrapped in BFG all-terrain KOs 35/12.50R22 tires. 

So the 2023 Shelby F-150 gives performance, luxury, and the ability to aptly take on off-road treks and trails. These are all very limited-production trucks. The base price for the 450-hp Shelby F-150 starts at $127,350. Moving up to the 775 hp truck, the starting price is $135,850. 

While seeming to be high prices, keep in mind that Ford’s Raptor R starts at $109,145. So if you add the features of the Shelby to the R, the price creeps past the Shelby pretty quickly. For another comparison, the base price for a 2023 Ram TRX is $84,355.

So there’s that old adage. The faster you want to go, and farther into the brush you want to experience, the more money you’ll spend. No matter which way you get there, either through aftermarket add-ons, or limited-edition trucks like the Shelby F-150.