Open the shipping box and...
Open the shipping box and you'll find the CDC/FRPP Shaker already pre-assembled on its base/engine cover. The kit includes everything needed for installation, from thorough, well-illustrated instructions and a hood-cutting template to zip ties and black-finished rivets. You will, however, have to supply your own jigsaw...
It's an iconic reminder of muscular ponies past, but is still as relevant and functional on the Mustang GTs of today as it was on the Mach 1s and Boss 302s of the psychedelic era. We're talking, of course, about Classic Design Concepts' Shaker hoodscoop, a thoroughly modern air conduit running straight back to 1969. The company has crafted cool-breathing Shaker kits for generations SN95 through S197, but given the Mustang's fresh makeover for 2010-in particular its re-contoured hood-CDC had to make some minor revisions to its kit hardware, though the aluminum scoop itself remains true to the '69 original.
In function, appearance, and construction, CDC's Shaker is likely one of the best enhancements a new GT could hope to receive. And that's not just our opinion. The picky folks at Ford Racing are in complete agreement, and now offer the '10 Shaker online or through FRPP dealers. It is now officially a Ford Racing part.
It's been awhile since we checked out a Shaker installation, so here's a quick look at the basic process. The kit's instruction booklet is detailed and well illustrated. Once you get past the mental hurdle of sawing a hole in your hood, you'll find the installation to be surprisingly simple-and the results pretty much speak for themselves. Now breathe deeply...
Making a hole for the Shaker...
Making a hole for the Shaker is first. With the underhood blanket removed, masking tape is laid on the hood around the cutout area to protect the paint. The supplied paper template, which precisely locates and outlines the intended cut-out, is then accurately taped in place. A razor or X-Acto blade is used to cut through both the template and masking tape to delineate the cut-out as shown here. After drilling a pilot hole, a jigsaw with metal-cutting blade is then used to cut away the Shaker opening. The kit includes trim rings that will provide a finished appearance to this opening.
Once the hole is cut, the...
Once the hole is cut, the underhood pad is temporarily reinstalled so it can be marked for a cut-out to match the hood opening. The pad is easily cut with a sharp blade and then permanently reinstalled.
Moving underhood, the 4.6L...
Moving underhood, the 4.6L intake trim cover (if so equipped) is removed. If the car has a strut tower brace, it too must be permanently removed to make way for the Shaker.
The supplied ball stud socket...
The supplied ball stud socket is then clamped to the intake manifold. A ball stud on the underside of the Shaker's engine cover will eventually mate with this socket-a very simple but efficient method of positioning the rear of the Shaker.
Just when you thought the...
Just when you thought the cutting was done . . . the air filter housing is removed and a hole saw used to create a 3-inch diameter opening. This is where the Shaker will feed its bounty of cool ambient air into the induction flow.
As the filter housing is reinstalled...
As the filter housing is reinstalled in its original location, the Shaker's lower air tube is seated into the freshly drilled opening. It snaps in place and is retained by tabs around its perimeter.
Pairs of opposing nuts and...
Pairs of opposing nuts and washers are threaded as shown onto the throttle body mounting studs. These nuts will be used to sandwich and secure a bracket mounted on the front of the Shaker assembly.
The pre-assembled Shaker/engine...
The pre-assembled Shaker/engine cover-with four supplied rubber drain tubes attached and zip-tied-is lowered into the ball stud socket previously installed. The drain tubes should be routed away from any overly hot surfaces and moving parts.
After closing the hood to...
After closing the hood to be sure the Shaker is centered in its opening, the nuts previously threaded on the throttle body studs are tightened, locking the Shaker assembly firmly into position.
A rubber coupler is clamped...
A rubber coupler is clamped into place, joining the top and bottom segments of the Shaker's cold air tube. Notice also that the Shaker's engine cover has a cutout providing clearance for the '10 GT's induction sound tube.
As previously mentioned, a...
As previously mentioned, a trim ring is included to finish off the opening cut in the hood. It secures with supplied 3M acrylic bonding tape...
...and by being riveted to...
...and by being riveted to a second trim ring which surrounds the underhood opening and pad, creating a finished appearance, top and bottom. The four supplied rivets are black to match the trim and Shaker appearance.
A handsome, factory-appearing...
A handsome, factory-appearing addition to any '10 GT's engine room, the Shaker's breath is as cool as it looks.
More 2010 Stuff From CDC
...
More 2010 Stuff From CDC
CDC's new chin spoiler provides just the right level of aggression to a '10 Mustang nose. It's a one-piece molding that also replaces the lower grille section. Made of thermoplastic olefin - just like the factory fascia - this OEM-quality spoiler is every bit as tough as it looks.
Ford continues to saddle the...
Ford continues to saddle the Mustang with a hood prop rod, but CDC has a solution with its gas-charged hood struts.
The company's light bar and...
The company's light bar and wind deflector are perennial favorites for ragtop owners. The light bar is available in various colors, including a new carbon-fiber appearance.