Apex Predator Supercharger Lids: All You Need To Know

If you own a 2020+ Shelby GT500 or a 2024+ Raptor R, you already know you’re driving one of the most capable powerhouses Ford has ever unleashed. But even the Predator engine has its Achilles’ heel: heat and airflow restriction. The factory supercharger lid was designed with noise suppression in mind, not maximum velocity.

We’re enthusiasts first, which means when we see a bottleneck, we engineer a solution. Enter the VMP Apex Predator Supercharger Lid. Whether you’re chasing a new personal best at the drag strip or just want that legendary supercharger whine to actually be audible, here is the evolution, the tech, and the how-to behind the ultimate cooling upgrade.

Apex Lid Installation

This upgrade install is a DIY job that you can do in an afternoon. A couple pointers:

• Give the entire engine bay a complete blow out to eliminate the chance of foreign debris making its way into your system
• Use a hood prop rod to hold up the hood – don’t rely solely on your factory hood rod.

Check out the complete install above.

Real World Gains: By The Numbers

Why swap the lid? Because airflow is horsepower. The factory lid is a literal ceiling on your performance. The key to the Apex Lid design is a lot more volume internally. Factory lids are designed with Dynamat and lots of aluminum mass to suppress noise…those features also take up space. Space that could be used for more cool air.

By optimizing the internal air paths with our patent-pending shapes, we’ve seen gains of 30 to 40 rear wheel horsepower when combined with an intercooler upgrade. Install it on a stock vehicle and you’ll still pick up 15 to 20 rwhp.

Making It Yours: Customization

For those who want to handle their own finishing, our Apex Lids accept your factory supercharger signature plates – you don’t have to lose that hand-signed engine builder plaque. Using a pallet strap or high-test fishing line to saw through the adhesive behind your factory plates, you can remove the signature plates and reinstall them on your new lid.

For the ultimate custom look, take advantage of our in-house powder coating service. We can color-match your lid to your Mustang’s exterior paint or go for a bold contrast.

Supercharger Lid Gaskets

Next, let’s talk gaskets. We noticed the Ford factory gaskets were having some issues. When you’re doing mods like blower lid swaps or throttle body changes, you’re eventually going to push factory gaskets past their limits. Additionally, Ford labels them as a one-time-use part. That’s why we developed a Predator Gasket Set that includes everything: runner gaskets, throttle body gaskets, and the lid gasket, all made of high-quality FKM 70 material.

The Evolution: Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 Apex Predator Lids

We don’t believe in good enough. After the success of our original Apex lid, we went back to the drawing board to squeeze out even more performance and freed up even more space. The V2 Apex Predator Lid features:

Casting: Higher quality casting with smoother finish and a more pronounced logo and ribbing.

Increased Volume: Internal volume is increased, but still fits under the stock strut tower brace.

Intercooler Core: The core under this lid is 15 mm longer

Weight: The Gen. 2 lid is a full pound lighter than the Gen. 1. (Remember: The Gen. 1 was already 3lbs lighter than the stock lid!)

VMP Performance Apex Predator Lid Upgrade

The VMP Apex Predator Lid is more than just a dress-up part; it’s a functional engineering marvel that sheds weight, drops intake air temperatures (IATs), and lets that supercharger scream. Explore the links below to find the lid or lid and core package (lid+core package includes high-flow billet water manifold) for your build:

Ready to unlock the full potential of your Predator engine? Update your supercharger lid for a build that performs as good as it looks. Contact us for more info on custom tunes, expert installation, and all things supercharger. Whether you’re looking to create a full dyno-tuned build or just want to install a few DIY mods, the VMP crew is with you every step of the way.