I'm not sure how many of you are NASCAR fans, but what is the new Ford FR-9 engine based on? The only "new" performance engines I'm aware of are the new 5.0 in the Mustang and they "new" 5.4 in the GT 500 that is all aluminum v.s. iron block. I would assume the 5.4. Anyway, I've heard lots of complaints from drivers and only two were running this engine today and one of them blew (Kasey Kahne).

One of the few reasons I haven't traded my 2010 Mustang GT for a 5.0 yet is all the new technology (TCI-v, or whatever they call it).

 

Here is some info on the All new Ford FR9 for you. Ford Racing (Roush/Yates) NASCAR engines don't really have anything to do with regular production vehicle engines. Two totally different divisions under the Ford umbrella. NASCAR engines blowing up on the track doesn't correlate into reliabilty of production engines on the street. The only issue I have heard about with the 2011 GT is a crappy clutch.


Ford Racing NASCAR Engine

Basic Specifications:

Layout - 90 degree V8

Displacement - 358 cid (5.87L)

Valvetrain - 2 valves/cylinder, pushrod

Induction - Naturally aspirated, single 830 cfm carburetor

Bore Spacing - 4.500"

Camshaft Height - 6.150"

Main bearings - 5, plain

Camshaft bearings - 6, 60mm roller

Deck Height - 9.000"

Compression ratio - 12.0:1

Fuel - Gasoline

Block Material - Compacted Graphite Iron

Head Material - Aluminum

Basic Description:

- The engine is an all-new, “clean sheet of paper” design.

- There are no carryover parts from the current engine.

- Then engine meets all of the new NASCAR engine rules, most notable being the 4.500” bore spacing (new for Ford since we’ve been running 4.380” since the mid-70s).

- It is a purpose-built racing engine. It does not retain any of the original production 351 dimensions, as the current engine does.

Design Process:

- The engine design was evaluated on a system by system basis.

- Systems that are critical to performance were studied to identify optimums.

- We used a data-driven process meaning if the data didn’t exist to make an educated decision, We tested the part or system until we had the information we needed.

- Multiple engine design iterations were actually built and tested before the final design was chosen.

Engine Features:

- Induction and exhaust systems are an evolution of our current ones providing increased performance potential.

- The cooling system is all-new resulting in more efficient cooling of the heads and block.

- The lubrication system is all-new which allows us to meter the oil supply to every part of the engine.

- The block and head structures are all-new resulting in stronger, lighter components.

Installation in the Cars:

- The engine requires new engine mounts and changes to the chassis to accommodate the new mounts.

 

guess a little off this subject but i thinks its total BS how nascar has restricted the fords for the last few years. The chevys are SO much faster than the fords. But nascar has always been a chevrolet sport, the last few weeks on a restart the chevys pull a good 3 or 4 car lengths on the fords. Nascar needs to even up the field.

 

Thanks for that info. I know they aren't the same engines as production, but hey have been based off of some type of production enginein the past, as it states about the 351.

Yes, NASCAR does need to even the field, but, you can't discount those Chevy motors. Just like the production engines, they produce very good reliable hp with minimal technology.

 

I see a more even playing field than I ever have. Sure you've got more Chevy's winning races and in the top 12 in points, but that's the law of averages. More teams run Chevy than any other make. Heck, there's only 3 Dodge's that run every race.

There's 6 Chevy's, 3 Fords, 2 Toyota and 1 Dodge in the top 12. There are only 16 points separating positions 12-15. That's a pretty fair representation of the field.

I'm not trying to flame anyone or start a pissing contest. I just enjoy talking racing with anyone.

 

I agree somewhat but how many fords have won this season? they are getting there butts handed to them by the chevrolets. Cant complain to much though since my favorite driver(Mark Martin) drives a chevy now

 

The motors aren't the biggest problem. It's a combination of motor and chassis. I think the biggest problem is Jack Roush. He let the flagship Ford team fall behind now he has to try and play catch up.

When NASCAR instituted the testing ban at all tracks in the series he said OK, we stopped testing. He didn't think about going to tracks out of the series, unlike Hendrick. If you rest even a few months in this series you get beat. They'll get it back. Tweak the new motor a bit then the chassis.

 

I read somewhere the biggest issue with the FR9 is that they had to move the motor mounts to fit the new engine and it threw everything else off in the chassis. And with no testing it is taking them longer to get it right. I think Roush merging with Yates didn't help either, he might have too much on his plate now.

I think NASCAR will allow limited testing next season.

 

Seems like Roush went down after Martin left, only other driver to really do anything is Edwards. Biffle,Ragen have never been much of a contender. Matt Kenseth did alright a few years back but not anymore.

 

If the engine mounts are located differently then yes that throws everything else in a loop. This problem has been going on since last season before the FR9.

Biffle has had a good few years, he was in the running for the championship for a few years. Kenseth, Biffle and Edwards are the three Fords in the top 12, somehow. As long as they can hang in there for the next 9 weeks.

 

Hey, I'm a Kenseth fan. He is doing well considering. Roush and Ford need to get their act together so he and Edwards can be multiple time winners again.

 

I like Kenseth and Edwards both

 

watching the nationwide race, i really like the new mustang and challenger cars. Go Edwards

 

It was awesome to see the #3 in victory lane at Daytona again! Go Junior!

 

No, not really.