The Highest Rated Horsepower In A Ford Small Block V8 Ever (2024)

Many automakers, be it American, Japanese or European, have all resorted to V8 engines to efficiently make powerful sports cars and performance cars over the course of history. The inherent design of four cylinders, split over two banks in a V-shape, attached to a common crankshaft makes the V8 extremely balanced, and allows it to deliver high levels of horsepower quite smoothly.

Ford

Ford is one of the most recognizable vehicle brands on the planet, and has revolutionized the industry with some incredible cars over the years, including the Mustang, GT40, Maverick, and a lot more.

Divisions

Ford Model e, Ford Blue

Founded

1903

Founder

Henry Ford

Headquarters

Dearborn, Michigan

Current CEO

Status

Revenue In 2022

Over the years, Ford has built various small and big block V8 engines which are renowned for their performance. Be it the 5.2-liter Predator, the 5.0-liter Coyote, the 7.3-liter Godzilla or the 427 Cammer. Naturally aspirated, or assisted by a supercharger, these V8 engines make a ton of horsepower. However, among the naturally aspirated small block engines Ford has ever made, this 5.2-liter V8 has the highest power output.

The 5.2-Liter Voodoo Is The Most Powerful Small-Block Ford V8

Ford Voodoo V8 - Highlights

• The Ford 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 was only used in the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R.
• The Voodoo V8 was only built between 2015-2020, and was manufactured in limited quantities.
• This American engine used a flat-plane crank, which is more common with European V8s.

The 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 is the most powerful naturally aspirated small-block V8 Ford has ever made. The Voodoo V8 is rated at 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque. The high-revving engine uses a flat plane crank design and is extremely sought after, as it was manufactured in limited numbers.

The 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 engine was only built between 2015-2020, powering the Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT35R models. Ford never offered the Voodoo V8 in any other model, offering it exclusively with the Shelby GT350 and GT350R models. Due to the high-performance nature of the engine and its application, adding to the fact that it was built in limited quantities, the Shelby GT350 and GT350R of the era are highly collectible muscle cars today.

Ford Voodoo V8 - Engine Specs

(Source: Mecum Auctions)

The Voodoo V8 engine was a high-revving naturally aspirated motor. Its design offers a raw driving experience, with immediate throttle response and seamless power delivery. Most American V8 engines use a cross-plane crank design. The Ford Voodoo V8's flat-plane crank was similar to European V8 engines – most notably from Ferrari. The engine's unique sound, thanks to its flat-plane crank and specially tuned exhaust, made it unique among other muscle cars.

The engine was discontinued with the Shelby GT350 and GT350R models in 2020. This 5.2-liter V8 engine lived a short production run of just around six years. Despite its short life cycle, the engine quickly became one of Ford's most iconic V8s ever made.

The Ford Voodoo V8 Uses A Flat-Plane Crank Design

The Ford Voodoo V8 Generates 526 Horsepower

The Ford Voodoo is an extremely unique engine among American V8s, as it uses a flat-plane crankshaft. Traditionally, American automakers have favored a cross-plane crank design, which gave those V8s a low rumble sound. The flat-plane crank allowed the Voodoo V8 to rev much higher in comparison, but also with a higher-pitched engine sound. The Voodoo V8 would red-line at a staggering 8,250 RPM, which is much higher than traditional American V8 engines. The engine uses an aluminum alloy block with cross-bolted main bearing caps, with high-flow aluminum cylinder heads with larger valves and ports.

In both the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R models, the 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 engine is tuned to produce 526 hp at 7,500 RPM and 429 lb-ft at 4,750 RPM. At 526 hp, the Voodoo V8 is the most powerful naturally aspirated small block V8 built by Ford. Ford has used lightweight forged aluminum pistons and titanium connecting rods that enable a high red-line and the engine's rev-happy nature. The short-runner intake manifold, and the exhaust system tuning help increase the power output. The sodium-filled exhaust valves offer better heat dissipating efficiency.

Lastly, the Shelby GT350 and GT350R models received returned engine electronic control units (ECU), to manage the unique characteristics of the flat-plane crankshaft and the high-revving design of the Voodoo V8. The remapped ECUs of the GT350 and GT350R models offer selectable drive modes which can adjust throttle response, exhaust sound, and other characteristics and other driving dynamics of the muscle car.

Ford Voodoo V8 - Highlights

• Aluminum alloy engine block
• Flat-plane crank
• Red-line: 8,250 RPM
• High-flow aluminum cylinder heads
• Lightweight forged aluminum pistons
• Titanium connecting rods
• Short-runner intake manifold
• Sodium-filled exhaust valves
• Returned engine electronic control unit

The Differences Between 2015-2020 Shelby Mustang GT350 Vs GT350R

Shelby GT350 Vs GT350R Differences Explained

The Shelby Mustang GT350R was a track-focused muscle car, that shed weight in favor of performance, specifically for track use. Non-essential components and features like the rear seats, air conditioning, and sound system were jetsam, while the GT350R also runs on lighter carbon fiber wheels. The GT350R's aero-package offers a more aggressive and larger rear wing, and a more pronounced front splitter. This enables additional downforce and stability at high speed for track use. The MagneRide suspension in the GT350R has an aggressive tune for better performance on a track, as the ride is firmer, with lower ride height to improve handling and stability. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires of the standard GT350 are replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on the GT350R.

Sources: Ford, Shelby, Mecum Auctions