The 5.2L V8 Ford Voodoo engine is one of the more interesting engines in FoMoCo’s recent history. Hand-built and specifically designed for the Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R, the Voodoo engine – derived from the Ford Modular engine family – features eight cylinders in a V configuration, a dual overhead cam (DOHC) design, and – arguably its most noteworthy characteristic – a flat plane crankshaft. The latter allows the Voodoo to rev faster and to higher limits, enabling this atmospheric V8 to make a very healthy 526 horsepower and 429 pounds of torque across an impressively wide powerband, while also giving it a distinguished exhaust note.
Given these unique attributes, it’s no wonder that many have wondered if Ford will offer the Voodoo engine as a crate, especially given that the Shelby GT350 and GT350R are no longer in production. Alas, that’s not in the cards.
The Ford Voodoo engine will not be offered as a crate, sources familiar with the matter told Ford Authority. Though this might be disappointing to some, there is a reason for The Blue Oval’s decision. Sources tell us that the Voodoo might not be entirely capable of living up to the high performance expectations of crate engine customers since it incorporates a unique hardware design that includes balancers, as seen in the Shelby GT350.
In addition, some might also argue that a Voodoo crate option is unnecessary seeing as Ford Performance already offers the 5.0L Coyote V8 as a crate at a starting price of $7,000. Most would argue that the universally-loved Coyote should satisfy most buyers and builds. Similarly, The Blue Oval already sells a plethora of other crate engines, including the new 7.3L Godzilla V8, pushrod 302 and 351 Series, and even two Big Blocks. For those who want much more, there’s the mighty Aluminator 52XS that retails for $25,000, though this monster is not street legal.
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Comments
WAY too twitchy a motor to sell on its own. It barely is stable enough for a car.
I respectfully disagree. I am fortunate to own a 2018 GT350 and can report that while it is indeed a very high performing engine it is also very tractable and it’s very happy to be driven around towns and neighborhoods at the posted speed limits with no “twitchy” issues. I do agree that it poses problems for a crate engine program due to the ancillaries critical to its reliability much more so than others from Ford or their competitors. One can also make lots of power from the Coyote platform at undoubtedly less cost. Anyway it’s a great engine in a fantastic car that happily is now increasing in value.
Mute point. The crate engines in a lot of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln hobby cars are Chevys and MoPar. Why? The Coyote is technically great, but financially $1000s of dollars more expensive after the hobbyist buys the necessary electrical/controller systems.
purists will always match the manufacturer’s motor to the nameplate…
I’ve been around Ford hobby/modded/race cars all my life. Its exceedingly rare to find someone using a Chevy or Mopar powerplant.
Better to stay silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
At least Ford is being honest about the engine…
Come on ford put your engines all out in crates GM and Mopar have you totally beat your missing the boat.
Sorry to be that guy, but dudes, they made this announcement like, I don’t know 4-5 years ago? Something like that anyhow…