The basis of the 5.2L V-8 is the flat plane crankshaft, which utilizes crankshaft throws 180 degrees apart as opposed to the 90 degree crank throws typically used in a cross plane V-8 engine design. The terms "flat" and "cross" plane relate to the orientation of the connecting rods - looking longitudinally down the center of a cross plane crankshaft, the connecting rod pin locations appear to form the shape of a cross. Meanwhile, all the connector rod pins in a flat plane V-8 are located on the same plane and oppose one another. Flat plane crankshaft designs are rarely used in production vehicles, but are the foundation of high revving race engines since they favor excellent performance characteristics at greater engine speeds.
The engine's undercarriage includes forged steel I beam connecting rods, a forged steel crankshaft, and 5 bolt main caps. Ford claims that 90% of the 5.2L's peak torque is maintained from 3,450 to 7,000 rpm, which contributes to the GT350's impressive performance characteristics. It appeared on Ward's "10 best engines" list for 2016, which is one of many accolades the design has achieved. If Ford ever decides to bring back the Lightning F-150, we'd suggest that the 5.2L V-8 and a manual transmission would surely be a show stopper.
Ford 5.2L "Voodoo" Flat Plane V-8 Specs
Engine: |
Ford 5.2L "Voodoo" Flat Plane V-8 |
Applications: |
2015 - current Shelby Mustang GT350/GT350R |
Displacement: |
315 cid, 5.2 liters, 5163 cc |
Assembly Plant: |
Romeo, Michigan |
Bore x Stroke: |
3.70" x 3.66" (94 mm x 93 mm) |
Compression Ratio: |
12.0 : 1 |
Block Material: |
Aluminum |
Cyl. Head Material: |
Aluminum |
Aspiration: |
Naturally aspirated, 87 mm throttle body |
Injection: |
Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
Fuel Requirement: |
Premium 91+ octane unleaded gasoline |
Valvetrain: |
DOHC, 32 valve (4v per cylinder), roller finger followers |
Cooling System Capacity: |
15.2 qts (14.4 liters) |
Engine Oil Capacity: |
10 qts w/ filter |
Peak Horsepower: |
526 hp @ 7,500 rpm |
Peak Torque: |
429 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm |
Max Engine Speed: |
8,250 rpm |
Rated Fuel Economy: |
14 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 16 mpg combined |