Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) has revealed its latest in performance project vehicles showcasing the new 5.0-liter "Cammer" V-8 crate engine, and they're poised to rocket off the stand at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
The "Cammer" name carries near-legendary status to Ford performance buffs, thanks to an exotic single-overhead cam V-8 engine from the mid-60s that set the racing world on its ear. But just as the 427 Cammer engine took an all-new approach to making lots of old-fashioned power, today's FRPP 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine uses the latest performance technology to deliver world-class power in a thoroughly modern package.
Based on the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Mustang Cobra 4.6-liter, four-valve engine family, the new all-aluminum 5.0-liter, four-valve V-8 Cammer crate engine showcases factory-proven technology for aftermarket applications. It features larger cylinders for greater displacement, forged pistons, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, ported heads, higher-lift cams and beehive-shaped valve springs.
FRPP claims the new Cammer is clearly one of the most technologically advanced and versatile crate engines ever manufactured, and to prove it, they've overhauled three unsuspecting vehicles and corralled all the horsepower in three engine variations: electronic fuel injection (EFI), carbureted with four two-barrel Weber carburetors or supercharged and intercooled.
Focus RS8
Combining V-8 power and small car agility has stirred the enthusiast's soul ever since Ford introduced the Flathead V-8 in 1932.
Now, Ford Racing Performance Parts has unwrapped the ultimate expression of big power in a small package. The modified Focus RS8 cranks out a pavement-pounding 420 naturally aspirated horsepower and illustrates the versatility and performance potential of Cammer crate engine installation in an otherwise stock-looking vehicle.
Using the European Focus RS as a launch pad, FRPP worked its engineering magic to slip the new all-alloy, 5.0-liter four-valve Cammer crate engine into the engine bay of the Focus and convert it to rear-wheel drive. It was no small task.
The drivetrain was refitted. New front and rear suspensions were designed. Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18-inch European RS alloy wheels, and an exhaust system was custom-fabricated. Mated to a Tremec five-speed transmission with Ford Racing clutch kit and prototype shifter, the RS8 rallies all 420 horses at 6700 rpm and 370 foot-pounds of torque at 5000 rpm.
"We've said all along that we intend to grow the interest in overhead-cam technology," says Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. "There's no reason why a crate engine can't start, run and perform in an aftermarket setting as well as the engines in today's production automobiles and trucks. We see the 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine as the future for tuners, project-vehicle builders and aftermarket car and truck enthusiasts."
Thanks to handsome European Focus RS styling cues and shimmering Blue Pearl Coat exterior paint treatment, this street sleeper Focus also is a head-turner. Inside, it is a composite of RS seating, Ford Racing gauges, Sirius Satellite systems and Infinity amps and speakers.