I should have been a bit more clear about the reason I wrote what I did.
If the only thing Ford was interested in was the lightest engine weight, then they probably achieved it.
I'm not doubting the reliability of these motors - then again in a race motor, you don't have an implied and enforceable warranty like something off the showroom floor.
Boost level does matter - too small a motor and too much boost give some really awkward power curves - the best example is the ultra Supras that dominate dyno racing - nothing until 5k, then all hell breaks loose until 9500. If you look at the high hp turbo cars, they all aim for max CI before they build - EVOs are punched to 2.3l. Subarus go for the 2.5L instead of the 2.0L, and the almighty GTR is probably going to be 4.1L. Cubic inches can lower boost required or revs to reach a certain power level. It also can increase volumetric efficiency in many cases.
A 650hp 3.5l V6 is going to need somewhere around 25psi. A 3.8L version might only need 21psi. there is only going to be so much upside on a 25psi motor to add more power - you won't be able to get 1,000hp out of the motor like some of the last generation GTs were getting with turbos out of the 5.4.
I would think the logical step for Ford would have been to go with a 4.7L (destroked 5.2L GT350) with a twin turbo setup good for 10psi to get up to the 675hp level. Power curve flat as you could get with a lot of upside potential in terms of upping the power.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER
Ford has proven the reliability of the V6 under racing conditions already. They have won several races, including the 24 Hours of Daytona with it already.
The boost level is immaterial when the engine is built to it. If they built the 5.2 with a combo for 20psi the conversation would be how silly the lame 8psi version is.
Dimensional the V6 is shorter in both height and length and narrower, add in the dry sump and the height difference is even more dramatic. There is also the matter of 100+ lbs extra that the supercharged V8 weighs. Keep in mind that these factors mean way more to the physics of a sub 3k lbs pure sports car than they do in a nearly 4k lbs, 4 seater pony car.
As far as an engine not being impressive because you can make more power with something else, that is a conversation that will go on forever. If you have the check book for it you can make a phone call and buy 1000hp SBC's and thats without even having the benefit of overhead cams. There is always a way to make more power. However that does not always translate into production cars, be it packaging, reliability, cost, or some other factor.
|