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09-24-09: The long talked about big-block 6.2 liter engine from Ford was unveiled today in Texas as part of the introduction of the redesigned 2011 F-Series Super Duty Trucks. Ford enthusiasts from truck owners to hot-rodders alike have been waiting to see what the first all-new V8 engine family from Ford since 1991 would look like. Well here it is.The new 6.2 liter V8 will replace the Romeo 5.4 liter engine in the truck line. The power will outpace the current 6.8 liter V-10. Ford has stated that for 2011 the V-10 will remain an option for commercial applications. An all new architecture, the 6.2 V8 engine features single overhead-cams with variable valve timing and two-valves per cylinder. Unique to the design of the heads is the accommodation of two spark plugs per cylinder.
The engine will be available as the standard power plant for F-250 and up Super Duty trucks and optional on the F-150 for the 2011 model year. As it is a dedicated and purpose designed truck engine it is not expected to show up in a new Mustang without being reworked to shave weight from its stout iron block. Roush has however been experimenting with a 7-liter version in their drag racing cars which hits 800hp and has been bullet-proof so who knows what evil may come if SVT chooses to play with the new engine series.
Making this engine particularly robust is the over square cylinders which have a bore of 102mm and a short 95mm stroke. This arrangement tends to lend itself to high performance and better revving capabilities. The single overhead cams with variable timing use roller- rockers to act upon the valves which are arranged in a true =93hemi=94 form. Anyone who builds engines knows this is best for breathing capabilities.
Basic construction consists of a cast iron block has cross-bolted four- bolt main bearing caps, aluminum heads, forged steel rods, cast aluminum pistons, magnesium valve covers and a plastic intake manifold. Compression ratio is a relatively high 9.8:1 and it can run on any variation of pump gas from regular to E-85. Pretty slick huh?
Significant development work and computer-aided engineering optimized the cylinder block for more efficient airflow in the crankcase as the pistons move up and down in the bores, resulting in improved torque at higher engine speeds. Piston-cooling jets squirt oil on the underside of the pistons to keep the piston crowns cool under extreme operating conditions. The cooling jets also allow for a higher compression ratio for better engine efficiency and faster engine oil warm-up on cold starts, also improving fuel economy.
The only details we don=92t know yet are the horsepower ratings. Ford is withholding that tidbit until later, but most rumors and leaked reports put the power at just over 400 in naturally aspirated form. Imagine what the SVT guys could do with a set of 4V heads, aluminum block and some force feeding. Screech!
Patrick