Ford’s ‘Voodoo’ engine is a high-revving monster found only under the hood of the Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R. We review the specifics of this 5.2-liter V8 motor, including how it differs from the automaker’s past powerplants.
Ford brought the iconic Shelby GT350 name back with the 2016 Mustang. Under the hood lies a remarkable 5.2-liter V8 engine widely known by its Ford code name, “Voodoo.”
The Ford Voodoo engine is a member of the modular engine family that traces its roots to the 4.6-liter V8, first launched in the 1991 Lincoln Towncar. However, years of advancements in technology led to some incredible developments in the Ford Modular engine family. The Voodoo is certainly no exception.
The 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 motor has modern technologies like dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) construction and variable valve timing. The Voodoo engine, though, has a feature that is unique exclusively to it and has never been on any other Ford engine in the history of the company. It uses a flat-plane crankshaft, which gives it a unique sound.
Though Ford announced that the GT350 and GT350R would be discontinued after the 2020 Mustang model year, the automaker’s unique Voodoo engine will forever stand out as a remarkable technological feat.
And, if you are in the market for a fun weekend sports car you can take to the canyons or the race track, the GT350 and GT350R offer a great opportunity for a fun time without breaking the bank in terms of sports car pricing.
Let’s take a look at all the 5.2-liter Ford Voodoo V8 engine specs and break it all down. We’ll start with the most prominently asked question regarding the Voodoo engine: What is the difference between a flat-plane crankshaft and a cross-plane crankshaft?
Flat-plane vs. Cross-plane Crankshafts
As stated before, the Voodoo engine in the GT350 is especially unique due to its flat-plane crankshaft. What does that mean, though? Motor Trend has the answer.
Without getting too deep into technical jargon, a flat-plane crankshaft attaches connecting rods every 180 degrees apart from each other, wherein a cross-plane crankshaft (like you’ll find in most Ford V8s) has them every 90 degrees.
So, in essence, a flat-plane crankshaft V8 operates more like a four-cylinder crankshaft than a typical V8 crankshaft. This means that the pistons going up and down will always alternate from one side of the engine to the other.
Essentially what this all means is that the crankshaft requires fewer counterweights and allows the engine to rev higher and faster. This is the type of crankshaft you find in high-end sports cars like Ferraris. Additionally, this is what generates the signature higher-pitched engine sound like you’d find in a Ferrari.
The Ford Voodoo V8 manages to create a perfect blend of flat-plane wailing with American V8 grunt. It also provides evenly spaced exhaust pulses, eliminating the need for complex exhaust channels to the exhaust manifolds.
The primary downside to the use of a flat-plane crankshaft is the development of secondary balancing issues. This means that at certain points in the crankshaft’s rotation, it is a little bit off-balance. This can cause a noticeable shaking or vibration that may deter people seeking to daily drive a vehicle.
However, given the nature of the Shelby Mustang GT350 and GT350R, it’s not likely to deter any potential customers. When purchasing a high-performance car, it is generally accepted that some creature comforts have to be sacrificed.
For a visual rundown on the specifics of a flat-plane crankshaft, check out this video from YouTube’s 3D Performance Tech.
Ford Voodoo Engine: Tech Specs
Since the Voodoo V8 is based on the Ford Modular engine platform, it’s a given that it is a standard 90-degree V-shape layout. For the rest of the technical specs, we turn to Ford Authority.
The Ford Voodoo 5.2-liter V8 uses standard dual-overhead-camshaft engine construction. This means the engine has two camshafts in each of the cylinder heads for a grand total of four. Additionally, it features variable valve timing technology to optimize air and fuel mixing dependent on engine rpm.
Both the engine block and cylinder heads are made from cast aluminum. It has a 94-millimeter bore and a 93-millimeter stroke. Additionally, it has an astonishingly high 12-to-one compression ratio.
The Voodoo V8 has an incredibly high redline for an American-made eight-cylinder at a whopping 8,250 rpm.
All of these traits combine to output 526 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, the Voodoo engine is available only with a six-speed manual transmission, and it is only offered in the Mustang GT350 and GT350R.
Ford Voodoo Engine: Problems to Watch For
The most prominent issue with the Ford Voodoo engine is regarding the timing chain assembly. While a failure of the timing chain or its components can result in entire engine destruction, this issue is currently under recall.
According to The Mustang Source, Ford released a technical service bulletin outlining procedures to check for this issue, including steps to repair it. The problem stems from incorrectly installed timing chain tensioners. Though losing tension on the chain does not always or immediately result in engine damage, Ford recalled every affected vehicle and sent notices to owners of affected cars. Furthermore, they put a stop-sale on affected vehicles in dealer inventory until the problem could be resolved.
Another issue to be wary of is the Voodoo’s tendency to consume oil. Car and Driver had a GT350 for a year, and over the course of their 40,000-mile adventure, had to add 21.5 extra quarts of oil on top of standard oil changes. They also add that some GT350 owners are experiencing much worse oil consumption, some even leading to engine failure.
Unfortunately, though, there is currently no recall or repair bulletin for this issue. Ford did, however, add to the owner’s manual that the engine might consume a quart every 500 miles under severe use.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 & GT350R’s Fair Market Range
Sadly, with the end of production for the Mustang GT350 and GT350R, it looks a lot like it will also bring an end to the lifespan of Ford’s Voodoo V8.
In a Ford Authority interview, Jim Owens, head of Mustang Marketing at Ford, stated that they are not at liberty to discuss future products or uses of the engine. As of now, Ford does not have a crate engine option for the Voodoo V8, either.
So, the only real opportunity to own this beastly engine still lies solely in the purchasing of a GT350 or GT350R Mustang.
Currently, Kelley Blue Book’s fair market range for a GT350 drops as low as $39,692 for a 2016 model and spans all the way up to $68,888 for a 2020 model. GT350R pricing is fairly similar.
Tread lightly with older models, though, as their three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is long gone. Furthermore, 2016 model year examples are coming up to the end of their five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, which could leave you with costly repairs if you run into engine issues.
Ford Voodoo Engine is a Great Buy
Overall, the Voodoo V8 is an astonishing departure from the norm, not only for Ford but for American V8s as a whole. This makes its departure even more upsetting.
However, if you are in the market for a fun weekend sports car you can take to the canyons or the race track, the GT350 and GT350R offer a great opportunity for a fun time without breaking the bank in terms of sports car pricing.
What’s more, the Voodoo V8 is generally quite reliable. So long as it’s well taken care of, a Mustang with the Voodoo V8 powerplant is a great buy.
Photos: Ford
