Keen
to demonstrate the versatility of its new Cammer 'crated' engine, Ford have
dropped a unit into an old Pickup truck. The FR100 is a vintage 1953 F-Series
with the modern modular V-8 engine under the bonnet.
“We wanted to package our new 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine in a living,
breathing vehicle that can be seen and driven in order to provide an accurate
look at the performance potential engineered into the new parts,” said Dan
Davis, director Ford Racing Technology (FRT). “We picked a vintage Ford
truck as the showcase because it’s both eye-catching and something any
enthusiast can relate to. A lot of customers build hot-rod trucks, so we felt
that building up a ’53 with modern performance and technology was the perfect
project.”
Based on an original 1953 F-100, the truck was transformed into the FR100
with contemporary design touches. The foundation of FRT’s hot new 5.0-liter
Cammer crate engine is the Ford SVT Mustang Cobra 4.6-litre 32-valve engine.
However, the crate version has several unique qualities and components.
Key differences include larger cylinders for five liters of displacement,
forged pistons, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, ported heads, higher-lift cams,
beehive-shaped valve springs, higher-flow fuel injectors, and a magnesium
variable geometry intake manifold.
According to Ford Racing Technology engine engineer, Andy Schwartz, “The
5.0-liter 4-valve delivers a healthy 425-430 horsepower at 6700 rpm. The torque
curve peaks with 370 foot-pounds at 4000 rpm.”
The project began when Ford Racing personnel obtained two well preserved ’53
F-100s. The first order of business was to see how many of the original parts
could be used to accommodate the intended modifications.
At project headquarters, McLaren Performance Technologies in Livonia, Mich.,
the donor trucks were promptly disassembled. Front frame rail spacing was
similar to the current Mustang, so the independent, unequal-length-control-arm
front suspension system from the FR500 Mustang project was grafted in after a
new custom frame.
A modified Mustang Cobra Independent Rear Suspension now takes the place of
the original F-100 solid rear axle. While the powertrain was being assembled,
extensive body modifications were undertaken. Every major panel except the
bonnet and doors are extensively altered (the cab was extended by 6 inches and
the bed shortened).
Inside, a custom roll cage was built for passenger protection and to serve as
a secure mounting point for various components. The classic truck then received
all of the modern amenities: Mustang tilt column, Vintage Air air conditioning,
Ford Racing gauges, Kugel Komponents pedal assembly, reupholstered Ford Ranger
seats, Harman/Becker TrafficPro II stereo/CD/navigation system, Sirius Satellite
Radio and Infinity speakers.
Once the interior was plotted out, the powertrain was added. Custom exhaust
manifolds used linked to a twin-exhaust system with two catalysts, . A Tremec
T56 6-speed manual was used with a prototype Ford Racing/Centerforce clutch.
Brembo disc brakes were added at each corner to stop the 18-inch BBS wheels and
Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres.
During recent preliminary testing at Grattan Raceway in Michigan, the FR100
circulated the 10 turn, two mile road course at an average time only two
seconds slower than the Mustang FR500.
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