Building on the success of the original "A50XS" Aluminator engine, Ford Performance has taken the technology and hardware developed for the Shelby GT350 and Cobra Jet drag car and created the ultimate naturally aspirated, 5.2 liter cross-plane crankshaft crate engine. With an estimated power rating of 580 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 445 lb.-ft. torque at 4,500 rpm, the all-new Aluminator 5.2 XS is the most powerful naturally aspirated modular crate engine ever offered by Ford. Every Aluminator is hand assembled by the same technicians that build the Mustang Cobra Jet drag racing engines and Ford offers a complete line of wiring harnesses and packages to suit every builder's needs. Let's check it out.

Voodoo Meets Cobra Jet

Ford Aluminator 52x 1
via Ford

The great thing about manufacturer's crate engines, as opposed to packages put together by engine shops, is that their parts bins are large and deep and you're assured of a good fit and compatibility. Ford starts with the best of both the Voodoo and Coyote engines. The 5.2 liter Voodoo block is selected for its greater displacement. It's then fitted with a Cobra Jet short runner-high RPM intake manifold, 1517 CFM dual 65mm Cobra Jet throttle body, and high RPM pulse ring used on the Coyote motor found in the Cobra Jet drag car. Also, like the Voodoo engine, it features a 12:1 compression ratio. 

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Other Details

Ford Aluminator 52x 2
via Ford

Other details and components used include: Mahle hard anodized forged pistons with low friction coating, Manley H-beam connecting rods with ARP2000 bolts, Forged steel cross-plane crankshaft, Shelby GT350 oil pan which features integrated windage and slosh baffles as well as an integrated oil pickup, and billet steel gerotor oil pump gear set. It also has Unique PAC valve springs, Ford Performance Cams, Robust GT350 primary timing chains, zero heat range spark plugs, and Ford Performance blue coil covers with added unique badging.

Where Can I Put It?

Factory Five Type 65
via Factory Five

The more accurate question would be: where CAN'T you put it?! You can put it anywhere of course! It's equally at home under the hood of an old T-bucket, 50's-era vintage rod, 60's muscle car or more modern sleeper. Of course you'll need a harness and PCM, which Ford sells separately. The Ford Performance Control Pack contains all the wiring, PCM and an installation kit with part number M-6017-504V for use with a manual transmission. For automatic transmissions you'll have to get the M-6017-M50A Control Pack. Buckle up.

Source: Ford Performance

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