The Ford Predator V8 is a high-performance, supercharged V8 engine that replaced the 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 in the 2019 Ford Mustang GT500. They developed the Predator based on a redesigned version of the legendary Ford Coyote V8, offering better performance and efficiency than its predecessors. It uses an upgraded version of an already upgraded version of the original Ford 5.0-liter Coyote block, but with heads, pistons, cranks, and more that are beefed up to handle higher cylinder pressures.
Ford Performance designed the Predator engine, and engineers spent a lot of time improving its performance over the last few years. They wanted this engine to be one of the best engines in the market today. The Ford Predator V8 was designed for multiple applications and can be installed using many varieties of the Ford Mustang manual or automatic transmissions. Which means it has many components in common with other modern American performance engines. And it offers an improvement in performance over the previous GT500's 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 engine by more than 134hp! But how did they do it? What makes this new motor so special? Let's take a look!
Solid New Cross-Plane Crank
Unlike the naturally aspirated flat-plane Voodoo V8 from the GT350, the 5.2-liter supercharged engine has a cross-plane crank. This means that instead of having the firing order spread out in a line (like in a typical V8), it’s arranged around an imaginary plane that bisects the engine. The result is improved torque at low rpm and high rpm power delivery, as well as a much stronger crank that can handle more power.
The cross-plane crank also delivers that unmistakable V8 rumble and engine noise we all fell in love with in the 80s, which was lacking in the GT350.
But, because the crank is heavy, it only revs to 7500rpm compared to 8200 from the previous Voodoo V8, which would be sad if they didn't also supercharge it, taking the power from 526hp up to 760hp! All thanks to the stronger crank that can handle it and the lower compression ratio.
The previous Voodoo engine could not stand up to more compression without being rebuilt, so it had to rely on its lightweight flat plane crank to help it reach higher RPMs and performance.
Iron–Cast Engine Block & Forged Internals
The Predator V8 engine is based on a solid block design that helps keep weight down and increases overall strength. The 5.2-liter engine also has forged internals, which helps make it more durable than other engines on the market, allowing it to handle higher amounts of horsepower and torque.
The Predator features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), which allow for increased airflow through the cylinder heads with less weight than a single overhead camshaft design.
The newest Ford V8 features an aluminum cylinder head, which helps to reduce weight and increase cooling efficiency. As well as an intake manifold that is designed specifically for this engine, with twin throttle bodies for enhanced performance.
The Ford Predator V8 Is Made For Tons Of Boost
Another thing that you might notice about this version of the Coyote engine is that it's no longer naturally aspirated. Yep, gone are the days of pure, naturally aspirated engines, as even the Mustang now comes with a whining supercharger noise!
However, while this might take away from the amazing roaring chant of the cross-plane crank V8, it does make up for it with astounding performance and tons of horsepower and torque. So how did they manage to finally boost the Voodoo V8 in a way that didn't blow the engine apart?
For this engine, they lowered the compression ratio to 9.5 to 1, compared to the previous 12 to 1, allowing them to add more boost in a safe way. By dropping the compression, and using the cross-plane crank, they avoid issues with detonation or failure from over-pressurization of cylinders. Add in the new cross-plane crank, and they could do a lot more to boost the engine. These engines come combined with an Eaton TVS R2650 supercharger, which produces 760 horsepower or potentially more.
Built To Last
The Predator results from years of research and development, with Ford engineers putting their best efforts into creating one of the most durable engines on the market.
In fact, it's built so strong that it's almost impossible to break one during normal use. And while there are some exceptions to that rule, most people will never have to worry about destroying their Ford Predator engine, no matter how hard they drive it.
Ford has installed this engine in a few models over the years, including the 2020 - 2023 Ford Mustang GT500 and the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor and there are crate engines available as well. It’s truly a modern masterpiece that has been designed for the best performance.