Now thats a big block Ford

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skip0110
Just thought I'd share some before and after pictures of my Ford GAA tank engine. All aluminum 1100 cubic inch V8 used in WWII Sherman Tanks. These were gas burners rated at 500 HP and 1050 Ft. Lbs. of torque for military service, but are capable of much much more using mostly stock parts. They feature a 60 degree vee, 5.4 bore x 6.0 stroke, 180 degree factory billet cranks, pent roof combustion chambers, shaft driven DOHC's, 4 valves per cylinder, and dual mags. They are pretty high tech. engines, especially considering they were built in the early 40's. I've been working on getting one of mine going for the last couple of years, and should be cranking it within a week or so. It's setting in my 70 Mustang right now which I plan on taking on short cruises when finished, 24 gallons of alcohol wont go very far. It is bolted to a heavily modified Powerglide right now. Wilcap ( Pat McGuire ) built the adapter and flexplate for me.

From http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=159833

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Now that is a big block!

It looks like a normal big block placed in a 1/2 scale car!

Reminds me of the RR Merlin engined Rover SD1 i saw the other year.
 
Christ...that's beyond big block. that's a ludicrous block.

two distributors, DOHC, aluminium, and I think it's even injected. How's he gonna put any sort of hood on that thing?

not to mention...she's only 150CI smaller than an RR Merlin.
 
It kinda looks like he spray painted the whole thing silver... I've actually heard that large gasoline engines reached a peak in the 40s because of the technology used for the war... the LAST thing that engine needs is turbo charging, it would destroy the car
 
not to mention...she's only 150CI smaller than an RR Merlin.

I don't know which baby Rolls Royce Merlin you are refering to, but this one weighs in at 27 litres!

Beast.jpg

Beast2.jpg

The big block does look better though.
 
Could someone fill me in about the merlin? Is that the v12 that powered the spitfire and other British aircraft during ww2? How much power would a modernized Merlin make for automotive apps like that crazy wagon?
 
I wasn't talking about tuning the engine. the body should be restored into totally stock looking (minus the roll cage and wide rear tyres that gives it away), but there's no way to hide that monstrous engine..
 
The Merlin V12 was supercharged and had over 1200 hp.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am pretty sure this is accurate.
 
For a hugemongous '40s engine originally intended for a tank, that thing actually makes good power for its size. Plus, 500+hp should be more than enough for this guy's Mustang, no matter how heavy the engine is.

Power modifications are definitely not necessary here, apart from perhaps this "mostly stock" configuration he speaks of.
 
The Merlin V12 was supercharged and had over 1200 hp.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am pretty sure this is accurate.

1565hp ;)

Plus, 500+hp should be more than enough for this guy's Mustang, no matter how heavy the engine is.

This guys Mustang, looking at the pictures, does appear to be a un-road legal dragster. 500bhp isn't going to win many prizes at the strip.
 
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