Ford Focus RS8 with Cammer Engine

[Gt1Street]

Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) has revealed its latest in performance project vehicles showcasing the new 5.0-liter "Cammer" V-8 crate engine, and they're poised to rocket off the stand at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

The "Cammer" name carries near-legendary status to Ford performance buffs, thanks to an exotic single-overhead cam V-8 engine from the mid-60s that set the racing world on its ear. But just as the 427 Cammer engine took an all-new approach to making lots of old-fashioned power, today's FRPP 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine uses the latest performance technology to deliver world-class power in a thoroughly modern package.

Based on the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) Mustang Cobra 4.6-liter, four-valve engine family, the new all-aluminum 5.0-liter, four-valve V-8 Cammer crate engine showcases factory-proven technology for aftermarket applications. It features larger cylinders for greater displacement, forged pistons, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, ported heads, higher-lift cams and beehive-shaped valve springs.

FRPP claims the new Cammer is clearly one of the most technologically advanced and versatile crate engines ever manufactured, and to prove it, they've overhauled three unsuspecting vehicles and corralled all the horsepower in three engine variations: electronic fuel injection (EFI), carbureted with four two-barrel Weber carburetors or supercharged and intercooled.

Focus RS8
Combining V-8 power and small car agility has stirred the enthusiast's soul ever since Ford introduced the Flathead V-8 in 1932.

Now, Ford Racing Performance Parts has unwrapped the ultimate expression of big power in a small package. The modified Focus RS8 cranks out a pavement-pounding 420 naturally aspirated horsepower and illustrates the versatility and performance potential of Cammer crate engine installation in an otherwise stock-looking vehicle.

Using the European Focus RS as a launch pad, FRPP worked its engineering magic to slip the new all-alloy, 5.0-liter four-valve Cammer crate engine into the engine bay of the Focus and convert it to rear-wheel drive. It was no small task.

The drivetrain was refitted. New front and rear suspensions were designed. Four-wheel discs put the brakes on 18-inch European RS alloy wheels, and an exhaust system was custom-fabricated. Mated to a Tremec five-speed transmission with Ford Racing clutch kit and prototype shifter, the RS8 rallies all 420 horses at 6700 rpm and 370 foot-pounds of torque at 5000 rpm.

"We've said all along that we intend to grow the interest in overhead-cam technology," says Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. "There's no reason why a crate engine can't start, run and perform in an aftermarket setting as well as the engines in today's production automobiles and trucks. We see the 5.0-liter Cammer crate engine as the future for tuners, project-vehicle builders and aftermarket car and truck enthusiasts."

Thanks to handsome European Focus RS styling cues and shimmering Blue Pearl Coat exterior paint treatment, this street sleeper Focus also is a head-turner. Inside, it is a composite of RS seating, Ford Racing gauges, Sirius Satellite systems and Infinity amps and speakers.

[Gt1Street]

Ford Focus RS8 with Cammer Engine #2

[EAKMotorsports]

this rocks.

[ScionDriver]

That is awesome merely for the point of doing it. I know a lot of guys who have dreamed of cramming huge engines into the front of tiny cars (The most ambitious and impossible is a friend who wants to find a way to get a V8 into a Geo Metro) and this is pretty sweet. I'm sure it was ridiculous the amount of money and work to get that in there.

[NSXType-R]

Isn't this the old Focus though?

Nothing wrong with power though.

[092326001]

big engine+small car=great idea

[kingofthering]

I. Want. Bad.

I remember seeing this years ago, but I still want it. Screw the GT-R.

[blingbling]

i have a larger erection for the RWD conversion than the engine change, to be quite frank

[digitalcraft]

Originally Posted by blingbling

i have a larger erection for the RWD conversion than the engine change, to be quite frank

I'll tell you what, bling. I switched my Focus ST to RWD on Forza2, and it... just doesn't work. Even though it allows the conversion, the focus just doesn't have enough weight in the back to make it worthwhile. The car is freaking 63% front weight ratio. Worked far better to leave it as FWD and just drive it as a FWD. This was for A class, by the way.

I don't know how well that transfers to real life, but I imagine weight balance would be a problem for such a front heavy yet relatively light car.

[Gt1Street]

Originally Posted by digitalcraft

I'll tell you what, bling. I switched my Focus ST to RWD on Forza2, and it... just doesn't work. Even though it allows the conversion, the focus just doesn't have enough weight in the back to make it worthwhile. The car is freaking 63% front weight ratio. Worked far better to leave it as FWD and just drive it as a FWD. This was for A class, by the way.

I don't know how well that transfers to real life, but I imagine weight balance would be a problem for such a front heavy yet relatively light car.

and now imagine a small block V8 in the front instead of the regular I4...

[kingofthering]

Originally Posted by digitalcraft

I'll tell you what, bling. I switched my Focus ST to RWD on Forza2, and it... just doesn't work. Even though it allows the conversion, the focus just doesn't have enough weight in the back to make it worthwhile. The car is freaking 63% front weight ratio. Worked far better to leave it as FWD and just drive it as a FWD. This was for A class, by the way.

I don't know how well that transfers to real life, but I imagine weight balance would be a problem for such a front heavy yet relatively light car.

So, just swap in the Mustang V8 engine and see how it works.

[m&m-bravo]

Originally Posted by NSXType-R

Isn't this the old Focus though?

...it's also some time ago that they built this... ..but i like also the RWD, while Ford says, it was impossible to fit a 4WD....

[blingbling]

Originally Posted by digitalcraft

I'll tell you what, bling. I switched my Focus ST to RWD on Forza2, and it... just doesn't work.

i'll tell YOU digital, i switched MY forcus st to a 5 litre v8 and it.... just doesn't work either? whats your point

[digitalcraft]

My point is that a ford focus is made as a FF car, and balanced that way. If the physics on Forza2 are any semblance of reality, its going to make this a very difficult to drive car. I mean I could be totally wrong. I'd like to see some performance reviews.

Would be a great drift car though.

2004 Ford Racing Focus RS8 vs. 2004 Lamborghini Gallardo - Road Test & Comparison - Motor Trend

EDIT: I found an article where they race the RS8 vs a Lamborghini Gallardo. Bother have 5 liter engines, yet opposite weight balances. (56/44 for the older focus)

They actually beat it with the focus on the 1st track, but admit that the tires are way better on the focus, and if the Gallardo used the same tires, it'd be faster. Lots of wheel spinning in the focus, but the ultra sticky tires ensured its capability. Also, aparently the lambo had power issues. Something broken and not fixed in time for the test.

So a couple differences between real life and Forza 2. Both focuses (foci?) in Forza2 are 61% front weight balances where this on is 56%. Also, this car's suspension was completely redesigned, and a drivetrain tunnel that was raised by an inch. You can upgrade things in forza2, but still not up to this level of customization!

It sounds like a good, quirky car. The one in the article was quoted at having about $100,000 dollars put into it.

[kingofthering]

I wonder if it behaves anything like the GTI W12-650