Ford Indy V8 engine
| Ford Indy V-8 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ford |
| Production | 1963–1971 (Ford engine) 1972–1978 (Foyt-badged engine) |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | 90° V-8 |
| Displacement | 159–320 cu in (2.61–5.24 L) |
| Cylinder bore | 3.76–3.80 in (96–97 mm) |
| Piston stroke | 2.87 in (73 mm) |
| Valvetrain | 32-valve, DOHC, four-valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1-12.5:1 |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | Mechanical fuel injection |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Oil system | Dry sump |
| Output | |
| Power output | 375–800 hp (280–597 kW) |
| Torque output | 269–525 lb⋅ft (365–712 N⋅m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Dry weight | 350–406 lb (159–184 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Ford-Cosworth Indy V8 engine |
The Ford Indy V8 engine is a V-8 engine, initially specially designed by Ford for Indy car racing, from 1963 onwards, with Lotus chassis and engine mounted in the rear to end the dominance of Offenhauser front-engine roadsters. The DOHC version won the 1965 Indianapolis 500 naturally-aspirated with 4,2 litre 256 cui capacity, and again in 1966 and 1967 before the now turbocharged Offenhauser engine ended the streak in 1968 Indianapolis 500.
With added turbocharging and size reduced to 2,6 litre 159 cui, the Ford DOHC won three more Indy 500 from 1969 Indianapolis 500 to 1971 when Ford pulled out, handing over the design to AJ Foyt who continued until 1978, winning the Indy 500 in 1977 to add a seventh Indy win.
Concurrently, in England, Ford had since 1965 sponsored the successful Cosworth DFV Formula One engine, a more compact DOHC V8, designed with a 3.0 liter displacement. For the 1976 USAC Championship Car season, Ford returned to Indy car racing with the turbocharged 2.65 liter Ford-sponsored Cosworth DFX engine.