Racing enthusiasts know that the true heart of a race car is its engine
– and Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, wants to make sure
that the “heart” that powers NHRA Funny Car Mustangs of John Force
Racing is pumping “blue” blood in the future.
Davis and John Medlen of John Force Racing challenged themselves to
develop the new Ford BOSS 500, the first modern nitro engine for drag
racing. The BOSS 500 was tested on-track for the first time on Oct. 18
and was unveiled for media today.
“We wanted to be in NHRA Funny Car with an engine that we really could
call all our own,” David said. “I wanted people to see a Ford Mustang
race car and know that it’s winning races with true Ford power.”
Davis and Medlen looked at the current nitro engine, discussed where
they felt it had weaknesses, and decided to design and build a new
engine to address them.
The BOSS 500 is the first nitro drag racing motor designed with
analytical tools. It has a strengthened block for better durability
and new cylinder heads developed by Ford and Force engineers. The
basic design will favor areas such as the main caps register and the
main webs in the block. Its engine block also is anodized blue after
machining, helping ensure fans and competitors alike know when they’re
seeing a Ford nitro engine under the hood.