V8 Supercar Engine Specs

[RARASV8]

a discussion at work has the Ford guys saying that the holdens should be quicker than the Fords, because the holden are racing the 6.0 litre and the ford are using 5.4 litre Boss Quad Cam, i've searched but can't find what i'm after:bawl:
i thought they both were using cast iron 5 litre blocks with 2 valves/cylinder and a single camshaft.

can anyone point me to somewhere that i can find what the current configuration of the Holden & Ford engines in the V8 supercars? what i'm after is what type of block and valves/cylinder and camshaft location.

Garry

[ova400]

You are correct, 5L single cam for both makes.

check the v8supercar website it may have some more detailed specs

[RARASV8]

You are correct, 5L single cam for both makes.

check the v8supercar website it may have some more detailed specs


ova400, yeah i was 99.99 % sure but then i started to think well maybe?
i've searched all the V8 Supercar stuff i can find and they don't really tell you what block, heads or cam configuration:bawl:
thanks anyway Garry

[5.7heaven]

yeah im 100% sure they both run a 5L block, pretty sure coz its the only block they both make that is reasonably close to being the same capacity. id like to know whether they run big LSD's or a full spool/locker setup in the rear end?

[ova400]

Yeah they run a fully locked rear diff,

maybe look at a specific team site (such as HRT) for more details.

[macca_779]

yeah im 100% sure they both run a 5L block, pretty sure coz its the only block they both make that is reasonably close to being the same capacity. id like to know whether they run big LSD's or a full spool/locker setup in the rear end?

Yep Spools.

[goose202]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V8_Supercars#Power

Neither engine is even close to what the road cars run.
In fact, no parts at all are really even close to the road cars.

[forcedindction]

I'm very impressed that they can make 450KW with 5L pushrod, 10.5:1 comp., 7500 rev limit, all on unleaded fuel :goodjob:

[RARASV8]

thank you goose202

Unlike other forms of motorsport (such as NASCAR) where the cars are built from space frame construction, V8 Supercars are still based on production road cars. Each V8 Supercar is based on a current-specification VE Commodore or BF Falcon production bodyshell, with an elaborate roll cage constructed into the shell from aircraft-grade, 2 mm thick tubing. In 2007 specifications both the Commodore and Falcon have adopted E-glass front mudguards in place of the production steel items, in order to save costs.

The VE Commodore was initially rejected from taking part in the series due to its wheelbase being longer and wider than the BF Falcon. For the model to be homologated, V8 Supercar granted the Commodore a custom fabricated bodyshell into which a limited number of production bodyshell panels are incorporated. As a result, the roofline is lower than production and the rear door is shorter such that externally the rear doors, roof and rear quarters all consist of specialised custom coachwork panels.

[edit] Aerodynamics

A standard "aerodynamic package" of spoilers and wings, a front splitter/air dam and side skirts are supplied to the teams of each make. Testing is conducted so that in principle the two makes have similar aerodynamics. However the test is only conducted at one particular speed and with the cars set to the lowest downforce configuration, leaving room for controversy.

[edit] Weight

The minimum category weight is 1,355 kg (not including driver) with 80 kg (176 lb) driver allocation.

[edit] Power

A V8 supercar has to be front-engined and rear-wheel drive. Every car is powered by either a 5.0 L Ford "Windsor" SVO or Chevrolet Aurora race engine (depending on the make) which is capable of producing between 460 and 485 kW (620 — 650 bhp) of power, but generally quoted as a little over 450 kW (600 bhp) in race trim. Engines have pushrod actuated valves and electronic fuel injection. Both Ford and Holden engines are based on racing engines from their respective US parent companies. Engines are electronically restricted to 7,500 rpm.

Broadly speaking, the engines are of 5 litres capacity, 2 valve per cylinder. Compression ratio is regulated to 10.5:1 and unleaded fuel (ostensibly equivalent to existing high octane pump fuel) is mandated. EFI configuration is that of individual throttle bodies (albeit throttle actuation is linked/synchronised) and one injector per cylinder.

Although there is no restrictor plate, or other equivalent powerrestrictor placed on any circuits (such as with NASCAR on high speed ovals), the engines typically produce approximately 50 less bhp when raced at Bathurst. This is done both to gain necessary engine longevity on the endurance race as well as to improve fuel efficiency, and moderate the number of potential refuelling stops.

[edit] Some common components

Differentials, brake packages and gearboxes are identical in all cars in the category. The category uses a 6-speed Hollinger gearbox (Australian made), in either the 'H' pattern or as of 2008, a sequential pattern. Differential ratios used throughout the season are 3.75:1, 3.5:1, 3.25:1 and 3.15:1. The 3.15:1 ratio differential was introduced in 2005 to be used at Bathurst - cars with this ratio can now exceed 300 km/h on Conrod straight (hypothetically, this has yet to be proven, although Perkins Engineering, claims to have exceeded this speed multiple times in the 2005 event). The theoretical maximum speed is 306 km/h at 7,500 rpm. All cars have a 120 litre fuel tank.

all the info i require
Garry

[macca_779]

I'm very impressed that they can make 450KW with 5L pushrod, 10.5:1 comp., 7500 rev limit, all on unleaded fuel :goodjob:

Have a look in person at the cam and heads they run and you will see why. Not exactly the most street friendly package. E85 fuel next year too.. Woohoo

[VX2VESS]

still amazing how many ppl think they are anything like the road cars. seem they don't know much at all.


i bet the following of V8's would be a lot less if everyone new they were nothing like road cars, bar in shape.

[macca_779]

still amazing how many ppl think they are anything like the road cars. seem they don't know much at all.


i bet the following of V8's would be a lot less if everyone new they were nothing like road cars, bar in shape.

yep I agree. I actually enjoy watching the UTES and the GT Cars race more than the Supercars these days.

[iloveholden]

I love V8 Supercars but the only difference between each car is the driver these days, i still watch it when i can but i wish it was a little less predictable sometimes.

Its starting to become a little F1 like. Although i watch the F1 too :jester:

I like watching the races they have (not sure what they are called) where there are many different classes of cars all in one race, it great to see a relativly stock GTS up against an Evo and a GT or WRX.

[OUTAtheBloo]

I love looking back at the old days when PB Larry and Dicky Johnson where racing. I still think the spirit is missing from todays racing. Either that or im getting old.

Dab

[lux_06]

i watched some stupid nascar thing the other day with the only difference in the appearance of the cars, head light and grill stickers, and wat was even funnier was there was a new subaru sti front end on one... i had to watch for 5 mins just to make sure i was seeing straight as its a farrrkn joke to think that car is anything like a subaru....

[macca_779]

I like watching the races they have (not sure what they are called) where there are many different classes of cars all in one race, it great to see a relativly stock GTS up against an Evo and a GT or WRX.

That would be the Australia Production Car Championship. And yes they are awesome to watch as they are directly related to what we drive.
http://www.pcaa.com.au/

[VX2VESS]

used to be Holden vs Ford now its driver vs driver.

i think it was better when they were almost factory road cars. more feeling between the makes when you could say mines better it wins races. calling them Fords and Holdens now is a real stretch.

utes are close but the holdens have a big restrictor in them to reduce power for the poor old fords.

parity bar close racing, yeah, but i'd rather see a holden win every race by laps. then you can say your ford sucks at work...

what the most memorable race ever, Brock winning by 6 laps at Bathurst for me

[Quinny5.7L]

I love V8 Supercars but the only difference between each car is the driver these days, i still watch it when i can but i wish it was a little less predictable sometimes.

Its starting to become a little F1 like. Although i watch the F1 too :jester:

I like watching the races they have (not sure what they are called) where there are many different classes of cars all in one race, it great to see a relativly stock GTS up against an Evo and a GT or WRX.


Yes, that is correct - it all comes down to the driver. It ticks me off when people crap on about Holden or Ford is better - there are basically no Holden or Ford parts on those cars, it all comes down to the driver and how well the car was setup on the day.

I used to love watching the GT Production car series - but they have screwed that up now too. One thing that annoys me about that is the turbo cars don't run factory boost - a max boost limit is set by race control depending on the track - that sucks because the V8s can't make changes like that... They should be made to run factory boost.

I really like watching the exotics classes or GT Nations as they used to call it - where they race Ferrari's, Lamborghini's etc - even the Porsches are good to watch.

[macca_779]

used to be Holden vs Ford now its driver vs driver.

i think it was better when they were almost factory road cars. more feeling between the makes when you could say mines better it wins races. calling them Fords and Holdens now is a real stretch.

utes are close but the holdens have a big restrictor in them to reduce power for the poor old fords.

parity bar close racing, yeah, but i'd rather see a holden win every race by laps. then you can say your ford sucks at work...

what the most memorable race ever, Brock winning by 6 laps at Bathurst for me

Actually they aren't restricted and neither are the Fords. Infact they are tuned to be similar to keep parity.. You would be surprised how much is left in the Ford 5.4 V8 Tune.

[VX2VESS]

Actually they aren't restricted and neither are the Fords. Infact they are tuned to be similar to keep parity.. You would be surprised how much is left in the Ford 5.4 V8 Tune.

ah maybe they have changed, i recall reading when they first started the holden had a restriction plate. maybe they changed that later on.

should be more simple, must be factory except safety stuff and brakes, exhaust, tune on factory computer only, shocks, springs, diff ratio etc. no adjusting power up and down between makes, just your best tune on a stock motor.

[macca_779]

ah maybe they have changed, i recall reading when they first started the holden had a restriction plate. maybe they changed that later on.

should be more simple, must be factory except safety stuff and brakes, exhaust, tune on factory computer only, shocks, springs, diff ratio etc. no adjusting power up and down between makes, just your best tune on a stock motor.

Yeah I agree, but you got to remember that its a Ford vs Holden comp. If one make was clearly superior no one would race the other. But I do agree more responsibility should be placed on the manufacturer to produce the better product to be competitive in motorsport. Plus Ford is the one with the stock power advantage when FG's start rolling into competition, we wouldn't want them to have that advantage would we.

[philthy]

I don't know if this has already been said, but:

If you go to v8supercar . com . au,
go to the 'about V8's' tab, click 'tech talk', then 'operations manual'.

Click Division C in the Operations manual contents, and on page C 21 you will find the proof you need to show your mates they are wrong!


Cheers,

Phil

[HSV590]

If we are really honest with ourselves it's probably the motor racing fans that determine to an extent how race cars evolve over the years..If Holden V8's and Ford V8's raced in true production form I'd imagine Holden would win everything. Then Ford fans would say stuff watching this crap we always loose and Holden V Ford would cease to exist..So to keep us all interested the nasty word "parity" came into play..Give Ford some more downforce so they can win, then give Holden something else and so on and so on, and where does it end, "project blueprint" and we have cars that are a mere shadow of the real road going cars that they represent. If you look around the world I can't think of any series of racing where the production or road going version of a car is the main attraction. As people say it's obvious that the current V8 supercars are hardly anything like what we drive but I'd rather watch a bunch of v8 supercars going around Bathurts and doing 300kph down Conrod than a VE road car passing a Subaru!!!..just my thoughts...
Cheers

[mmciau]

a discussion at work has the Ford guys saying that the holdens should be quicker than the Fords, because the holden are racing the 6.0 litre and the ford are using 5.4 litre Boss Quad Cam, i've searched but can't find what i'm after:bawl:
i thought they both were using cast iron 5 litre blocks with 2 valves/cylinder and a single camshaft.

can anyone point me to somewhere that i can find what the current configuration of the Holden & Ford engines in the V8 supercars? what i'm after is what type of block and valves/cylinder and camshaft location.

Garry

IIRC, the Utes use their respective production engines with the Holden "rev limited" to ensure output is near identical to the Ford engine.

Mike

[bonners]

My 2c

I am still of the opinion that most fans of the V8 Supercars know for a fact that those running around the track are nothing like the things we drive. What we do (well I do) is recognise that there is a Falcon out there and a Commodore out there. They 'look' like our cars for us to have something to support. It gives us good ammunition come Monday for a bit of banter between you and your mates from a different camp. I know that's what happens here at my workplace. If you look at F1 for example, if you took all the paint away, I couldn't tell you which car was which.

I do agree it has become too much driver v driver but I still enjoy the concept. Can't get to as many races as I like but that's life. I also agree that the production cars may be a better series if you're looking for 'road' cars racing.

My only concern is that the supercars are now being run by Channel 7 more than anything. I'm sure there was a schedule on 10 but we better make sure everything is finished so we can watch the football. I remember seeing one race where they were thinking of calling the race short a few laps because they had gone over a little with a Safety Car period and they had to go to the Aussie Rules.

Ahh, that feels better.

[dracer]

with the exception of the body all the cars are the same. with FPR still using brembro brakes. they manufacture there own axles and cam shafts.

[Quinny5.7L]

What they need is a category like the old Group A/C racing - true production cars modified for racing.

You could limit it to V8s, or allow other manufacturers and different engine combinations, and run classes like they do with the other production series.

*Engine must be factory displacement and configuration - factory block, crank, rods & pistons, factory compression ratio.
*Factory heads, with head components being open - so different valves, springs etc can be used.
*Camshaft and intake manifold open.
*Rev limit 6500rpm or something like that
*Factory brake calipers, with discs and pad material open
*Factory gearbox, gear ratios and diff gearing
*Factory engine management system

You get the idea.... Now that would be worth watching.

[VYMaloo]

As Brock and DJ said a couple of years ago " take the aero kit off them and put smaller brakes on them and we will see who can drive" !!

[VX2VESS]

What they need is a category like the old Group A/C racing - true production cars modified for racing.

You could limit it to V8s, or allow other manufacturers and different engine combinations, and run classes like they do with the other production series.

*Engine must be factory displacement and configuration - factory block, crank, rods & pistons, factory compression ratio.
*Factory heads, with head components being open - so different valves, springs etc can be used.
*Camshaft and intake manifold open.
*Rev limit 6500rpm or something like that
*Factory brake calipers, with discs and pad material open
*Factory gearbox, gear ratios and diff gearing
*Factory engine management system

You get the idea.... Now that would be worth watching.

cane it too hard and they will break, not many breakdowns in V8's these days.
make it more interesting, have to look after the car more.

current driveline they use is almost bullet proof, unlike the real stuff. might get some better driveline stuff made then to win

[seldo]

What they need is a category like the old Group A/C racing - true production cars modified for racing.

You could limit it to V8s, or allow other manufacturers and different engine combinations, and run classes like they do with the other production series.

*Engine must be factory displacement and configuration - factory block, crank, rods & pistons, factory compression ratio.
*Factory heads, with head components being open - so different valves, springs etc can be used.
*Camshaft and intake manifold open.
*Rev limit 6500rpm or something like that
*Factory brake calipers, with discs and pad material open
*Factory gearbox, gear ratios and diff gearing
*Factory engine management system

You get the idea.... Now that would be worth watching.The real problem is that the "self interest groups" always mange to screw it up. And this includes (in the old days) the Harry Firths, Brocks, Johnsons and Moffats, and the manufacturers.
When you start to limit the mods too severely, we have production engines not being able to cope. You find that, say, the Holdens start blowing because they get oil surge. So they get the rules changed so that they can dry-sump. And Ford says - we have weak conrods, so we want free conrods. And Toyota says our brakes are too small so for safety reasons we want freedom of brakes. etc etc etc.
And guess what ....we end up with silhouette racing called V8upercars...

[Quinny5.7L]

The real problem is that the "self interest groups" always mange to screw it up. And this includes (in the old days) the Harry Firths, Brocks, Johnsons and Moffats, and the manufacturers.
When you start to limit the mods too severely, we have production engines not being able to cope. You find that, say, the Holdens start blowing because they get oil surge. So they get the rules changed so that they can dry-sump. And Ford says - we have weak conrods, so we want free conrods. And Toyota says our brakes are too small so for safety reasons we want freedom of brakes. etc etc etc.
And guess what ....we end up with silhouette racing called V8upercars...

If the manufacturers are interested in racing, then they need to make the cars good enough to take it - if they don't then people will find other models to use. Both the L98/LS3 and Ford 5.4 are good enough to take the pressures of racing. More than likely though, the serious cars will be race homologation models like the old days - something like the W427 - 7.0L race engine lifted straight from the Corvette C5R/C6R, big brakes, etc.

I think it would be interesting - even allow other makes/models and have classes based on power to weight, driveline configuration or price.

[seedyrom]

manufacturers care more about selling a large number of cars at a high profit, than winning a race.

If they didn't have a car that could compete (or was being beaten week in week out by the opposition), then they would just pull stumps and not race.

Or in the case of the late 80's, you'd have people like brocky moving to other manufacturers just to remain competitive (remember the beemer?)

[vlcalais8]

I think its best left as is, I mean imagine a slighlty modified factory Holden/Ford doing 7 hours straight at bathurst.... I reckon each would spend more time in the pits than on the track. Now cars can go for many hours and require little attention and it also does show us who the better drivers are out there. I follow the supercars mainly for the drivers and teams, I mean who gives a shite if a Ford or Holden badged car wins or not, its pretty much the same thing they just look different. Im more interested to see who can wring the cars neck out more, who folds/stays well under pressure, who sets up the car better for them always changing conditions etc etc. I believe the V8 supercars shows us all that racing is not just about steering, braking and accelerating the quickest but its all those things that are involved that must be done spot on to come out on top

[warp11]

i have a book called 'the insiders guide: technical analysis' which goes through every single aspect of a v8 supercar. it goes through both camps, 888 for the fords and tasman for the holdens. very very interesting book. and you are correct, 5L single cam.

[KiWi]

And the heads are an awesome site too ;)

[PowerTorque]

The real problem is that the "self interest groups" always mange to screw it up. And this includes (in the old days) the Harry Firths, Brocks, Johnsons and Moffats, and the manufacturers.
When you start to limit the mods too severely, we have production engines not being able to cope. You find that, say, the Holdens start blowing because they get oil surge. So they get the rules changed so that they can dry-sump. And Ford says - we have weak conrods, so we want free conrods. And Toyota says our brakes are too small so for safety reasons we want freedom of brakes. etc etc etc.
And guess what ....we end up with silhouette racing called V8upercars...

SO VERY CORRECT.and also sad