There is no American V8 engine more famous than the stout 302, better known in modern times as the 5.0. Sure, you could make such an argument for the 350 small block, but GM hasn’t been keen on bringing back the 350 moniker, whereas Ford has made a big deal about the return of the 5.0. After offering a 5.0 Coyote crate engine to the masses, Ford Racing has introduced the latest version of the 5.0, this one designed specifically for forced induction applications.

Called the 5.0 “Aluminator,” it is a bit of a smorgasbord of different engine parts pulled from throughout the V8 lineup. Within the aluminum engine block (borrowed from the standard 5.0 found in the Mustang GT) are Mahle forged pistons and Manley forged connecting rods for absorbing higher horsepower levels. These pistons, combined with the factory heads, make a compression ratio of about 9.5:1, perfect for supercharged applications. Compare that to the standard 5.0 liter Coyote V8, which has a compression ratio of 11:1, and you start to see where Ford is going with this.

Add in higher spring pressure Boss 302 valve springs, colder heat range spark plugs, and you’ve got the ideal 5.0 engine to start supercharging or turbocharging. Considering that we’ve seen plenty of supercharged Coyote 5.0 engines already making well over 600 horsepower at the wheels, it leaves us wondering…what is the Aluminator capable of? 700? More? We’ll have to wait to see, though we’re sure it won’t take long. Makes us wonder what other kind of 5.0 engines Ford might have in the works. EcoBoost 5.0, anybody?