Ernie,
I am sure Keith Craft will be VERY happy to just do the assembly and not have to worry about extra machining.
mrmax,
I am going to do my best to wear one out!
Commander,
Thanks for your questions and comments!
Currently, the block is only available in 4.25 bore. If we start to make a bunch of them we will tool up to do a 4.375 bore as well.
It isn't possible to cross drill an FE. Unfortunately, the head bolts are in the way--right in the path of the drill. We ran the head bolt bosses all the way to the bottom of the block so there isn't any room to do it. I think it is more important to have the clamping force on the heads for the strength of the entire system. I don't think cooling will be a problem with this block.
Lead time to the public should be 2-3 months. First running motor should be within weeks.
I have considered an external
oil pump, but we will keep provisions for the internal one as well so people can run the stock
oil pans, etc.
After looking at the latest Ford 5.4 on the Ford GT (no ribs) and having customers put over 700 horsepower to the rear wheels with those cars, I can't imagine why we would need them (ribs in the valley). That is simply way more power than can be used in our cars. Also, no modern engine runs them that I am aware of.
David
