Dodge will be allowed to a slightly different nose in 2009 while Ford will debut its new "FR9" engine later in the year.
Ford teams have been using the same basic engine since 1991 with many small modifications. The new V-8 (which uses none of the original 351 (5.8-liter) parts that was the basis to the other engine) has a reworked cooling system making it possible for teams to optimize the amount of tape on the front grille to improve downforce.
The "FR9" also has an improved valve train and finally, the new Roush Yates V-8s are supposed to be easier to produce and assemble. The only drawback is that the engine will not be ready for competition before the second half of the season.
photo:NASCAR - Getty Images
Ford teams have been using the same basic engine since 1991 with many small modifications. The new V-8 (which uses none of the original 351 (5.8-liter) parts that was the basis to the other engine) has a reworked cooling system making it possible for teams to optimize the amount of tape on the front grille to improve downforce.
The "FR9" also has an improved valve train and finally, the new Roush Yates V-8s are supposed to be easier to produce and assemble. The only drawback is that the engine will not be ready for competition before the second half of the season.
photo:NASCAR - Getty Images