The SVO that never was, 2.3L DOHC

[rickshaw]

During the development phase for the SVO, the SVO team built up several test vehicles with performance improvements. This one in particular tried to propose a version utilizing a 16v DOHC cylinder head from Zakspeed in Germany. Zakspeed build the awesome Group C Ford Capri racecars that were rebodied as Mustangs and campaigned in IMSA GTP over here. Anyway, the bean counters didn't buy into it and, I think, because SVO sales weren't setting the world on fire, it never happened.

[gbeaird]

Thanks for sharing. Wow, with A/C even!! I'll take one!!

[svono50]

Thanx for sharing those details!!

I am sure there was also the HP war with the 5.0L that also played into that one, since the 5.0L didn't get up to that level. I wonder if the (3) 16V heads that are floating around are the Zakspeed castings?? I loved those Capri's and Mustangs from back then, they were very cool looking and sounding.

[gbeaird]

I have the Monogram 1/24 scale model kit of the 7-11 GTP car that has that engine in it, AND an 85 SVO kit. It would be cool to do a 'that if' build. Sadly, the cam cover of the GTP engine has 'Ford Motorsport' cast into it, not 'SVO'.

[rickshaw]

Know this model. Recently acquired SVO model but haven't built it yet.

[gbeaird]

That's it, only in the Miller livery. That builds up kinda nice. Sadly, the top of the engine, intake, head and exhaust heat shield are all one piece that would need to be separated. It's doable. I would make a resin casting to as not to mess with the original.

[rickshaw]

Too bad Ford Motorsport didn't offer that head for the aftermarket. What Museum were those two Mustang GTP cars located?

[Kendal Coker]

Too bad Ford Motorsport didn't offer that head for the aftermarket. What Museum were those two Mustang GTP cars located?

Three Dog Garage in PA.

[rickshaw]

If I every get over to Philly I'll have to check it out. Thanks

[svono50]

I am glad Kendal answered that, since that picture was one I gleaned off the interwebs at some point. I have a folder full of pics of the GTP and Zakspeed Capri's.

[scenario]

I would have to say that this 2.3 16v DOHC foxbodyinspired the Ford Escort Cosworth of the 1990s. My cousin has one in Italy (a 1995 Cosworth Martini edition). Quite a few similarities in the styling. The Cosworth sports all-wheel drive being the main difference.
I still find it funny that my cousin (my 1st cousin) has the exact same interests as me even though we grew up in different countries. Two Turbo-Ford guys and WW2 buffs...go figure...

https://photos.app.goo.gl/N2uhZVcDxikoqqWc6

[svono50]

I would have to say that this 2.3 16v DOHC foxbody inspired the Ford Escort Cosworth of the 1990s. My cousin has one in Italy (a 1995 Cosworth Martini edition). Quite a few similarities in the styling. The Cosworth sports all-wheel drive being the main difference.
<snip>

I don't know what to say other than your cousin SUCKS!!!! In a good way of course, way too cool of a car for sure. Now that I have drooled all over my keyboard, I need to get back out under my SVO to finish replacing the u-joints and cleaning it up for the summer season...sigh...

[SVOPaul]

The information I came across years ago was that the SVO prototype with the zakspeed head made 300HP at 10psi. Ford Executives wouldn't have the SVO making more power than the GT and combined with poor sales they killed the program. Imagine would could have been had there been proper training for the salespeople at dealerships regarding the SVO. It's still pretty cool today to talk to original owners and those who bought them new...definitely different mind sets regarding the car they wanted back then and how the Ford Salespeople had no idea how to even sell to these customers. Many of them already did their research and knew what they wanted so the salespeople were just paper pushers to make the sale.