5.2 Voodoo & Predator: years, specs & known problems
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Ford built two 5.2L V8s for Shelby Mustangs. The Voodoo is a naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank engine making 526 hp in the 2016–2020 GT350 and GT350R. The Predator is a supercharged cross-plane version making 760 hp in the 2020–2022 GT500. The one thing to know: they are different engines, not tunes of one design.
Both engines share a 5.2-liter displacement and were assembled on the niche line at Ford’s Romeo Engine Plant, but they are built for very different characters. The Voodoo uses a flat-plane crankshaft and an 8,250-rpm redline for a racing-style power delivery in the GT350 and GT350R.
The Predator uses a conventional cross-plane crank and a large supercharger for the GT500, paired exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A Predator-based engine later powered the 2023+ F-150 Raptor R.
5.2 Voodoo & Predator at a glance
| Engine | Model years | Fuel | Peak hp | Peak torque (lb-ft) | Documented problems | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.2L Voodoo flat-plane V8 (Shelby GT350/GT350R) | 2016–2020 | Gasoline | 526 | 429 | 0 | 0 |
| 5.2L Predator supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500) | 2020–2022 | Gasoline | 760 | 625 | 0 | 0 |
CarWhere lists 0 documented problems and 0 NHTSA recalls for the 5.2 Voodoo & Predator, each with a source.
5.2L Voodoo flat-plane V8 (Shelby GT350/GT350R)
A naturally aspirated, flat-plane-crank DOHC V8 with an 8,250-rpm redline, offered only with a six-speed manual.
5.2L Voodoo flat-plane V8 (Shelby GT350/GT350R) specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Crankshaft | Flat-plane[2] |
| Displacement | 5,163 cc (315 cu in)[3] |
| Bore × stroke | 94 × 93 mm[3] |
| Compression | 12.0:1[3] |
| Redline | 8,250 rpm[2] |
| Model years | Sold for 2016–2020; production ended fall 2020[4] |
| Built | Romeo Engine Plant niche line, Michigan[3] |
5.2L Voodoo flat-plane V8 (Shelby GT350/GT350R) horsepower and torque by year
| Model years | Application | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2020 | Shelby GT350 / GT350R526 hp at 7,500 rpm | 526 | 429 | [1] |
"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.
Which Fords have the 5.2L Voodoo flat-plane V8 (Shelby GT350/GT350R)?
| Model | Model years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustang Shelby GT350 | 2016–2020 | |
| Mustang Shelby GT350R | 2016–2020 |
5.2L Predator supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500)
A supercharged cross-plane-crank 5.2L V8 rated at 760 hp, paired with a Tremec seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
5.2L Predator supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500) specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Crankshaft | Cross-plane[3] |
| Displacement | 5,163 cc (315 cu in)[3] |
| Supercharger | 2.65 L Roots-type[1] |
| Transmission | Tremec TR-9070 7-speed dual-clutch[1] |
| Built | Romeo Engine Plant niche line; production ended Oct. 2022[3] |
5.2L Predator supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500) horsepower and torque by year
| Model years | Application | Horsepower (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2022 | Shelby GT500 | 760 | 625 | [5] |
"—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source.
Which Fords have the 5.2L Predator supercharged V8 (Shelby GT500)?
| Model | Model years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustang Shelby GT500 | 2020–2022 |
Related Ford research
Confirm a truck or car really has the 5.2 Voodoo & Predator.
Engine, transmission and axle options are recorded against the VIN. The CarWhere build sheet decodes a Ford VIN into its factory record — powertrain, equipment groups and options as built. $9.99, instant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Voodoo and Predator engines?
The Voodoo is a naturally aspirated 5.2L with a flat-plane crankshaft and 526 hp, used in the GT350. The Predator is a supercharged 5.2L with a cross-plane crank and 760 hp, used in the GT500.
How much horsepower does the GT350 Voodoo make?
Ford rated the 5.2L Voodoo at 526 hp at 7,500 rpm and 429 lb-ft. It revs to 8,250 rpm.
How much horsepower does the GT500 Predator make?
The 2020–2022 Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2L Predator is rated at 760 hp and 625 lb-ft.
What years was the GT350 made?
The modern GT350 and GT350R were sold for the 2016 through 2020 model years. Ford ended production in fall 2020 and did not offer a 2021 model.
Sources
Ratings are Ford-published figures as cited; descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs appear only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.
- Shelby Mustang — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
- Ford officially discontinues the Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R — Autoblog
- Ford Modular engine (5.2 L Voodoo / Predator) — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
- Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Officially Discontinued For 2021 — Motor1
- 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 Confirmed With 760 HP, 625 LB-FT — Motor1
More Ford tools
- Ford tools & data hub
- Ford trim levels explained
- Ford known issues by model
- Ford model histories
- Free Ford VIN decoder
- Ford window sticker by VIN
- Ford paint codes
- Ford specs by model
- Ford reliability
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company. Ford, Power Stroke, EcoBoost, Coyote and the model names are trademarks of their owner.