The Ford F9X is a 2,495 cc, V6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It was engineered as a high-torque powerplant for performance-oriented applications, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and sequential multi-port fuel injection. In standard calibration, it delivers 190 kW (258 PS) and 390 Nm of torque, primarily aimed at rear-wheel-drive platform integration.
Fitted to models including the Ford Mustang (S550 facelift) and select Australian-market Ford Falcon-based police interceptors, the F9X was designed to balance responsive throttle delivery with durability under sustained load. Emissions compliance is achieved through integrated exhaust manifolds, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and dual three-way catalysts, enabling Euro 6.2 compliance across all production years without requiring a gasoline particulate filter (GPF).
One documented engineering update occurred in 2020, referenced in Ford Service Action 19B12, addressing premature exhaust cam lobe wear observed in early-build engines. The root cause was linked to oil flow restriction in the cam phaser feed galleries under extended idle conditions. Ford revised the phaser design and implemented an updated oil filter housing with improved flow geometry to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6.2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford F9X is a 2,495 cc V6 petrol engine engineered for performance applications (2018–2023). It combines dual overhead camshafts with twin independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 6.2 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,495 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 68.0 mm | |
| Power output | 190 kW (258 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 390 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6.2 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual roller chains (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The naturally aspirated V6 design provides predictable power delivery ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) to prevent cam lobe and phaser wear. The Ti-VCT system is sensitive to oil flow restriction, particularly after extended idling. Use of non-approved oil filters may contribute to phaser starvation. The exhaust system incorporates dual three-way catalysts without a GPF, but back-pressure monitoring is integrated into OBD-II diagnostics. Post-2020 models feature revised cam phasers; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Ford SIB 19B12. EGR system requires periodic cleaning to prevent intake manifold carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C949-A (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19B12). Meets Ford's low-SAPS formulation for Ti-VCT protection.
Emissions: Euro 6.2 certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 228 (RON 95 minimum).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs WSA-M4G306, WSAC-M9F234, SIB 19B12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford F9X was used across Ford's S550 and XY7 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated oil cooler in the Mustang GT and reinforced engine mounts in police-spec interceptors-and from 2020 received updated cam phasers per Service Action 19B12, creating interchange limits for timing components. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine identification tag affixed to the right-side cylinder head near the intake manifold (Ford TIS WSA-M4G306). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for F9X series). Pre-2020 models have silver cam covers with black valve cover badges; post-2020 units use gloss black cam covers. Critical differentiation from Coyote V8: F9X has a single exhaust manifold per bank and no cylinder deactivation. Service parts require production date verification - cam phasers for engines before 06/2020 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Ford SIB 19B12).
The F9X's primary reliability risk is exhaust cam lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-idle applications. Ford internal field reports from 2021 indicated a measurable failure rate in pre-2020 engines used in police patrol duty, while UK DVSA data shows low overall failure rates in civilian Mustang applications. Extended idling and delayed oil changes increase phaser starvation risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD F9X.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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