Past Winner Spotlight: Leo Franke’s 1970 Ford XW GT Tribute
Leo Franke from Victoria took out one of the toughest builds we’ve seen, the 700 horsepower 1970 Ford XW GT Tribute, valued at $150,000. This XW is a perfect example of old school Ford muscle dialled into modern perfection.
Under the bonnet is a 440 cubic inch SBF Windsor based on a Dart block, with a Scat 4340 steel crank, Oliver connecting rods, and 4.185 custom JE pistons that are gas ported and coated for maximum reliability. It’s got 4343 3mm Total Seal rings, AFR Renegade cylinder heads hand ported by TOCA, and Yella Terra shaft roller rockers for a bulletproof valvetrain.
The PAC valve train package includes titanium retainers, while the Super Victor intake manifold has also been ported by TOCA for perfect flow. The custom low shock solid roller camshaft by SureCams is set at 276 and 290 at 50 thou, with .460 lobe intake, .459 lobe exhaust, installed at 106 lobe separation. This camshaft is secured with dual pins and a 7/16 UNF Carr bolt, while the DLC coated Jesel roller lifters and a blueprinted oil pump keep everything reliable at big revs.
A high volume sump, coated main, big end and camshaft bearings, and a custom dual roller thrust plate round out the bottom end, with Cometic head gaskets and heavy duty 7/16 push rods keeping it all together.
Exhaust gases exit through custom headers tailored for this combo, while a Ray JE modified carburettor and ICE ignition kit keep the air-fuel mix spot on and the spark hot.
All that power is fed through a C4 transmission with a 3500 stall, down to a tough 9 inch diff with a TrueTrac centre and leaf spring rear featuring CalTracs to keep it hooking up.
It’s all finished off with a set of Weld V Series wheels, giving it that perfect tough street presence.
With a power figure of 700 horsepower, this 1970 Ford XW GT Tribute isn’t just about looks, it’s a true powerhouse built to be driven. Congratulations to Leo Franke, another past winner who’s now rolling in one of the baddest XWs on the road!
