When you think seriously powerful small-block Ford, it’s almost a given that Frank Marchese from Dandy Engines immediately comes to mind, and it’s not hard to see why.

He’s built some seriously gnarly SBF combos over the years, including his own Drag Challenge winning XW Fairmont. To date the PB list for Frank and the XW is truly mind boggling, with hub dyno figures of 2102kW/2819hp and a PB of 6.96 @211mph. Yep, a six-second XW!

So it should come as no surprise that Frank was expecting 2000hp from the SBF in the video above. The basic package consists of a 427ci Dart block, Callies crank, custom grind roller cam, AFR heads, Fueltech FT600 brains and the mammoth 98mm Precision turbo.

Frank specifies that this engine – even being 2000hp capable – is more of a street style build (let that sink in for a minute), keeping the engine slightly more conventional for road use. “This one here has a timing chain rather than a Jesel belt drive, we’re even using an internal oil pump even though I usually use external, because we’re trying to keep this as streetable as possible,” he says.

One key feature of this build Frank has been playing with is TurboSmart’s new Gen V Electronic Powergate60 External Wastegate. “That was game changer for us,” says Frank. “(it means) no more Co2 controlled wastegates, we can electronically control the turbo. At 20 pound before, you didn’t know where your wastegate was, but now we can tell.”

Not only does the new electronic wastegate allow better control, but does away with the pesky Co2 system which means no more lines or bottles to fail. “We’ve lost a lot of races because of something simple like a (Co2) line melting or popping off, so hopefully those days are gone,” says Frank.

The dyno runs for this stout SBF didn’t disappoint, initially punching out 1789hp @25psi, before a final run saw 1988hp @35psi. They scary part is Frank plans to make only a few minor changes to get it over that 2000hp barrier, so rest assured we’ll be keeping a close eye on this mill and the car it’ll eventually land in.