Atomic Barra 550 GT-A Short Motor
Engineering Overview
SPEC-DOC
Atomic 550 GT-A Short Engine
The Ultimate Plug-and-Play Bottom End
Combining the premium components of our proven 550 Rebuild Kit with our rigorous in-house machining and assembly processes, the 550 GT-A Short Engine is the perfect foundation for a high-horsepower street or track build. We take the guesswork out of bearing clearances and ring gaps so you can simply bolt on your cylinder head, accessories, and go.
We ultrasonic test every block. Factory Barra castings can vary wildly in cylinder wall thickness. Before we even start machining, we ultrasonically test the block to ensure it has the core integrity required to handle 1000hp. You receive a full thickness report with your engine, giving you total peace of mind.
Expertly Machined & Assembled
Every 550 GT-A Short Engine is fully deburred, honed, and decked by our expert machinists. It features our Phase 1 rotating assembly (Superleggera Billet Rods, ICON Forged Pistons, ACL Race bearings), a polished and chamfered factory crankshaft, and is tied together with our 10mm Billet Main Girdle for ultimate block rigidity.
Engineering Highlights
Rotating Assembly
ICON Forged Pistons paired with Atomic Superleggera Billet Rods (CA625 Bolts) and ACL Race Series bearings.
Block Preparation
Ultrasonic thickness tested, thoroughly deburred to remove casting flash, precision honed, and decked for a perfect gasket seal.
Bottom End Support
10mm Billet Main Girdle installed to tie the main caps together, preventing cap walk and harmonic chatter under extreme loads.
Precision Assembly
Fully assembled in-house. Bearing clearances and piston ring end gaps are meticulously set to our proprietary high-boost specifications.
Detailed Build Specifications
1. Block & Machining
- Block Core: Seasoned Ford Barra Block.
- Testing: Ultrasonic cylinder wall thickness tested (Report Included).
- Machining: Fully deburred, precision honed, and decked.
- Girdle: Atomic 10mm High-Tensile Billet Main Cap Girdle installed.
2. Rotating Assembly
- Crankshaft: Standard Ford factory crank; checked, polished, and oil holes chamfered.
- Pistons: ICON Forged Pistons (Dish Top) with Hastings Rings & Heavy Duty Pins.
- Conrods: Atomic Superleggera Billet Steel Rods with CA625 Bolts.
- Bearings: ACL Race Series Main Bearings and Big End Rod Bearings.
3. Professional Assembly
- Clearances: Bearing clearances meticulously checked and set for high-performance applications.
- Ring Gaps: Piston rings filed and gapped perfectly for high boost.
- Documentation: Full build sheet provided detailing your specific engine's clearances and ultrasonic test results.
Recommended Upgrades to Complete Your Build
| Upgrade Component | Benefit & Application |
|---|---|
| ATI Super Damper | *MANDATORY FOR 1000HP RATING* Controls destructive crank harmonics that destroy oil pumps and flexplates at high RPM/HP. |
| Atomic Steel Oil Pump | Upgrade from the brittle factory sintered gears to a full steel housing and nitrided billet gears to guarantee oil pressure under shock loading. |
| 12mm Tool Steel Head Studs | Drop-in replacement for factory head bolts. Required to keep the cylinder head clamped down under boost. |
| Atomic MLS-D Head Gasket | The ultimate sealing solution to pair with our decked block surface and Tool Steel head studs. |
⚠️ Core Exchange & Warranty
The 550 GT-A Short Engine is sold on an exchange basis, or a core charge applies if you do not have a serviceable block and crank to supply. Please contact us to discuss core availability.
Quality Assurance: You will receive a comprehensive build report verifying your block's ultrasonic thickness and the exact clearances used during assembly.
