Modular Motors are what Ford made famous. They went to a modual concept to try and make the manufactuing process and many of the engine parts interchangable with other motors. Some reports say it was because the manufacturing processes were modular but I disagree. I can add to my fame in saying I was the one of the guys who cracked the first powdered metal rod ever made.
Some of the first (they did for production motors).
First powdered metal conn rod
First "cracked cap & rod (patented at Romeo engine plant
First light weight hollow tube cam shafts with powdered metal cam lobes swedged on (super light compared to cast camshafts.
First to make a "Turn Broached" crank shaft patented. This is for machining the counter weights and knife edging them.
In reality Ford revolutionised the engines when they made the V8, V10 modular motor 4.6, 5.4, 6.8L. They never got the credit they deserved and everyone has copied or pay them royalties now.
Actually i am working on a project for Ford Clev Oh V6 crank line now, and its cool to see the high teck V6 get marked Jaguar and next to it get marked Ford. Very simalar to the mad V8 motors in design.