Whipple’s New Supercharger Kit For Ford’s 7.3-Liter V8 Makes 700 HP and 750 lb.-ft. Of Torque

It seems the push away from V8s was going strong at the Ford Motor Company. And yet, the V8 has many loyal fans as these enthusiasts believe a truck should have the power and sound of a V8. Rather than open that can of worms (Ecoboost vs. V8 is a no-win argument), it was probably exciting to some to learn that Ford’s 7.3-liter V8 engine, affectionately named Godzilla, would be part of the 2020 lineup.

One of the big knocks on this engine, despite its fans, is that as is, it only makes 430 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. That falls short of the PowerStroke output found in other Super Duty trucks.

“The 7.3-liter is designed for maximum durability in the harshest environments given that our customers live and work in these conditions every day,” said Joel Beltramo, Ford manager for gas V8 engines. “This engine has the largest displacement in its class and is designed to provide benefits in key areas like power, durability, ease of maintenance and total operating costs.”

The 7.3-liter is available in 2020 Super Duty F-250 and F-350 pickup models. And now, there’s unsubstantiated rumors that this same engine might go into the 2021 Ford Raptor. Ford would not comment on that rumor, but there are many out there who are hoping it will.

Regardless of that rumor, Whipple has announced a supercharger system that will take the power and torque of the 7.3-liter engine to record levels.

2020 Ford 7.3-liter F-250 Stage 2 Supercharger System from Whipple
According to information provided by Whipple: “The Stage 2 system bolts to the factory engine with no cutting or grinding and differs from the Stage 1 with its unique Roval 132 mm billet throttle body vs. the stock 80 mm throttle body.”

This new Stage 2 system from Whipple makes 750 lb.-ft. of torque and 700 horsepower.

According to Whipple: “Nobody puts more time and resources into the development then Whipple. The proof is in the product, with more power per pound of boost than any other system.”

The key to making such incredible reliable power is in the Whipple unique twin screw supercharger, massive air-to-water intercooler, oversized Crusher air system and PCM programming that keeps the power-train safe and secure.

Whipple said: “Whether you’re looking for a daily driver that needs a little more punch or you’re craving a tire-frying, rubber shredding street machine, the Whipple Supercharger systems delivers like no other SC system today. Power from tip in to redline, the new Whipple SC system makes incredible power across the entire rpm range while maintaining industry leading drive-ability. Each Whipple system comes with the new Whipple Tomahawk flash tool which allows each customer to load the calibration into the PCM, read and erase codes, octane adjust capacity and the ability to customize wheel/axle sizes.”

Paired with Ford’s 10-speed transmission, this Whipple conversion adds an air temp sensor post intercooler while maintaining the stock sensor.

According to Whipple: “The 10-speed transmission is recalibrated to keep the engine in its peak torque range at nearly all RPM points along with keeping the off road, tow, eco and sport modes available so the user keeps all available options. No other aftermarket calibration can adapt and learn as the Whipple calibration.”

Will the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor get a V8?
I speculated in this article that with the coming battle between Raptor and the Ram Rebel TRX that it would only be logical for Ford to add a V8 to the next-generation Raptor. There are two possible options.

Ford’s V8 Coyote engine, that is in the 2020 GT500 would be a logical choice and could certainly battle it out with the Ram Rebel. However, other forum readers have postulated that the 7.3-liter Godzilla could be dropped into the Raptor and that would certainly make for impressive power and performance.

Imagine if Whipple got their hands on such a truck. The horsepower and torque would be quite interesting to say the least. I wrote earlier this year about a car dealership that made a 725-horsepower F-150 with a Whipple supercharger. The sky is almost the limit and certainly FCA Dodge/Ram aren’t the only carmaker capable of making horsepower.

Okay V8 fans, this is your chance to speak up. What do you think about this Godzilla engine? Are you a fan? Would you want it in the 2021 Raptor? Leave me a comment below.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.