Ford Performance Makes 7.3-Liter V8 “Godzilla” Engine Available As Crate Engine
Alright all you V8 lovers out there. This one is for you! This news should get your engines revving (literally).
The Godzilla engine, aka the 7.3-liter gasoline-powered V8 found in the 2020 Ford F-250 is now available as crate engine, through Ford Performance.
We now know what engines will be available for the 2021 Ford F-150, which will have a V8, but not the popular Godzilla engine, and we also know that the new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will also have a V8, but again, not the Godzilla engine.
The Coyote engine found in both of these vehicles is powerful, fun and loud and should be enough power to where consumers would likely not do a swap of this Godzilla engine. However, for all those 4-cylinder Mustangs and the Ecoboost F-150 and Mustangs out there, Ford Performance has made this engine available to you.
The good news, as reported by my colleague Patrick Rall, the 7.3-liter V8 will physically fit in the engine bay of the current Mustang and the current F-150. Patrick further went on to speculate that there’s a chance that the Godzilla engine will be offered in the next-generation Ford Raptor.
I don’t believe that will happen, but it would certainly be interesting and the feedback I received from readers regarding this engine was incredibly positive. Enthusiasts love this engine, there’s no doubt. Rather, I suspect the Raptor will get an Ecoboost engine and probably the Coyote V8 engine, tuned up for performance.
Ford Performance Godzilla Crate Engine
According to the Ford Performance website, the 7.3-liter V8 engine crate package costs $8150. In the 2020 F-250 it has a horsepower rating of 430 and 475 pound-feet of torque.
The crate engine package includes the following:
• Cast iron block
• Aluminum cylinder heads
• Cam-in-block OHV design
• Forged steel crankshaft
• 430 HP at 5,500 rpm
• 475 lb./ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
• 10.5:1 compression
• Port fuel injection
The engine assembly includes:
• Intake and throttle body
• Left and Right exhaust manifolds
• Production oil pan/cooler
• Ignition coils and wires
• Production flex plate
• M-6038-73 shipping and storage cradle
• Factory lift brackets
This engine is assembled in Canada and a warranty is available when purchased through Ford Performance.
“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.”
Whipple offers Supercharger System for 7.3-liter V8 Godzilla engine
As I reported on earlier this year, performance-oriented company Whipple is offering a Stage 2 system that makes 750 pound-feet 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.”
So, who is going to make a swap? I want to hear what you would put this engine in and how it goes. Leave me a comment with your swap story.
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.