Godzilla Swap Guide
Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 Guide
Godzilla Guide—Enhancing the performance of Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 is getting easier thanks to this gear
Photography courtesy of the manufacturers
Sure, there’s no replacement for displacement, and bigger definitely is better. So, when Ford introduced its new 7.3-liter As a bonus the engine also shares the same bellhousing bolt pattern as Ford’s popular 4.6-, 5.0-, and 5.4-liter engines, which makes swaps even easier.
The naturally aspirated, pushrod V8 powerplant known as Ford’s Godzilla engine, was the first non-hybrid and non-EcoBoost introduction to the Blue Oval family in quite some time. Its cast iron block, pushrod configuration gives it massive low-end torque and extreme durability that ticked a lot of boxes for performance enthusiasts; in 2023, a smaller displacement 6.8-liter Godzilla later joined the family as a complement to the original.
417 Motorsports Swap Oil Pan
Built to order by 417 Motorsports, these Ford 7.3-liter engine oil pans are perfect for swapped vehicles that require a low-profile rear sump oil pan. Measuring only 5.875 inches deep to provide significant gains in ground clearance over the OEM pan and designed around a Team Z K-member, each holds eight quarts of oil and includes new pickup and all hardware required. INFO HERE – https://tdmotion.com/product/417-motorsports-7-3-godzilla-swap-oil-pan-o-ring-surface/
Aeromotive Fuel Rail
Aeromotive’s famed fuel rails are now available to supply ample fuel flow to the 2020-and-newer Ford 7.3-liter V8 gas engine. Each fuel rail comes complete with mounting brackets and mounting hardware.
Callies
Callies Ultra connecting rods are produced from extremely clean, premium-grade TimkenSteel and manufactured in the United States. Their Ultra H-Beam connecting rod is designed to satisfy the requirements of the most demanding racing applications and is now available for Ford 7.3-liter Godzilla engines.
COMP Cams
COMP Cams’ three new camshafts for Ford’s 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 offer different performance characteristics to maximize performance. Stage 1 is ideal for mileage and optimized performance, Stage 2 was designed to improve low- and mid-range torque for heavy vehicles and towing, while Stage 3 is a great all-around performance option for lighter cars or trucks that have been Godzilla swapped and delivers approximately 100 horsepower and 25 pound-feet of torque over stock.
MSRP: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 – Utilizing COMP Cams Conical Valve Springs to provide .675 inches of valve lift, the Ford 7.3-liter valve spring kit features a diameter and progressive pitch-driven natural frequency. This design increases the valvetrain rpm while reducing resonance concerns and decreasing dynamic spring oscillations. The result is longer spring life and the ability to run a more aggressive camshaft. It utilizes chrome-moly steel retainers and stock valve seals.
COMP Cams offers a unique 1/2-inch drive, 22mm, 16-point socket tool to remove the camshaft phaser bolt on the 7.3-liter Godzilla engine, a cam phaser lockout kit to eliminate the variable valve timing necessary when installing larger cams to prevent VVT from moving the camshaft installed centerline and increases piston-to-valve clearance, and a cam phaser limiter kit to restrict the cam phaser motion for high-performance camshaft use which results in a broader powerband.
Danbury Competition Engines’ shallow oil pans for the Ford 7.3-liter engine are a must-have when swapping the engine into a car application that requires enhanced ground clearance for street driving as they provide approximately 2 inches more clearance compared to stock. When fitted in a Fox Mustang with stock spindles, Team Z K-member, and Flaming River manual rack, ground clearance is improved by 6 inches.
Diamond Racing Pistons
Diamond Pistons’ performance and racing pistons for the 7.3-liter Ford Godzilla engine feature 3D milling on piston crowns for ready-to-install finish, moly skirt coating for friction loss and skirt wear protection, over-sized valve pockets for larger than stock valve sizes, forged 2618 material for strength needed in high horsepower/boosted applications, and are made in the USA. Available in 4.220- to 4.250-inch bore sizes and stock engine stroke with -15.50cc, -20.50cc, and -25.50cc dish piston designs.
Edelbrock
Edelbrock’s new XTS manifold for the Ford 7.3-liter engine offers lightweight, sheetmetal construction with billet flanges in an attractive and durable black powder-coat finish, featuring shorter than stock tapered runners tuned for high-rpm gains. Includes spacer for 102mm throttle body, and an adapter for the stock throttle body orientation is available separately.
Ford Performance
Of course, Ford Performance stepped up to make the Godzilla available to the public as a crate engine. With 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, this Godzilla weighs in at 580 pounds and boasts aluminum cylinder heads, a forged steel crankshaft, cast aluminum pistons, and a 10.5:1 compression ratio.
Also in late 2023, an even better, bad-assier version of the Godzilla was introduced by Ford Performance not long after. Dubbed the Megazilla, the upgraded Godzilla still comes with a 7.3-liter displacement and 10.5:1 compression, but its power output was bumped up to 612 horsepower at 5,580 rpm and a whopping 670 lb-ft of torque at just 3,920 rpm all in a streetable package and running on pump gas.
FuelTech
FuelTech’s world-famous, universal, complete standalone FT550 and FT600 ECUs feature touchscreen displays, dataloggers, and delay boxes all in one. The single unit can control fuel injection, ignition, boost, nitrous, shifting, staging, power management, and much more. FuelTech’s systems can control Godzilla-specific functions such as the variable pressure oil pump, VVT for cam timing control, SENT throttle control, and support the OEM trigger pattern. Base tunes are available for several Ford 7.3-liter combinations, and every ECU comes with technical support. A Godzilla-specific engine harness will be released later in 2024.
Harrop Harrop’s innovative TVS2650 supercharger for the Ford 7.3-liter crate engine features Australian engineering and utilizes the largest, most efficient rotating group produced by Eaton, the TVS2650, which has an inverted design increasing the plenum volume to maximize performance. Additionally, the front drive/front inlet design allows for a shorter less restrictive intake path allowing for improved airflow and superior performance. Expertly assembled by qualified technicians to ISO9001 quality standards and individually tested in-house on a dynamometer to ensure reliability and durability. 
Holley
Holley’s low-profile intake manifold for Ford’s 7.3-liter engine allows for easy installation into vintage vehicles, kit cars, and other space-restricted applications while retaining the factory hood. The design focus for this manifold was equal cylinder distribution and great street manners. This low-profile intake manifold offers a much cleaner alternative to the original plastic intake, provides 2 to 3.5 inches of additional clearance, corrects the OE throttle body angle by 55 degrees, and increases the opening to 92mm. Aside from the intake manifold, Holley is practically a one-stop shop for all your Godzilla needs, offering everything from swap-friendly oiling systems to front-end accessory drives and more.
Indy Power Products
The Indy Power Products cast aluminum dual plane intake manifold is an ideal solution for increased horsepower at higher rpm or for those who are looking for a traditional look. This intake performs well at 6,200 rpm and above as early results showed an output of 625 horsepower with plenty of development left.
The Indy Power Products billet front cover assembly is designed to work with the stock Ford oiling system. The patented billet cover replaces the cast OE cover and has provisions for mounting Indy Power Products’ front accessory drive to create a compact, clean, and rigid accessory mounting system. Includes water pump and pulley, crank seal, water passage seals, and everything needed to replace the stock 7.3-liter front cover. M
Indy Power Products’ 7.3-liter Godzilla fuel rails are designed specifically for the Ford Godzilla engine. Sold as a pair and anodized black for a durable finish, each features ports machined for -8 O-ring fittings. MSRP: $225.00
Sold in pairs, Indy Power Products’ billet valve covers are designed for mounting the stock Ford 7.3-liter coil and plug wires as well as the GM D585 Smart Coils with the optional mounting kit. Choose from “Godzilla” or “Powered By Ford” styles, the valve covers utilize the Ford OE valve cover gaskets and are designed for wiring to be routed under the cover with machined slots at both ends for a clean look. MSRP: $1,600.00
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e Billet Flexplate
Meziere Enterprises’ billet flexplate works not only for Ford Modular engines but also for the Coyote and 7.3-liter Godzilla. Certified to SFI 29.2, these plates are a superior choice for quality and precision and are machined to exacting tolerances from 4340 round bar with Meziere’s proprietary manufacturing process to ensure the strongest gear tooth, least runout, and the best longevity on the market.
Moroso
For use with 2020+ Ford 7.3 Godzilla applications with ignition coils in stock locations, Moroso’s spark plug 8mm ultra wire set is rated at 350 ohms/ft and features straight coil boots and 135-degree spark plug boots. An inner insulation layer adds optimum dielectric strength while the outer jacket offers superior heat and flame resistance, and silicone plug boots protect against high-heat situations while ensuring sure grip and snap-lock terminals for positive connections.
OBR Control Systems
A pioneer when it comes to controlling Godzilla engines, OBR Control Systems offers complete ECU and wiring harness kits in various stages for Godzilla 7.3-liter crate engines. Based around the company’s E8G controller and rounded out by bespoke OBR engine wiring harness constructed from aircraft-quality wire, they include a power supply harness with relays for the engine, fuel pump, and fan plus a manifold air pressure and temperature sensor. There is a based kit calibrated and wired for the out-of-the-box Godzilla crate engine and the other versions can be configured and calibrated for a variety of options including camshafts, intake manifolds, and throttle bodies. The OBR ECU can be re-tuned to accommodate other modifications with the company’s proprietary software and OB256 communication kit.
Ultimate Headers
Designed by Ultimate Headers to fit 1979-2004 Ford Mustangs that have been outfitted with a Team Z K-member and swapped with a Ford 7.3-liter engine, these stainless steel long tube headers are a direct bolt-in upgrade and feature investment cast flanges and tight radius elbows with 2-inch primaries and 3-inch collectors. Details here
Designed by Ultimate Headers to fit 2011-2014 Ford Mustangs utilizing a stock K-member and that have been swapped with a Ford 7.3-liter engine, these stainless steel long tube headers are a direct bolt-in upgrade and feature investment cast flanges and tight radius elbows with 2-inch primaries and 3-inch collectors. Requires the use of Scotidi Race Development engine mounts.
GODZILLA ENGINE / TRANSMISSION PACKAGES AVAILABLE. CLICK HERE