


Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor—one of the most robust and versatile modern pushrod engines:
Core Design & Specs of Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor
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Configuration: 90° naturally-aspirated OHV V8 with two valves per cylinder, hydraulic roller lifters, and variable cam timing
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Block & Rotating Assembly:
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Cast iron deep-skirt block with six-bolt mains + cross-bolts, saw‑cut bores, 9.65″ deck height Bore: 4.22″; Stroke: 3.976″ → 445 cu in (7.3 L) Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor
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Forged steel crank, powdered-metal I‑beam rods, hypereutectic pistons, piston cooling oil jets Heads & Cam:
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Fuel & Compression:
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Sequential multipoint injection via 80 mm throttle body; compression 10.5:1
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Performance (Stock) of Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor
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Output: 430 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 475–485 lb-ft torque @ 4,000 rpm (SAE-rated) Dimensions & Weight:
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Long-block: ~30″ L × 28.5″ W × 33″ H; ~540–580 lb dry
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Swap & Crate-Engine Features Of Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor
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Crate Options:
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430 hp “Super Duty” long-block ~US$8k–$9k (e.g., Power By The Hour, PBH) Ford Performance “Megazilla” 612 hp crate engine (PN M‑6007‑MZ73) ~US$25k
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Swappability:
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Shares bellhousing and flywheel bolt pattern with Coyote/modular V8s; high-mount accessory kits available
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Performance Tuning & Over-Build
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Naturally Aspirated Builds:
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Tuned (cams/heads/intake): ~600–790 hp NA
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Forced Induction:
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Harrop supercharger kit up to ~803 hp; ProCharger boost builds ~965 hp
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Twin-turbo builds (Merkel Racing): ~1,100–1,134 hp on stock block
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Willis Performance whipped up ~1,450 hp with Whipple + race fuel + solid bottom end
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Durability & Use Of Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor
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Highly regarded for its simplicity and long-term reliability:
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Owners report 300k+ miles with proper maintenance (e.g., “I had a fit with 350k on it lol”)
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Used across Super Duty trucks (F‑250 to F‑750), E‑Series vans, motorhome chassis, school buses since 2020
Quick Specs Table
Spec | Factory |
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Displacement | 7.3 L (445 ci) |
Bore × Stroke | 4.22″ × 3.976″ |
Compression | 10.5:1 |
Bore Spacing | 4.530″ |
Stock Power/Torque | 430 hp / 475–485 lb‑ft |
Weight | ~540–580 lb long-block |
Block | Cast iron, deep-skirt, cross-bolted mains |
Heads | Aluminum, 2‑valve, 63 cc chamber |
Fuel | MPI, 80 mm TB |
Crate Engine Price | ~$8–25 k |
Summary & Applications
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Workhorse reliability: rugged, simple architecture; proven longevity.
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Swap-friendly: compact OHV design, modular compatibility.
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Huge power ceiling: NA and FI builds span 600 hp → 1,450 hp.
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Variety of crate options: from stock to “Megazilla” extreme builds.
Would you like help with:
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Crate engine vs. swap kit pricing and sources?
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Performance upgrade path: cam/heads or forced induction?
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Swap fitment guidance (e.g., accessory drives, wiring, manual vs auto)?
Here’s the latest deep-dive on the Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor—covering reliability updates, owner experiences, and the powerful new crate engines:
Reliability & Lifter Fixes
Recent owner feedback suggests major issues with the valvetrain (lifters/cams) have notably improved in 2023+ models:
“The consensus is that these have been addressed/fixed in 2023+ models.”
“2024 really seems like the goldilocks model year. Engine issues sorted, transmission issues sorted”
While early 2020–2022 trucks often suffered clicking noises or catastrophic failure due to collapsed lifters—sometimes causing engine replacements—the later-year models appear much more reliable.
Owner Mileage & Longevity
Many users highlight impressive mileage with proper upkeep:
“I had a fit with 350 k on it lol”
Overall, the Godzilla’s hardy architecture can deliver 300,000 + miles when well maintained, making it competitive with legacy engine platforms.
Current Issues and Watch-Outs Of Ford 7.3 Godzilla V8 Motor
Though greatly improved, some issues persist:
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Occasional lifter/bearing noise under hard acceleration or cold starts in 2022 models bserved by LemonLawFirm Wiring harness glitches and transmission shift issues noted, typically repairable under warranty
Megazilla 2.0: 1,000+ hp Crate Beast
Ford recently unveiled the Megazilla 2.0 crate engine:
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Features a Gen‑6 3.0 L Whipple supercharger, forged internals, ported heads, and a steel crank.
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Delivers 1,000+ hp—restricted to competition/off‑road use
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Availability expected Q4 2025 via Ford or FP parts; likely a premium price beyond current ~US 22,995 for the NA Megazilla
For those wanting street legality, Ford also offers a supercharged Coyote crate (~800 hp) with a two-year/24,000‑mile warranty.
Summary Table
Area | Insight |
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Reliability | Major improvements in 2023/2024; fix applied via software update |
Mileage | 300k+ mi achievable with maintenance |
Current Issues | Some lingering noises, wiring/transmission quirks |
Crate Engines | Megazilla 2.0 (1,000+ hp), street-legal supercharged Coyote (~800 hp), both Q4 2025 |
What You Can Do Now
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Buying Advice: Opt for 2023 or newer models, verify lifter fix and software updates with your dealer.
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Maintenance Tips: Keep oil fresh, inspect filters for metal debris, and address any ticking during acceleration immediately.
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Epic Build Plans? Explore the forthcoming Megazilla 2.0—a competition-only, 1,000 hp powerhouse slated for late 2025.
Would you like help with:
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Locating and pricing software-lifter updates and hardware upgrades?
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Preparing for a Megazilla 2.0 build—fitment, ECU, harness, or drivetrain details?
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Choosing between a performance swap and buying a reliable newer Godzilla-powered rig