



The Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine is a modern, naturally aspirated workhorse first introduced with the 2020 Super Duty lineup. Here’s a deep dive into what makes it tick:
Key Specifications & Build
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Configuration: 90° pushrod V8 (cam-in-block), OHV with two valves per cylinder, featuring variable cam timing Displacement: 7.3 L (445 ci); bore 4.22″ × stroke 3.976″ + cross-bolts; aluminum heads; forged crank; hypereutectic aluminum pistons
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Heads & Valvetrain: 63 cc chamber; intake valves 2.17″, exhaust 1.67″; beehive springs, hydraulic roller lifters, rocker ratio ~1.8:1
Performance Figures
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Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
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Stock Power: 430 hp @ 5,500 rpm; 475–485 lb‑ft torque @ 4,000 rpm mm throttle body; uses 87‑octane and can be flex‑fuel capable depending on tuning
Design & Usability
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Durability First: Simpler pushrod design (no turbos or DI) for ruggedness and easy maintenance Compact for Swaps: Smaller footprint than OHC modular V8s; compatible mounting/flange patterns with Coyote engines
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Internal Features: Piston cooling jets, variable oil pump, chain-driven cam, saw-cut bores for cooling
Aftermarket & Performance Potential Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine
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Stock crate engines like Ford Performance M‑6007‑73B deliver the factory 430 hp & assembly/hardware included
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Companies offer beefed-up crate builds:
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Reviewers note it’s a durable, simpler gas engine alternative to diesel in large trucks—offering similar power at lower cost and complexity
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Enthusiasts report it’s reliable for the long haul—300K + miles is common with proper maintenance:
“I had a fit with 350k on it lol”
Summary Of Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine
The Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine blends old-school mechanical simplicity with modern robustness and performance. It’s built tough, easy and cost-efficient to service, swappable into many platforms, and highly tunable—making it a rising favorite among builders and truck owners.
Let me know if you’d like help on swap kits, aftermarket head/intake upgrades, tuning tips, or drivetrain compatibility!
Here’s the latest on the Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine” — from cutting-edge builds to real-world ownership notes:
Recent Performance Builds & Power Upgrades
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OBR Control Systems (March 2024) tested a cam-shaft + Ford Performance intake + 92 mm TB combo, hitting a hefty 626 hp @ 5,750 rpm & 644 lb·ft torque p @ 6,000 rpm & 624 lb·ft torque—impressive for an NA engine Adding a Harrop supercharger (7 psi) boosted output to 766 hp and 757 lb·ft
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Whipple Superchargers is introducing a 3.0 L twin-screw Gen‑5 kit, rated for up to 1,800+ hp—ideal for bolt-on power adders A Willis Performance build bored to ~7.7 L nearly touched 1,000 hp at 8,000 rpm on the dyno—unboosted
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“just old‑fashioned hot‑rodding techniques… made 984 horsepower at 8,000 rpm on the engine dyno”
Swaps & Accessory Upgrades
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Holley High‑Mount Accessory Drive Kits (~$700–$2,950) streamline engine swaps, relocating oil pump, alternator, PS/A/C accessories, and improving clearance Engine swap-specific parts from Billet Pro Shop, Weir Racing & Apocalypse Performance include:
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High-flow billet fuel rails, valve covers, water-pump delete plates, oil cooler adapters, lift plates ($50–$300)
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Headers from Ultimate Headers for Fox Bodies & Mustangs (MSRP ~$1,400–1,480)
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Indy Power Products intake manifold boosts RPM power, credited with ~625 hp on a swap
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Cam Phaser Lockout Kits & special socket tools available for those running big cams or locking VVT—handy for consistent high-RPM tuning
Real-World Ownership & Reliability Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine
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Owners praise engine’s torque and capability in real-world towing:
“Never once lacked power… happily passed every semi up hill in the mountains”
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Teething issues with lifters & oil pump tuning appear resolved in 2023+ Godzillas:
“The consensus is that these have been addressed/fixed in 2023+ models.”
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Some early issues with transmissions in 2020-2022 trucks, but more recent models show better reliability .
Summary & Next Steps
Category | Highlights |
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Stock potential | 430 hp / 475–485 lb·ft |
NA upgrades | ~626–655 hp via cam/intake, ~984 hp with stroker build |
Boosted setups | Harrop supercharged ~766 hp; Whipple kit aiming at 1,800 hp+ |
Swap accessories | High-mount drive, swap kits, intake manifolds, headers |
Reliability | 2023+ models improved; lifter/oil tuning sorted |
Where do you want to go next? I can help you explore:
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Parts sourcing and pricing (e.g., Holley kits, intake manifold, headers).
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Planning a specific build: NA big-cube, boost-ready, or full stroker.
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Swap logistics and necessary control packs/harnesses.
Let me know your vision—towing, street rod, or showpiece—and we’ll dive deeper!
esh update on the Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine reliability, fixes, and new high-performance crate options :
Lifter & Lifter-Related Issues Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine
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In early production models, lifter failures—often followed by cam damage—were reported. Many were tied to low oil pressure at idle and defective oil pump tuning
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Fortunately, Ford released a PCM software update to adjust the variable‑oil pump and improve lifter operation
Reddit Owner Reports:
“The consensus is that these have been addressed/fixed in 2023+ models.”
“I have a 2023 with 26,000 miles and haven’t had an issue so far.”
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Early issues were most common in 2020–2022 (especially vans/E-series and high-idle usage); from 2023 onward, significantly fewer reports and fixes applied
Other Common Problems & Owner Advice Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine
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Clicking/tapping noises, particularly on acceleration, often signal collapsed lifters; uncertainty remains whether it’s dealer oversight or lifter wear
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Some engines at ~90–140k miles encountered cylinder scoring and low compression after lifter/cam damage Other less frequent issues: wiring-harness failures, transmission (10‑speed TorqShift) shift roughness, and occasional oil consumption
Recommended Pre-Purchase Checklist & Updates
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Prioritize 2023 or newer model years to minimize early-production risks.
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Confirm with dealer that PCM software updates for oil-pump/lifter issues have been applied.
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Get service records: oil change frequency, PCM updates, inspections for metal debris. Higher-mileage units with good maintenance (particularly synthetic oil) are more stable ally checking oil samples and filter debris—for hidden wear .
High-Performance Crate Engines & 2025 Lineup
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Ford is releasing the Megazilla 2.0 supercharged Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine—that’s built for competition use—promised in late 2025 with up to 1,000 hp
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Earlier in 2025, Ford Performance launched a supercharged Ford 7.3L Godzilla Engine “Megazilla” for street & race, debuting both street-legal and competition versions toward the end of the year .
Summary Table
Category | Highlights |
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Model Years | 2020–2022 saw lifter/cam problems; 2023+ largely resolved with updates |
Software Fix | PCM tweak improves oil pressure; essential for early units |
Mileage & Maintenance | High-mileage builds reliable if oil/filter records are clean |
Major Failures | Lifter collapse → cam damage → engine replacements (<140k mi in worst cases) |
Crate Engine Updates | Megazilla & Megazilla 2.0 (supercharged, up to ~1,000 hp) in 2025 |
What’s Next?
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Looking to buy? Focus on 2023+ trucks, confirm PCM updates, inspect service history.
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Seeking swaps/upgrades? Let me help you prep parts list for tuning or crate engine integration.
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Planning massive builds? I can map out timelines, compatibility checklists, and cost estimates for Megazilla projects.