Ford is Developing a Twin-Turbo Godzilla V8!
Taking a break from electrification. Ford defies convention and slaps a pair of turbos on its 7.3L Godzilla V8.
The Ford 7.3L Godzilla V8 has been a hit since it was introduced for use in the Super Duty lineup last year. In fact, it was such a hit that Ford decided to offer it as a crate engine for additional applications. The old school pushrod is capable of putting out way more grunt than it offers from the factory. That is without even going down the forced induction route. An all-motor Godzilla can easily top the 700-horsepower mark. So, imagine what strapping a pair of turbochargers to it will do. Well, you may not have to imagine for much longer. Ford Authority is reporting that a twin-turbo 7.3L V8 is being tested in at least two Ford Super Duty models.
As of this writing nothing has been confirmed yet. It is not certain if the “Megazilla” engine will even make it to production, let alone what the power figures may be. However, this seems to be more than just wild rumor at this point. The test mules equipped with the twin-turbocharged engine featured heat shields on the front-end corners, as well as a modified hood treatment. Clearly this has gone beyond the back of a napkin sketch phase. The current 7.3L Godzilla may very well be the most under-stressed engine in the automotive world today. We have no doubts about it being able to easily handle some boost.
The Godzilla engine produced today puts out a maximum of 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque in the F-Series Super Duty trucks. These are respectable figures for sure but are only the beginning of the potential this mill offers. A couple of snails forcing air down Godzilla’s throat is going to make the monster a lot more powerful. The Ford Raptor R is reported to be getting a version of the Predator V8 currently found under the hood of the GT500. However, is it possible that a boosted Godzilla may also be offered in the latest super truck from Ford? If not, where might it turn up? Another engine option for the Super Duty is of course most likely if not the most inspired choice. How about dropping one of these beauties in a Ford Expedition? Or perhaps stuffing one under the hood of the new Bronco is possible?
As everyone knows, most automotive powerplant news these days centers around electricity. How big are the batteries? How much range can you get? And how long will it take to charge? That is all well and good and certainly a sign of the times. However, sometimes it is nice to hear a story about a good old-fashioned pushrod V8 being enhanced by a pair of turbos. Electricity may be the future but getting some news on an engine that runs off good old dinosaur juice is a refreshing and rare change. We will continue to monitor the situation and report on any updates we get. In the meantime, if this engine does see the light of day, in what vehicle would you like to see it deployed? Let us know your thoughts in the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forums.
Photos: Ford.com
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