Ford's 450HP 7.3L 'Godzilla' V8 | Inside Info & Spy Pics | Where's the Direct Injection?

Ford's 450HP 7.3L 'Godzilla' V8 | Inside Info & Spy Pics | Where's the Direct Injection?
7.3_MPGA_2.jpg


It's safe to say that there's some excitement around the release of Ford's New 7.3L Godzilla V8 Engine. Let's face it, no one really expected to see a brand new pushrod V8 engine design from Ford Motor Company in 2019. We here at SVTP did our best to bring you the insider info we uncovered during the 7.X's development, and now that it is here we can share with you some of the "behind-the-scenes" materials we were able to dig up and some HP numbers we keep hearing batted around.

Here are our previous articles on the 7.3L if you want to review the story's development:

So to not bury the lead, we've heard from several sources that the internal goal for the 7.3L Godzilla engine is 450HP. It may come in a little higher or lower, but that seems to be the figure Ford engineers were initially shooting for. No word yet on a torque figure, but my guess is somewhere around 500lbft. One thing is for certain, big power is going to be made on the low-end of the RPM range. For the current applications the 7.3L is slated for, stump-pulling grunt always on tap is a standing order.


Another good bit of information is that the lead on this engine program was Brian Wolfe. If that name sounds familiar it's probably because Wolfe is an avid drag racer, and was the Director of Ford Racing during its glory days. His name still carries a lot of weight with those who are working hard to unleash maximum performance from all things Blue Oval related. He was known to be extremely accessible, so much so that he happily took a phone call from me in 2004 to discuss the Terminator and SVTP. I was only about 21 then, but he took the time out of his day to talk cars with someone he had never met that just happened to get his number from a mutual friend. That's just the kind of guy he is. I can't disclose all the features of the 7.3 over which he personally bludgeoned the bean counters to make sure they stayed in the program, but in a future installment we'll cover them. You're going to see a lot of the knowledge and experience Wolfe gained from Pro-Stock Drag Racing transferred into the DNA of the 7.3L.


Speaking of DNA, we have healthy looking iron block, some ridiculously gorgeous aluminum heads, and a forged crank. I can see this engine becoming a more popular swap option than the 5.0 Coyote V8 in the next few years (if FPRP cranks out a control pack for it). You may be asking yourself, "What happened to SVTP's predictions of Direct Injection." All I can say is that the engine was developed with the addition of direct injection in mind. It could be that it's being held back for a future program or a mid-cycle power increase. With dual-fuel systems and 12:1 compression you're easily looking at a 500+ Horsepower engine. We'll get into that more bellow as we review some spy pics for which many Bothans died to bring us.


Ford, especially the performance side, listens to their customers. If you want to see this engine design in more than just trucks you really need to make your voice heard. If I can point them to a 50+ page thread of current Ford owners saying they want this engine in a Mustang there's a chance we can make that happen. I'll take mine with an aluminum block, a destroked crank, in Grabber Blue, with the name Boss 429 emblazoned on the side. What about you? For now, let's do a deep dive into the details and pics:

7.3L_Deep_Dive_019.jpg


Let's start off with this little crop of the head. As you can see here, the port for a Direct Fuel Injector has been machined above the intake port.


7.3L_Deep_Dive_024.jpg


Here's a little bigger view in which you can see the intake port, spring pockets, guides, and pushrod through-holes. Also take notice of the extensive ribbing cast in for extra strength and the pedestal mounts for the roller rockers.


7.3L_Deep_Dive_021.jpg

Here you can see the wide based mounting surface, spark plug holes with a generous number of threads, and the exhaust port.


7.3L_Deep_Dive_020.jpg

Speaking of ports, check out these intake ports.


7.3L_Deep_Dive_022.jpg


They are a wide-mouthed design that are undoubtedly capable of massive flow right out of the box.

7.3L_Deep_Dive_025.jpg

I mean just look at this port. Imagine what these will flow with a little port work from @Livernois Motorsports.

7.3L_Deep_Dive_023.jpg


Remember us saying the combustion chamber held massive valves and had a similar shape to a Dart Pro1 head? Well here it is. Notice the pocket cast into the top for a DI injector. It doesn't look like coolant flow or oil drain-back will be an issue either.


7.3L_Deep_Dive_001.jpg


It all adds up to a new Ford Engine that performance enthusiasts can really get excited about. I want to see Godzilla swaps in everything.
 
These will be on lots before the end of the year?

Was wanting to test drive a 6.2L, 7.3L and the 6.7L(D)

I know the 6.2L. Power wise it's ok, but's it's a freaking durable engine.

When looking at a truck that would see 20-25k a year, I definitely want to feel good about an engine that will last more so than power.
 
These will be on lots before the end of the year?

Was wanting to test drive a 6.2L, 7.3L and the 6.7L(D)

I know the 6.2L. Power wise it's ok, but's it's a freaking durable engine.

When looking at a truck that would see 20-25k a year, I definitely want to feel good about an engine that will last more so than power.

The advantage of the 7.3L is it is so damn simple compared to the PSD.
 
The advantage of the 7.3L is it is so damn simple compared to the PSD.

Yea. Which is why I'm 90% sure I'll be going gas for a 250.
Cost to maintain and simplicity is key.

Also, liking the 10 speed that will be paired. Could get away with 4.10's+ and not take too much of a hit.
 
Re 4.10s with 10 speed do u need 4.10s as first couple gears steeper. Those ford charts not clear to me. What is max tow rating with two rear ends on a F250 crew sub 4x4?
 
Re 4.10s with 10 speed do u need 4.10s as first couple gears steeper. Those ford charts not clear to me. What is max tow rating with two rear ends on a F250 crew sub 4x4?
I will be very interested to see what the available gear ratios are for the 10 spd gasser.

I may be critical of the suits at Ford these days, but their 2020 Super Duty lineup seems like it will be a home run.
 
Devils advocate: with a 10 speed and the steeper first couple gears wouldn't the 3.73s be fine too. ;) (I will prob go 4.30s)
Hell in tow haul mode if they had a 5:1 1st, 4.30:1 2nd and 3.5:1 3rd (examples only) you could run 3.73 or even 3.55s for respectable unloaded fuel economy and the gear ratios to safely get going while loaded.
 
Tow guide as posted on some sites has some odd errors. Lists tow rating for 4.30s but none for 3.73s. Which is fair as based on order guide 3.73s not offered on F250/are on F350!. No #s for 3.55s listed (the other option for F250). Clear?
 
On F350 the jump from 3.73 to 4.30 is 4,000 lbs. One would expect F250 with 3.55s would drop minimum 4,000 lbs to 15,100. Still higher than 17-19 F250 6.2L rating with 4.30s. That's win win. I'd prob still choose 4.30s but....
 
Don’t get tricked into better “fuel economy” with numerically lower gears on a truck like this.

You want all the gear you can get, period.

The first time you hook a trailer to it you’ll be happy and understand why.


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com
 
If towing was that serious to me I'd buy the 1,050 ft lb beast. A tell for me will be what Ford sends to the eventual shootouts. For example if tflt.com does the Ike shootout and Ford sends a 7.3L 3.55 and it out pulls the new gm 6.6L then I may be tempted w 3.55s. ...but I'd prob go 4.30s as I upsize the rubber a bit.
 
If towing was that serious to me I'd buy the 1,050 ft lb beast. A tell for me will be what Ford sends to the eventual shootouts. For example if tflt.com does the Ike shootout and Ford sends a 7.3L 3.55 and it out pulls the new gm 6.6L then I may be tempted w 3.55s. ...but I'd prob go 4.30s as I upsize the rubber a bit.
Thats a good point. Id be interested to see the Tremor on a 7.3L truck. Factory 35's are standard on Tremor according to the press.
 

Users who are viewing this thread




Top