Unleash the Beast with Ford's Godzilla 7.3L Crate Engine Control Pack

Introduction to the Godzilla 7.3L Control Pack

The release of the Godzilla 7.3L control pack from Ford Performance has created a lot of excitement among Ford truck enthusiasts and the engine swapping community. This powerful V8 crate engine package provides everything needed to swap a Godzilla into your Ford truck or vehicle project.

The Godzilla engine debuted in the 2020 Ford Super Duty pickup trucks. Named after the legendary movie monster due to its power and performance, the 7.3L pushrod V8 gasoline engine quickly gained a cult following. While the Godzilla came stock in Super Duty trucks, demand grew for aftermarket versions to swap into other vehicles.

Ford Performance answered by releasing the Godzilla 7.3L control pack featuring a brand new crate engine, wiring harness, PCM and more. With this kit, you have all the essential components to install a Godzilla into a range of Ford trucks from the 1990s to today. The kit even allows Godzilla swapping into non-Ford muscle cars and trucks given the right parts and skill set.

This article will provide an overview of the Godzilla 7.3L control pack including details on the crate engine, what's included in the kit, requirements for installation, vehicles it can be swapped into, and more. Whether you’re planning your own Godzilla swap or just researching the possibilities, read on to learn all about this powerful engine control pack straight from Ford Performance.

Godzilla 7.3L V8 Crate Engine

At the heart of the control pack lies the mighty Godzilla 7.3L V8 crate engine. This pushrod gasoline motor shares its architecture with Ford's 7.3L Power Stroke diesel but features an iron engine block and forged steel crankshaft designed for higher RPMs and power.

The naturally aspirated Godzilla puts out 430 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM in the Ford Super Duty trucks. That's plenty of power for pushing around full-size trucks with ease. Equipped with this modern gas V8, your swap project will have stout low-end grunt and high-revving capability.

Some key engine specs and features include:

• Displacement: 7.3L (445 cubic inches)
• Architecture: Pushrod OHV V8
• Fuel System: Port Fuel Injection
• Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
• Max RPM: 6,000 RPM
• Cylinder Heads: Aluminum with crossflow design
• Valvetrain: Hydraulic roller tappets
• Oiling System: High volume and pressure capable
• Length: 29.5 inches
• Width: 29.5 inches
• Height: 32 inches
• Dry Weight: approx 715 pounds

The crate engine's overall size allows it to fit in standard engine bays designed for big block V8's. It's not as compact as say an LS V8, but its external dimensions offer nice clearance for most swaps. The dry weight is also reasonable to handle for a big cubic inch V8.

Ford factory build quality and testing ensure this 7.3L is ready for extreme use right out of the crate. You can rely on the Godzilla to provide big power numbers and reliability when properly installed and tuned.

7.3L Control Pack Contents

The Godzilla control pack from Ford Performance includes the major components needed to get the engine up and running in your truck or car. Here's an overview of what's included:

• 7.3L V8 Crate Engine - The star of the show, factory sealed and ready to open up and drop in.
• Wiring Harness - Brand new engine wiring with fuse box and PCM connectors.
• PCM - Dialed in Power Control Module to run the fuel injection and ignition.
• Accelerator Pedal - Throttle pedal assembly to mount under the dash.
• Harness for Accelerator Pedal - Wiring to connect the throttle pedal to PCM.
• MAP Sensor - Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor.
• IAT Sensor - Intake Air Temperature sensor.
• Oil Pressure Sensor - Critical oiling system sensor.
• Knock Sensors - Set of 2 knock sensors.
• Fuel Pressure Sensor - Measures fuel system pressure.
• Coolant Temperature Sensor - Monitors engine operating temperature.

This comprehensive kit provides all the electronics along with the engine itself for a complete Godzilla swap. No need to source a PCM, wire up sensors or figure out a throttle setup. The control pack has you covered with quality components ready to install.

Installation Overview

While the control pack delivers the core components, there's still some work involved to get the Godzilla engine swapped into your vehicle. The process will vary depending on the specific car or truck, but here's an overview of the main steps involved:

1. Remove existing drivetrain including engine and transmission from the vehicle.
2. Lift Godzilla engine into engine bay and secure on motor mounts.
3. Install oil pan, timing cover, valve covers and front accessory drive.
4. Mount new transmission to engine and install driveshaft.
5. Run new fuel line to feed the engine fuel rails.
6. Connect engine sensors, accelerator pedal and wiring harness.
7. Wire power supply through control pack fuse box.
8. Connect PCM and ensure it communicates with sensors.
9. Fabricate custom exhaust system and installation.
10. Complete any additional coolant plumbing, chassis bracing etc.
11. Prime the oiling system and fuel system before firing up.

It's a lengthy process, especially for DIY installers without access to a fully equipped shop. But the payoff is enjoying gobs of Godzilla power in a custom swap application.

Compatible Vehicles

Ford designed the Godzilla control pack to simplify installs into 1990s to current Ford trucks including:

• F-150
• F-250
• F-350
• Excursion
• Econoline Vans
• Broncos

The kit supports both 2WD and 4WD applications. You can stick with the original manual or automatic transmission paired to the Godzilla. It will involve some adaptation of crossmembers and drivetrain mounts. Those with some fabrication skills can also upgrade to newer 6R80 6-speed automatic or Tremec manual transmissions for additional performance.

Of course, the fun part about a crate engine is swapping it into non-traditional applications. The Godzilla can also be installed into:

• Ford hot rods & customs
• Muscle cars like Mustangs
• Non-Ford muscle cars and trucks
• Airboats, mud trucks and other specialty vehicles

The sky's the limit when you have 430 naturally aspirated horses on tap! Just be prepared for significantly more work adapting motor mounts, drive train, steering, electrical when straying from Ford trucks. Custom headers, oil pans and cooling systems may also be needed to fit in tight engine bays.

Tuning and Fuel Requirements

While the control pack provides a turnkey solution for starting up the Godzilla, you'll need supporting mods and custom tuning to optimize performance. Key factors include:

• Fuel System - Plan for upgraded fuel pumps and injectors to supply enough gasoline.
• Ignition Upgrades - Better spark plugs, wires and ignition coils optimize the combustion process.
• Tuning - Custom calibration of the PCM through dyno tuning unleashes more power gains.
• Headers & Exhaust - Higher flowing headers and exhaust maximize airflow out of the engine.
• Air Intake - Cold air intake kit improves airflow into the engine.

In stock 430 HP trim, the Godzilla will run fine on 91+ octane pump gas. For big power builds targeting 500+ horsepower, you'll need race fuel or E85 ethanol to prevent detonation issues. The components are designed for serious performance upgrades down the road.

Benefits of the Godzilla 7.3L Engine

The Godzilla provides enticing benefits that make it a top choice for modern engine swaps including:

• Huge Displacement - 7.3 liters of V8 muscle for massive torque.
• Pushrod Design - Simple but stout architecture with proven reliability.
• All Aluminum - Lightweight construction compared to big iron blocks.
• EFI Fuel Injection - Precision fueling and timing right from the factory.
• 21st Century Technology - Utilizes current Ford engineering and tech.
• Available from Ford - Order through dealers without junkyard hunting.

When it comes to picking a modern crate engine, the Godzilla checks off a lot of boxes. It delivers big V8 excitement and serious performance gains in a swap-friendly package.

Comparison to Other Engine Options

The Godzilla has some fierce competition when it comes to options for engine swaps these days. Here's how it stacks up to some other popular choices:

• LS Series: Very compact, huge aftermarket support. But a bit played out as the go-to swap choice.
• Hemi 5.7L: Modern pushrod V8 like the Godzilla but heavier iron block. Limited aftermarket support.
• Ford Coyote: High revving DOHC V8 like the 5.0L in Mustangs. Lacks low end torque.
• Ford 460 FE: Classic iron big block Ford. Cheap and powerful but much older technology.

The Godzilla splits the difference nicely with abundant torque, high RPM capability and advanced design. It splits the difference nicely between other options.

Downsides to Consider

While the 7.3L Godzilla engine has a lot going for it, there are some potential downsides to think through as well:

• Cost is higher than junkyard engines
• Requires custom fabrication for non-Ford swaps
• Not emissions legal in all states
• Complex wiring and electronics
• Tuning requires specialty PCM experience
• Can be tight squeeze in compact engine bays

For simpler swaps into older Fords, an FE big block or 351 Windsor may be cheaper and easier to work with. And the Godzilla won't pass smog testing in the strictest emissions controlled states like California.

But the extra time, cost and effort pays off for those wanting maximum modern muscle. The Godzilla delivers performance worthy of its fire-breathing name.

Excitement for the Future

The Godzilla 7.3L control pack is just the start of offerings from Ford Performance. They also recently released a Godzilla based 5.0L coyote crate engine, the Predator 6.2L V8, and supercharger kits.

Expect continued evolution of these crate engines along with speed parts like cylinder heads, camshafts and intakes. Aftermarket companies are also gearing up with Godzilla swap components for easier installations.

With Ford's support, the Godzilla engine is here to stay. As more modified trucks and hot rods get outfitted with these monster V8's, it continues gaining traction in the engine swap community. The Godzilla's roar will be heard loud and clear for years to come.

Conclusion

The Godzilla control pack delivers 7.3L of all-aluminum big block Ford power to destroy the pavement in your modified truck or classic muscle car. With cutting edge engineering straight from Ford Performance, it provides a next generation swap option.

While swapping a Godzilla engine into any ride takes serious skills and effort, the payoff is massive torque and horsepower. This pushrod V8 gives you modern reliability and technology along with old school big cubic inch excitement.

As more builders push the limits of these stout 7.3L engines, Godzilla swaps will continue growing in popularity. Get your roaring beast before they go extinct!

FAQs

What vehicles can you install the Godzilla into?

The Godzilla control pack is designed to work with 1990s to current Ford trucks including F-150, F-250, F-350, Broncos, Excursions and Econoline vans. It can also be swapped into other Ford vehicles or non-Ford cars and trucks with custom fabrication.

What kind of power does the Godzilla 7.3L make?

In stock form the Godzilla produces 430 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM. With supporting mods and tuning, output can be increased to over 500 horsepower.

What transmission options work with the Godzilla?

You can use the original manual or automatic transmission paired to the Godzilla engine. For added performance, the 6R80 6-speed auto or Tremec manual transmissions are popular upgrades.

Is the Godzilla emissions legal in my state?

The crate engine may not meet emissions regulations in the strictest states like California. Verify legality for your specific area before purchasing.

What additional parts do I need beyond the control pack?

You'll need supporting engine parts like motor mounts, oil pan, headers and cooling system components. A custom tune, upgraded fuel system and ignition mods help optimize performance.