5.4 to 7.3 Godzilla Swap Problems and Solutions. Worth It?

Automotive enthusiasts, particularly those who are fond of engine swaps, were pretty much worked up when Ford announced its 7.3-liter Godzilla engine in 2020. That's because if you are looking for an engine that can provide you with unbeatable performance, then the 7.3 Godzilla is the ideal choice for you. Its incredible power and advanced technology make it the perfect engine for anyone who wants to take their vehicle to the next level.

Key features and my opinion about the engine

• Production years:2020-now
• Average lifespan of 7.3L Godzilla:400,000-500,000 miles
• Fuel supply type:port injection
• Power range:300-430 hp
• Fuel efficiency:awful
• Engine block material:cast-iron
• Engine reliability score:high
• The most common problems:phasers are faulty, oil and coolant leaks, enormous fuel consumption.

A Quick Look at the Ford Godzilla 7.3-liter Engine

The 2021 Ford 7.3 Godzilla engine is a powerhouse that delivers incredible performance. The unit was made as a successor to the 6.8 Triton V10. Today, it is one of the most powerful and durable engines produced currently in the world.

The Ford Godzilla features a massive displacement of 7.3 liters and produces an impressive 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 475 lb-ft of torque at 4,050 rpm. The engine possesses a 4-inch piston stroke, 4-inch cylinder bore, and naturally-aspirated V8 design. It has a cast-iron block construction to ensure its durability and an aluminum cylinder head to keep it lightweight and improve its cooling. In addition, it is defined by its overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain structure and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The high compression ratio of the unit means more mechanical energy and higher thermal efficiency coming from it.

This engine is capable of towing up to 13,000 pounds and hauling up to 2,000 pounds in the bed of a pickup truck. It also has a payload capacity of 3,500 pounds, making it ideal for work trucks and other heavy-duty applications. The 7.3 Godzilla engine is also available with a 4x4 drivetrain option, making it even more versatile.

The Pros of Doing a Godzilla Swap

A Godzilla swap can be done for a variety of reasons such as increased power or improved fuel economy. However, the former is usually the main reason why people turn to this. Likewise, this presents a nice alternative for you if you simply just want to shake things up a little in your vehicle's overall features and performance.

There's no denying that the 5.4-liter V8 was such an imposing engine during its heyday. It comes in various powertrains ranging from 300 to 385 hp and from 355 to 385 lb-ft of torque. So far, the most powerful tune of the engine was from the Australian automaker Brabham in 2018, which raised its output up to 691 hp and 492 lb-ft of torque.

The 7.3-liter Godzilla, however, trumps the 5.4L V8 when it comes to base output. The Godzilla possesses so much potential in the tuning department as well since it is very adaptable and can be further enhanced using high-strength materials such as titanium. It can be modified with cutting-edge technologies, too, such as direct fuel injection. The result is an engine that is extremely powerful, more efficient, and more reliable.

So far, the most powerful build done for the Godzilla has a peak output of 1,450 horsepower and 1,030 lb-ft of torque with a very high redline at 8,500 RPM. The numbers were achieved thanks to some tweaks on the engine, including upgraded pistons, new rods, a new camshaft, and a dry-sump lubrication system. It also involved some ECU tinkering and the installation of superchargers on the host vehicle.

The Cons of Doing a Godzilla Swap

Swapping a Godzilla engine into your vehicle may seem like a great idea, but there are some potential problems that you should be aware of before making the swap.

One of the biggest issues is that the Godzilla engine is significantly larger than most engines, so it may not fit in your engine bay without modification. Additionally, the Godzilla engine is extremely powerful and could possibly damage your transmission or drivetrain if not used properly.

Another potential problem is that since the Godzilla engine is so powerful, it may be difficult to find parts and tune it properly. This can lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Speaking of expenses, the cost of the swap can easily cost a couple of thousand bucks or even north of $10,000, excluding the price of the Godzilla engine. It all depends on the amount of work needed on the recipient vehicle and the labor costs associated with the project should you decide to have it done by expert mechanics.

Swapping a Godzilla engine into your vehicle can be a great idea if done correctly, but there are some potential problems that you should be aware of before making the swap. If you are not sure whether or not you can handle the potential problems, it may be best to stick with a less powerful engine.

Solutions for a Successful Godzilla Swap

Swapping a 5.4-liter v8 to a 7.3-liter Godzilla involves a lot of work. You will need to modify or replace several parts of your engine, including:

• The engine itself
• The intake manifold
• The exhaust manifolds
• The water pump
• Several pulleys and brackets

Depending on your vehicle, you may also need to modify or replace the following:

• Radiator
• Intercooler
• Fuel system
• Drivetrain

Budget and time are probably the two biggest considerations when planning a 7.3 Godzilla swap. This project is not for the faint of heart or those short on time or money. Expect to spend several thousand dollars up to a grand for the project, but things can quickly balloon if you are planning on combining it with other mods.

The process of completing this swap may also take months depending on how many moving parts of the vehicle are affected by the new power unit. Take into account the expertise of the people working on the project as well in assessing the time it takes to finish the project.

But if you're up for the challenge, the results can be truly amazing. Just be sure to do your research and make careful plans before taking on this massive project.

Level of Expertise Needed for Godzilla Swap

When it comes to swapping a 5.4-liter V8 for a 7.3-liter Godzilla engine, there is a lot of work involved-as shown in the previous part of this article. This project requires a high level of expertise coupled with patience to successfully complete it.

Those considering undertaking this swap should have a thorough understanding of engine mechanics, as well as experience working on complex automotive projects. A 7.3 Godzilla swap is not something that can be completed by someone with limited mechanical knowledge or skills.

In addition to a strong mechanical background, those attempting this swap will also need access to quality tools, equipment, and a workshop. This is not a project that can be completed with makeshift tools or without the proper resources.

Attempting a 7.3 Godzilla swap without the required level of expertise or resources is most likely to result in failure. This is a complex project that should only be attempted by those who are confident in their abilities and have the necessary tools and resources at their disposal.

Cost of a Godzilla Swap

When it comes to swapping out a 5.4-liter V8 for a 7.3-liter Godzilla engine, the cost can vary quite a bit depending on the specific vehicle involved and the extent of the modifications required. However, in general, this type of swap will require a significant investment-typically several thousand dollars, excluding the $8,150 price of the 7.3L Godzilla V8.

Of course, the most important factor in determining the cost of any engine swap is the vehicle itself. In some cases, especially with older or less popular vehicles, it can be difficult to find an aftermarket 7.3 Godzilla engine that is a direct fit. This means that custom fabrication may be necessary in order to make the swap work, which can add considerably to the overall cost.

In addition, even if a direct-fit 7.3 engine is available, it is still likely that some modifications will be necessary in order to get it to snap properly into the vehicle. This could involve anything from simple trimming of body panels to more extensive surgery such as moving or modifying suspension components.

Finally, once the engine is installed, there will also be the matter of making sure that all of the ancillary systems are compatible with the new engine. This could include issues such as electrical wiring, fuel delivery, exhaust routing, and cooling system compatibility. In some cases, it may even be necessary to replace the transmission to mate it up with the new engine.

All told, then, a complete 5.4 to 7.3-liter Godzilla engine swap can easily cost upwards of $10,000 or more. Of course, the exact price will vary depending on the specifics of the vehicle and the extent of the modifications required, but this is a good ballpark estimate to keep in mind.

So, if you're considering a 5.4 to 7.3 Godzilla swap in your own vehicle, be sure to factor in the potential costs involved before making any final decisions. It's definitely not a cheap project, but if done right, it can certainly be worth the investment.

Should You Proceed with the Project?

A 5.4L V8 to 7.3L Godzilla V8 swap takes a lot of time, money, understanding, expertise, and patience to finish. So, prepare yourself psychologically, emotionally, and financially as you go over it.

In the end, everything will be worth it if you are looking for a total upgrade on your vehicle's power and performance.