Ford is currently developing a twin-turbo version of its monster 7.3-L V8 engine, affectionately known as Godzilla. This new configuration will deliver more power to this massive push-rod. At least two super-duty trucks are already in testing with the new boost in power. Modders have pulled incredible gains out of this engine, and Ford is likely to do the same.

Godzilla breaks the mold

The Godzilla engine represents a break from the last two decades of development at Ford. For 20 years, the company has focused on the modular Coyote platform. Godzilla is the first gas-powered pushrod v8 Ford has produced in twenty years. The engine was designed to be a rugged and powerful workhorse that puts out 430 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 475 ft.-lb. at 4,000 RPMs.

Ford manager of V8 engines Joel Betramo was clear on Ford’s intention“The 7.3-liter is designed for maximum durability in the harshest environments given that our customers live and work in these conditions every day. This engine has the largest displacement in its class and is designed to provide benefits in key areas like power, durability, ease of maintenance, and total operating costs.”

This V8 is popular among enthusiasts for more than just its catchy nickname. Even at lower RPMs, the Godzilla delivers torque that many compare to that of a diesel engine. The Godzilla 7.3-L V8 delivers best-in-class horsepower and torque among gasoline-powered engines. This makes the engine a trendy choice among truck shoppers looking for power without a diesel engine’s added weight and expense.

Mega Godzilla will be packed with power

The Godzilla V8 is already a mighty engine. With the additional boost a twin-turbo provides, it’s likely to have more than double the horsepower of the current 7.3-L V8. Details are still right, but the engine may still be sold with the same 10-speed heavy-duty TorqShift® automatic transmission that’s currently paired with the Godzilla. Several after-market mods have proven what the Godzilla can do with a little extra boost.

Director of Ford Racing Brian Wolfe has cranked out an impressive 780 hp without adding a turbocharger to the Godzilla. Titanium valves, a billet intake, and other modifications turned out the extra power. Ford factory belts and oil pumps have held up to the added power. This means Ford will likely minimize the expense of drastically refitting trucks equipped with this new twin-turbo V8.

The Godzilla engine is capable of incredible power without a turbocharger. With one, it’s an unstoppable machine. Merkel Racing Engines took the Godzilla to the next level with twin-turbos and produced an incredible 1,100 hp. Unlike the 780 hp mod built by Brian Wolfe, Merkel didn’t modify the valvetrain. The factory rods and pistons were used as well. Ford may be able to push even more out of the engine.

This engine was purpose-built

Every part of the Godzilla was designed with work in mind. This powerful engine was not meant to be a simple commuter. The turbocharged Godzilla will power commercial vehicles as well as heavy-duty consumer pickups. It’s meant to be run hard and never back down. Trucks equipped with this engine will be very competitive in the heavy-duty gas-powered segment.

Ford Engineer Blaine Ramey detailed the ruggedness built into every Godzilla: “This engine uses everything that Ford has learned [about engine building]. The same guy who did the 5.0L and the 5.2L Shelby [GT350] intake port developed this engine. It’s brand new with no compromise. It is designed to be very rugged with a cast iron, four-bolt main block with cross bolts, and the pistons and rings are an evolution of the EcoBoost design. There are fewer parts (compared to the DOHC engines), and it’s built in Windsor [Ontario].”