How to Get a Ford F-150 Raptor With a V8 or Diesel
The current Ford F-150 Raptor has a lot to offer when it comes to high-speed off-roading. As did its predecessor, the first-gen SVT Raptor. But the previous Raptor offers something the current one can’t—a V8. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the current Raptor is more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the old 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8, for sure. But some fans still want the option. The base F-150 can be equipped with a V8 or even a diesel. Why not the Raptor? There is good news, though: fans won’t have to wonder much longer. Texas-based tuner PaxPower is now offering conversion kits to turn your V8 or diesel-powered F-150 into a Raptor.
Base F-150 Into Raptor
PaxPower’s conversion kits actually use OEM parts from Ford. They fit the Raptor grille and fender flares, HID headlights, fenders, hood, front fascia, and even the inner and outer aluminum bedsides.
The Fox Raptor internal bypass shocks are from the factory Raptor, as are the upper and lower control arms. The axles, steering links, brake lines, rear leaf springs—all Raptor. PaxPower also installs the OEM Raptor fender liners and protective skid plates.
The only things that PaxPower doesn’t offer from the factory are wheels, tires, and other aftermarket parts such as bumpers, LED lights, or performance upgrades. Notice, we said, “from the factory.”
V8 Raptor & Diesel Raptor Performance Specs
Ford’s 5.0-liter gasoline V8 normally develops 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The old SVT Raptor’s 6.2-liter V8 actually isn’t all that more powerful; it puts out 411 hp and 411 lb-ft. Couple that with the switch from steel to aluminum, and a 10-speed transmission, and PaxPower’s V8 Raptor might out-run the old SVT. But the tuner didn’t want to settle for ‘might.’
For an additional fee, PaxPower will supercharge the 5.0-liter V8. The company’s two option packages include the 2.9-liter Whipple twin-screw supercharger, as well as the necessary upgrades to the truck’s cooling and fuel systems. PaxPower installs a large air-to-water aluminum intercooler, as well as an oversized heat exchanger and oil system. Stage 1 delivers 700 hp, while Stage 2 goes up to 758 hp. Both packages are 50-state emissions-certified, but only Stage 1 is CARB-compliant. But both are available with an optional 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
There’s also an upgrade available for the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Normally, it puts out 250 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. PaxPower also offers a tuning kit for the diesel. The SCT Stage 3 tune can let the engine crank out as much as 550 lb-ft of torque. Owners of the UK diesel-only Ford Ranger Raptor may start getting jealous.
V8 & Diesel Raptor Pricing and Add-ons
As each of these Raptor-ized F-150’s is essentially a custom build, PaxPower offers a wide range of additional options. Customers can specify different wheels and tires, exhaust mods, LED upgrades, and even bumpers. PaxPower can also swap out the standard Raptor Fox shocks for other Fox products, or shocks from King or Icon. And if a client wants to race their Raptor, the tuner can even fit carbon-fiber body panels.
Naturally, potential buyers will have to supply an F-150. Any 13th-gen F-150 (2015 and onwards) can be converted. If you don’t have one, PaxPower can help you source one from their Houston partner dealers, and ship the completed truck to your home.
The ‘basic’ conversion package starts at $25,000. A Stage 1 supercharger package adds an additional $12,500. No pricing has been given at this time for the Stage 2 supercharger or diesel SCT packages. Converting a normal F-150 into a Raptor would cost more than simply buying a new F-150 Raptor. Even then, the converted F-150 would be down on power. Add in the Stage 1 supercharger and options, and as The Drive reports, you’re looking at a roughly $100,000 truck.
But you would have a V8 Raptor that could outgun the stock F-150 Raptor. And possibly even the upcoming Rebel TRX. Now that’s a drag race we can get behind.
