Installing a Ford 7.3L Pushrod Godzilla Engine in FFR MK4

[John Nizman]

Any issues if a client wanted to install a Godzilla 7.3 Pushrod Engine in a MK4 Roadster? I assume we can make engine mounts for it. Any issues with your frame?

Thanks, John

[Jeff Kleiner]

Sorry to be the naysayer but---good luck! The 7.3 is very tall, not just the intake (which could be reconfigured or dealt with by using a taller scoop) but also below the crank. To begin with the block has a deep skirt which extends about 3" below the crank centerline. Below that is a girdle housing a chain driven shaft for the variable displacement oil pump that has all of the regulation controls integral with the pump and contained in the deep oil pan. When viewing this photo keep in mind that the crankshaft centerline is 3" above the bottom of the block. Quite simply it just isn't going to be possible to package it for use it in our cars with 4" of ground clearance. Heck, even the Coyote pan is too deep and this is much farther below the crankshaft centerline than that!



Jeff

[toadster]

anything can be done with time and money - modifications would be needed... would make an interesting 'gasser' setup IMHO with a huge engine sticking out of the hood

[John Nizman]

Thanks for the quick response! We appreciate your help!
JOhn

[JohnK]

Sorry to be the naysayer but---good luck! The 7.3 is very tall, not just the intake (which could be reconfigured or dealt with by using a taller scoop) but also below the crank. To begin with the block has a deep skirt which extends about 3" below the crank centerline. Below that is a girdle housing a chain driven shaft for the variable displacement oil pump that has all of the regulation controls integral with the pump and contained in the deep oil pan. When viewing this photo keep in mind that the crankshaft centerline is 3" above the bottom of the block. Quite simply it just isn't going to be possible to package it for use it in our cars with 4" of ground clearance. Heck, even the Coyote pan is too deep and this is much farther below the crankshaft centerline than that!



Jeff

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[427windsorman]

Someone has done it in another Cobra kit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NVgH2r6W5Y

[Alan_C]

I am also a Mustang enthusiast. There are a couple of guys trying to stuff one into a 1st Gen Mustang. As was said, the depth of the pan presents a problem as well as total height under the hood. Aftermarket swap parts are relatively new, and with limited availability their prices are sky high. All the bits and pieces to finish the install makes, what appears to be a economical crate engine, very expensive to install.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Someone has done it in another Cobra kit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NVgH2r6W5Y

I've seen a Godzilla Backdraft in person. The pan hangs 2 inches below the frame rails leaving it less than 3" above the ground with no protection. Remember, the pan houses all of the components and controls for the variable displacement oil pump.



If you're intent on doing it, as Alan said it ain't cheap. Starting with a $9K Godzilla crate engine you'll have to add an Indy Power Products oil pump conversion and pan for $4,900. You'll also need to change out the front drive for the lower profile pan and pump...$2,200. The new front drive requires doing away with the VVT by way of a Mast Motorsports Camshaft & Lockout Gear package for another $1,300. It's going to need an OBR or Holley Terminator X ECU and controls to make it run. Then you'll have to fabricate mounts and headers. How bad do you want it?

Jeff

[Jim1855]

No knowledge about the Godzilla but a friend put a Viper V10 in a Mk4 Challenge car with a T56. Big motor, short driveshaft.

With enough grease, cash and a big hammer most anything can fit.

Jim

[PointmanUSMC]

[QUOTE=Jeff Kleiner;523788]I've seen a Godzilla Backdraft in person. The pan hangs 2 inches below the frame rails leaving it less than 3" above the ground with no protection. Remember, the pan houses all of the components and controls for the variable displacement oil pump.




Thinking of the after market 4x4 shops. I'm no expert, but wouldn't someone consider a frame mounted skid plate vs a low oil pan with no protection? Just a thought.

[Papa]

I saw Courtney Hansen's ROYL Garage put one in a 1967 Ford Bronco. It was quite a challenge to get it to work with a lot of custom fabrication. In the end, you essentially get the same performance as a 427 stroker. I'm surprised there aren't more LS 7L engines put in these cars.

[mikeinatlanta]

That motor is a perfect addition to a 50s era pickup build though.

[flyboyjy]

If anyone knows who Cleetus McFarland is on youtube he had his guys stuff one into a 80s Foxbody. Yes the car will run mid 7s in the quarter mile but the amount of fabrication to make the engine fit was a lot. Great truck engine but for a street or track car not so great.

[TD Performance]

There are lower profile oil pans available to address the low hanging factory one.