GODZILLA V8 SWAPPED FORD MUSTANG COBRA JET RUNS 10s

In this age of turbocharged engines and electrification, Ford’s 7.3L Godzilla V8 is an anomaly. Measuring in at 455 cubic inches, the naturally-aspirated V8 is a genuine big block in its design. It’s powerful too, producing 430 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque from the factory. And it’s available as a crate engine. The potential of this Super Duty engine hasn’t been lost on tuners, with modified examples pushing nearly 800 all-motor horsepower. According to a new report from The Drive, one Michigan tuning shop didn’t need any serious mods to push their Godzilla-powered S197 Cobra Jet into the 10s.

According to the report, Blaine Ramey and Paul’s High Performance in Jackson, Michigan were able smash into the 10s using a factory-sealed Godzilla V8. The only modification that the engine received was an OBR Control Systems ECU swap, and a calibration. This tune bumped power up to an even 500 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque at the crank, per the team’s dyno testing. The engine is mated to a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, complete with a 4,500-rpm stall converter.

The Cobra Jet is a tried and true drag racing machine, far from a lowly street-going Mustang. One look at the gutted race car with its skinnies-and-slicks is enough to confirm this. That said, it is impressive to watch the stock Godzilla V8 drag the muscle car through the ¼ mile in just 10.97-seconds. We’ve seen this engine push some ridiculous numbers on the dyno, but this is the first real-world application we’ve seen outside the Super Duty.

It is worth repeating that the engine in this Cobra Jet was entirely stock, though the team has upgrades planned in the future. The Godzilla V8 will undoubtedly become a popular crate engine for those looking for big Ford power. It really is a shame that Ford has no plans to stick the engine in the Mustang themselves, though it’s clear that won’t stop tuners. Combine the engine with Whipple’s new 3.0L supercharger, and you could have yourself powertrain more potent than the GT500’s Predator V8. The Apex-Predator V8, anyone?