- First Name
- Eric
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2024
- Threads
- 1
- Messages
- 35
- Reaction score
- 353
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Website
- www.instagram.com
- Vehicle(s)
- 2022 Bronco Raptor
- Your Bronco Model
- Raptor
- Thread starter
- #1
2/5/2025 Project Update:
(Direct link to 2/5/2025 project update post, videos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-bronco-raptor-underway-🦖.101496/post-2446696 )
12/20/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 12/24/2024 project update post, photos & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/11-25-2024-update-godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-
.101496/post-2408979 )
Juicy Motorsports is rocking and rolling along with a lot of progress in the last few weeks:
11/25/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 11/25/2024 project update post, photos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-.101496/post-2389499 )
11/1/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 11/1/2024 project update post, photos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-.101496/post-2371387 )
10/16/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 10/16/2024 project update post, photos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-.101496/post-2356677 )
These first few weeks have been slower going on the teardown due the recent Hurricanes in the southeast and their impact to family members, requiring time to be spent in Florida and not at the shop.
Original Post:
For those of you interested in V8 conversions for Bronco Raptor, I wanted to share that I'm taking the plunge to have this done on my Braptor and the project officially started yesterday.
The conversion is being done by Juicy Motorsports out of Georgia, they have done Godzilla conversions in F150 Raptors already, and are now tackling the Braptor.
The project will take several months and I'll be posting updates along the way for all to see as I know many are interested in V8 conversions in the Bronco 6G platform and are eager to see one come to fruition that can retain factory creature comforts without turning the dashboard into a Christmas tree of error code lights.
Pictures below are of the Ford Performance Godzilla crate engine and Suncoast 10R80 transmission that will be going into my Braptor.
(Here was their original Godzilla-swapped F150 Raptor that was at SEMA in 2022: https://www.juicymotorsports.com/godzilla for reference.)
Typical questions I've been getting so far:
How much will this cost?
Juicy Motorsports' F150 Godzilla conversions start at $45K, so that is the minimum. With unknowns still to be discovered, there will be other expenses that can't be predicted quite yet which is why I describe this project as taking the plunge.
Will it fit?
Yes, though the Godzilla is slightly taller, but with relocating the oil sump and using a Holley High-Mount Accessory Drive kit, this will allow the Godzilla to fit comfortably. Here are the dimensions for comparison without modifications:
3.0L Ecoboost dimensions L x W x H
29.617" x 29.538" x 24.924"
Godzilla dimensions L x W x H
30.5″x 24.88″ x 30″
How much does the Godzilla weigh vs. the 3.0L?
3.0L weighs 445 lbs
Godzilla 7.3L weighs 580 lbs (135 lbs more than the 3.0)
Are you going to supercharge it?
The engine will be built to confidently handle a supercharger and the 10R80 is spec'd for 1000hp, but the initial plan is to have it be naturally aspirated.
What about springs, suspension, and axles?
Yes, these are all on the list of "things to figure out" but will cross that bridge after the engine work is complete to see how it sits and performs (I have 2" Hyperco coils in front and 2" HD Hyperco coils in rear currently running 40" tires).
Additional Q&A Added 9/30/2024 (based on responses to this post):
Why are you doing this?
I'm aiming for two improvements, primarily, which is why I'm taking the plunge to do the Godzilla:
#1 Lower rpm with higher torque out of the 7.3L vs. the 3.0 (for wheeling and rock crawling). I run 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers and even my whipple-tuned 3.0 in 4-Low in 1st gear has had its challenges to climb out/over spots where traction has not been a problem. These tires are obviously taller than factory 37's, but they are also very heavy...it's a lot more rotational mass to get moving at low rpm. I also run the Braptor with a lot of extra weight in the rear as well (40" spare, rear winch, drawer system, tools, etc). Yes, lack of gearing is a contributing factor with 40" tires, but the 3.0 does not have the same low-end torque of the 7.3L. A tuned 3.0 and 7.3L have different torque curves with a stock 7.3L able to produce 400 ft-lbs at as little as 1500 rpm.
#2 Baja/Desert style runs, where ambient temperatures are a major factor along with being able to do 100+ miles at a higher sustained speed & rpm. A stock 3.0L would handle this without an issue. An aggressively tuned 3.0L with the heat generated + ambient temperature pushing the weight in my Braptor while turning 40" tires is what the dyno charts don't really illustrate.
The 3.0L can be tuned for a lot less money, why not do that?
Agree, you can put considerably less money into the 3.0 and get really great numbers. I went back and forth on this, comparing dyno charts of different tunes and engine builds, costs, etc. This is not to knock 3.0L tunes at all, I am just aiming for naturally aspirated power for the two use cases above.
Separately, the 10R60 transmission will ultimately need to be addressed if it sits behind an aggressively tuned 3.0L. In the Godzilla build, the transmission is also being swapped out to a Suncoast 10R80.
Why the Godzilla and not a Coyote or Predator V8?
I would do an overhead cam motor but it introduces fitment challenges that The Godzilla doesn't have. The 7.3L simply has the dimensions which requires far less physical modification to fit. Juicy Motorsports, the shop performing the install, also has proven Godzilla conversions already in market with the F150 Raptor platform. I'd like to reduce the number of variables as best as possible in this project.
It's so easy to swap an engine and transmission, why is the cost so high?
Physical fitment won't be the issue. It's not exactly 99% bolt-on, though this aspect of swapping physical engine and transmission is the easy part which most mechanically-inclined folks comment on as "no big deal." Agreed.
It's the electronics + software specific to the Bronco Raptor where most of the time will be spent, which is predominantly software engineering expertise. This is true whether it's a 7.3L, 5.0L, or 5.2L V8. It is not plug-n-play, to use a software reference, and where most conversions like this fail because of software expertise required. Things like Braptor steering controls, live valve suspension, ABS, exhaust controls, even adaptive cruise control and proximity detection are components that throw error lights which makes this more of a software diagnostic challenge than a physical challenge of swapping parts. This is where the cost comes into play...it's time consuming and not straightforward.
How often will you post updates?
I'll aim to reply to this thread every 2-4 weeks with new updates and pictures, consolidating all future updates and additional Q&A into this single post to save time reading through pages and pages of replies.
(Direct link to 2/5/2025 project update post, videos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-bronco-raptor-underway-🦖.101496/post-2446696 )
- Custom header fitment templates completed
- Megazilla intake installed to replace Godzilla intake
- Complete re-pinning of OEM PCM -- the most impressive aspect of this entire project thus far, and by far the most time-consuming and error-prone if not documented and tested meticulously
12/20/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 12/24/2024 project update post, photos & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/11-25-2024-update-godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-
.101496/post-2408979 )Juicy Motorsports is rocking and rolling along with a lot of progress in the last few weeks:
- Confirmed intake clears the hood when installed
- Retained OEM battery tray location -- this was a concern initially but is no longer
- This allows retention of OEM positive/negative battery cables and wiring, preventing the need to reroute
- OEM alternator retained which is what allowed the retention of the dual battery tray from Genesis
- OEM A/C condenser is able to be used (the Holley condenser that comes with their pulley kit is more hot rod oriented than modern like an OEM Ford condenser)
- This allows retention of factory routing of A/C lines so they are not criss-crossing through the engine bay
- OEM Electronic Sway Bar is retained after oil pan fitment finalization -- this was a big accomplishment as the electronic sway bar is MASSIVE on the Braptor
- Engine mounts are finalized and completely installed
- Many 3D-printed brackets have been made for accessory fitment, billet brackets will be made when final fitment is done
- Radiator is installed and properly clears -- will be upgrading to a larger radiator to support the Godzilla V8 as well as doing fitment for new coolant hoses
11/25/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 11/25/2024 project update post, photos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-
.101496/post-2389499 )- Godzilla V8 + 10R80 Transmission + Transfer Case fitment nearly completed
- Engine mount design is complete and will be fabricate for installation as a next step
- Oil pan trimming has been trial and error by design and is hacked up to function as a jig for the final version that'll be produced and fit without trimming -- I have Next Venture Motorsports skid plates so the oil pan has to also clear this, which should mean any other after market skid plate system should not interfere with the oil pan as well
- Alternator on the Godzilla is in a different location on the engine than the 3.0L Ecoboost, so a new alternator and bracket were ordered as the 3.0L alternator would not work in this location
- API Super Damper installed that is shorter in depth and creates more clearance at the front of the engine than what comes stock on the crate engine
- New shorty headers arrived which will be installed to replace the manifolds that come on the crate engine -- the shorty headers will provide more horizontal clearance than the manifolds which is why this route was chosen
- Electronics documentation has been underway for a while to identify all areas of re-pinning of the Braptor wiring to the Godzilla in preparation for a custom wiring harness to be built
- Next up will be starting the programming work -- so far, no show-stoppers
11/1/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 11/1/2024 project update post, photos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-
.101496/post-2371387 )- Braptor 3.0L V6, 10R60 transmission, and transfer case have been removed
- Godzilla V8 and 10R80 transmission are confirmed to fit
- Next up will be exhaust manifold trimming to improve shock tower clearance amongst many, many other details.
10/16/2024 Project Update:
(Direct link to 10/16/2024 project update post, photos, & responses: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/godzilla-7-3l-v8-conversion-in-bronco-raptor-underway-
.101496/post-2356677 )- Teardown has begun, removal of all skid plates is complete to prepare for removal of the 3.0L Ecoboost V6, 10R60 transmission, and transfer case
- Transfer case will get swapped for a new, traditional transfer case (same style used in new Ranger Raptor) to get rid of the fly-by-wire style transfer case in my '22 Braptor.
- Will post more information on the particulars of the what/why of the transfer case swap after I get the additional details as this was an unplanned discovery
- Juicy Motorsports (shop doing the full conversion) has figured out how to control the live valves via computer, so any tuning can be done to them
- They have also figured out how to control the steering box as well
- My Braptor data transfer/mapping is different than the owner's Braptor, which is interesting. Because mine was built during COVID, they are not surprised as a lot of different/undocumented things occurred during manufacturing during COVID which resulted in nuances like this. Apparently this has been their experience with F150 Raptors, too.
These first few weeks have been slower going on the teardown due the recent Hurricanes in the southeast and their impact to family members, requiring time to be spent in Florida and not at the shop.
Original Post:
For those of you interested in V8 conversions for Bronco Raptor, I wanted to share that I'm taking the plunge to have this done on my Braptor and the project officially started yesterday.
The conversion is being done by Juicy Motorsports out of Georgia, they have done Godzilla conversions in F150 Raptors already, and are now tackling the Braptor.
The project will take several months and I'll be posting updates along the way for all to see as I know many are interested in V8 conversions in the Bronco 6G platform and are eager to see one come to fruition that can retain factory creature comforts without turning the dashboard into a Christmas tree of error code lights.
Pictures below are of the Ford Performance Godzilla crate engine and Suncoast 10R80 transmission that will be going into my Braptor.
(Here was their original Godzilla-swapped F150 Raptor that was at SEMA in 2022: https://www.juicymotorsports.com/godzilla for reference.)
Typical questions I've been getting so far:
How much will this cost?
Juicy Motorsports' F150 Godzilla conversions start at $45K, so that is the minimum. With unknowns still to be discovered, there will be other expenses that can't be predicted quite yet which is why I describe this project as taking the plunge.
Will it fit?
Yes, though the Godzilla is slightly taller, but with relocating the oil sump and using a Holley High-Mount Accessory Drive kit, this will allow the Godzilla to fit comfortably. Here are the dimensions for comparison without modifications:
3.0L Ecoboost dimensions L x W x H
29.617" x 29.538" x 24.924"
Godzilla dimensions L x W x H
30.5″x 24.88″ x 30″
How much does the Godzilla weigh vs. the 3.0L?
3.0L weighs 445 lbs
Godzilla 7.3L weighs 580 lbs (135 lbs more than the 3.0)
Are you going to supercharge it?
The engine will be built to confidently handle a supercharger and the 10R80 is spec'd for 1000hp, but the initial plan is to have it be naturally aspirated.
What about springs, suspension, and axles?
Yes, these are all on the list of "things to figure out" but will cross that bridge after the engine work is complete to see how it sits and performs (I have 2" Hyperco coils in front and 2" HD Hyperco coils in rear currently running 40" tires).
Additional Q&A Added 9/30/2024 (based on responses to this post):
Why are you doing this?
I'm aiming for two improvements, primarily, which is why I'm taking the plunge to do the Godzilla:
#1 Lower rpm with higher torque out of the 7.3L vs. the 3.0 (for wheeling and rock crawling). I run 40" Nitto Trail Grapplers and even my whipple-tuned 3.0 in 4-Low in 1st gear has had its challenges to climb out/over spots where traction has not been a problem. These tires are obviously taller than factory 37's, but they are also very heavy...it's a lot more rotational mass to get moving at low rpm. I also run the Braptor with a lot of extra weight in the rear as well (40" spare, rear winch, drawer system, tools, etc). Yes, lack of gearing is a contributing factor with 40" tires, but the 3.0 does not have the same low-end torque of the 7.3L. A tuned 3.0 and 7.3L have different torque curves with a stock 7.3L able to produce 400 ft-lbs at as little as 1500 rpm.
#2 Baja/Desert style runs, where ambient temperatures are a major factor along with being able to do 100+ miles at a higher sustained speed & rpm. A stock 3.0L would handle this without an issue. An aggressively tuned 3.0L with the heat generated + ambient temperature pushing the weight in my Braptor while turning 40" tires is what the dyno charts don't really illustrate.
The 3.0L can be tuned for a lot less money, why not do that?
Agree, you can put considerably less money into the 3.0 and get really great numbers. I went back and forth on this, comparing dyno charts of different tunes and engine builds, costs, etc. This is not to knock 3.0L tunes at all, I am just aiming for naturally aspirated power for the two use cases above.
Separately, the 10R60 transmission will ultimately need to be addressed if it sits behind an aggressively tuned 3.0L. In the Godzilla build, the transmission is also being swapped out to a Suncoast 10R80.
Why the Godzilla and not a Coyote or Predator V8?
I would do an overhead cam motor but it introduces fitment challenges that The Godzilla doesn't have. The 7.3L simply has the dimensions which requires far less physical modification to fit. Juicy Motorsports, the shop performing the install, also has proven Godzilla conversions already in market with the F150 Raptor platform. I'd like to reduce the number of variables as best as possible in this project.
It's so easy to swap an engine and transmission, why is the cost so high?
Physical fitment won't be the issue. It's not exactly 99% bolt-on, though this aspect of swapping physical engine and transmission is the easy part which most mechanically-inclined folks comment on as "no big deal." Agreed.
It's the electronics + software specific to the Bronco Raptor where most of the time will be spent, which is predominantly software engineering expertise. This is true whether it's a 7.3L, 5.0L, or 5.2L V8. It is not plug-n-play, to use a software reference, and where most conversions like this fail because of software expertise required. Things like Braptor steering controls, live valve suspension, ABS, exhaust controls, even adaptive cruise control and proximity detection are components that throw error lights which makes this more of a software diagnostic challenge than a physical challenge of swapping parts. This is where the cost comes into play...it's time consuming and not straightforward.
How often will you post updates?
I'll aim to reply to this thread every 2-4 weeks with new updates and pictures, consolidating all future updates and additional Q&A into this single post to save time reading through pages and pages of replies.
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