4/25/2025 Update - Godzilla 7.3L V8 Conversion Successfully Runs with 100% G.O.A.T. Mode Compatibility

[22broncoraptor]

Nice progress for the team working on this.

Coincidently, this popped up on my YouTube feed the other day.

Car Hacking & CAN Bus Reverse Engineering Seminar which lead me to this: GitHub - CAN Commander

I presume these are the types of tools used to reverse engineer?

I've not actually looked at the software they are using thus far. The challenge is that to get it all working is more than just "replace code for the 3.0L with the Godzilla." The dependencies in the software are not documented, so you're trial-and-erroring all the various sensors that the entire vehicle has, and building an understanding of what it cares about to throw a code and what it doesn't.

Because it's not just an engine swap but also a computer swap, you're dealing with an engine not originally programmed for the new computer, and a vehicle loaded with sensors also not specifically programmed for the new computer. You could get the engine running and still have a Christmas tree on your dashboard due to every other component being computer-controlled (adaptive cruise, A/C, entertainment system, lighting system, traction control, ABS, heated seats, etc etc etc). Or you could get it running and have a bug in the code that is forcing the vehicle into limp mode with dozens of possible causes.

Every single item you can control from a touchscreen or the dash display is essentially in communication with the computer, and if you care about retaining all OEM functionality, this is the part that makes this conversion difficult. If an error is thrown, is it software? Is it a sensor not re-pinned correctly? Is it a missing sensor entirely for the new engine? Is it a sensor for the old 3.0L that the 7.3L doesn't require but the computer is getting confused and throwing an error? etc.

I personally love seeing the work they're accomplishing with each check-in because it's an impressive display of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering all wrapped into one project.

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[22broncoraptor]

Gosh it's got to be getting really exciting for you right about now the things almost done? I'm wondering why you don't just use a F-150 transfer case?

Definitely exciting and getting closer and closer with each check-in, with material progress made each time.

Will cross the transfer case bridge in another couple weeks...at this stage, just avoiding needing to buy yet another tcase if it's not technically required.

 

[RIDE]

Any updates on it Eric? I mean, we’ve given you plenty of time….

 

[22broncoraptor]

Any updates on it Eric? I mean, we’ve given you plenty of time….

Hah no new pics, the engine is currently pulled back out, and accessories/brackets are removed for painting of brackets while we wait for the custom headers to arrive.

Radiator fitment is completed after test-fitting and finding an aftermarket radiator originally designed for 2.7Ls engines that'll offer improved cooling over the stock 3.0L radiator while also fitting in the space up front as well (The Godzilla is about 1" longer than the 3.0L and about 5" taller than the 3.0L, so its placement in the engine bay is slightly different vs. the 3.0L which makes the front radiator area a bit tighter than you'd expect while still using the OEM mounting points and not needing to go fully custom on the radiator). This ties up the loose ends from the last update/video where plumbing for A/C, transmission, and coolant lines still needed solving for.

The headers are supposed to be delivered next week at which point that's the final remaining item, mechanically-speaking, to complete the engine compartment reassembly so the transmission and transfer case can be completely mounted.

Hoping to see/hear it start up in about 2 weeks to see what the computer screams about so the software programming can move forward (this timing is completely dependent on the headers arriving from custom fabrication, though).

 

[CarmeloS]

Can't wait until the swaps become an option for the masses, I'm so ready to get rid of my 4banger

 

[22broncoraptor]

It's been a little longer since posting an update on the forum as I've been posting smaller updates on Instagram. Here's a compilation of the last ~60 days of updates:

Completed & installed

• Aftermarket radiator installed and cooling hoses complete
• Suncoast 10R80 & Billet Torque converter installed
• Transmission plumbing complete
• A/C plumbing complete
• All electrical complete
• PCM wiring complete
• Genesis dual batteries reinstalled
• Multiple power-ups have been performed to assess & clear error codes with programming updates, fuel table updates performed, etc. (engine has been running in short bursts for testing but waiting on header installation to prevent flames from shooting out the exhaust ports)

Completed & being shipped:

• Braptor transfer case adapter machining is complete and en route for installation
• Custom headers completed fabrication and are en route for installation

On Order:

• Driveshafts and air filter intake box are on order

Up Next:

• Header installation & Godzilla startup

 

[j_marinelli]

Not trying to hijack your thread @22broncoraptor but just saw your Instagram posts and

 

[22broncoraptor]

Not trying to hijack your thread @22broncoraptor but just saw your Instagram posts and

No worries!! You beat me to it. (The original post in this thread is now updated with video links and an engine bay photo for all to see, too)

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Only took em 7 months...Way faster then no traction faction guys. Sounds Fantastic. congratulations!!!. I haven't started my Predator swap yet, still collecting parts. I'm envious tho.

 

[22broncoraptor]

Only took em 7 months...Way faster then no traction faction guys. Sounds Fantastic. congratulations!!!. I haven't started my Predator swap yet, still collecting parts. I'm envious tho.

I would say at least half that time was waiting for parts to arrive, so their next go-around will be much, much faster now that they have the order of operations and parts list both documented.

Best of luck with the Predator swap!!

 

[RIDE]

No worries!! You beat me to it. (The original post in this thread is now updated with video links and an engine bay photo for all to see, too)

Sooo…. You driving it yet? Whats left to do? Think I’m most interested in if you're gonna dyno it or not (please!) and what it comes back at.

Edit: disregard my questions as I read your update. Implies you’re gonna dyno it. Any eta on how soon you’ll take it home?

 

[22broncoraptor]

Sooo…. You driving it yet? Whats left to do? Think I’m most interested in if you're gonna dyno it or not (please!) and what it comes back at.

Edit: disregard my questions as I read your update. Implies you’re gonna dyno it. Any eta on how soon you’ll take it home?

I've not been in person to see it, yet, but will have my "visitation" with it in a week. TBD on when it comes home, as the following items are what remain:

• Daily Driving Shakedown - the shop will do this part, getting it up to operating temp frequently, and just running it through the paces of around town and highway driving to ensure any bugs get worked out
• We are waiting on the S&B air filter/box to arrive, so that will replace the OEM BRAPTOR air box -- these have been on backorder
• Test exhaust system pressure and determine if anything else needs tweaking / replacing (i.e. is OEM muffler fine or too restrictive, how does it sound/perform under load while driving, etc)
• The exhaust modes need to still be programmed. If you notice they are actually missing from the dash display. This is because the code needs to be snagged from the Raptor R PCM (as that's the only V8 with exhaust modes Ford has) and added to mine. The PCM customization work for the Braptor is, at its most basic level, a combination of finding code from other vehicle PCMs and merging it into this PCM to get it all working. I definitely want to retain the exhaust modes as I like the option of having quieter exhaust sometimes (which I thought I would never say)
• It needs tuning to account for the engine modifications (namely the Megazilla intake and Stage 2 cam). I'll run 93 octane in it so need to get it all dialed in. I will get it dyno'd for sure as part of this process

I'm dying to take it wheeling once it's ready to go. I need to do a couple shakedown runs off-road as I've got a Baja trip scheduled to take it on at the end of summer.

 

[RIDE]

I've not been in person to see it, yet, but will have my "visitation" with it in a week. TBD on when it comes home, as the following items are what remain:

• Daily Driving Shakedown - the shop will do this part, getting it up to operating temp frequently, and just running it through the paces of around town and highway driving to ensure any bugs get worked out
• We are waiting on the S&B air filter/box to arrive, so that will replace the OEM BRAPTOR air box -- these have been on backorder
• Test exhaust system pressure and determine if anything else needs tweaking / replacing (i.e. is OEM muffler fine or too restrictive, how does it sound/perform under load while driving, etc)
• The exhaust modes need to still be programmed. If you notice they are actually missing from the dash display. This is because the code needs to be snagged from the Raptor R PCM (as that's the only V8 with exhaust modes Ford has) and added to mine. The PCM customization work for the Braptor is, at its most basic level, a combination of finding code from other vehicle PCMs and merging it into this PCM to get it all working. I definitely want to retain the exhaust modes as I like the option of having quieter exhaust sometimes (which I thought I would never say)
• It needs tuning to account for the engine modifications (namely the Megazilla intake and Stage 2 cam). I'll run 93 octane in it so need to get it all dialed in. I will get it dyno'd for sure as part of this process

I'm dying to take it wheeling once it's ready to go. I need to do a couple shakedown runs off-road as I've got a Baja trip scheduled to take it on at the end of summer.

Baja trip sounds like the cure for you, although making sure its 100% solid will be in order since you’ll definitely be committed down there. I look forward to hear about how that 7.3 crawls. In theory, the low end torque should be perfect, but it’s all theory till proven. Conversely I also wonder about it high end throttle response over the 3.0, but the megazilla head should negate any difference. TBH, guess I’m just curious to hear about all of it. And eventually, how much the conversion will set someone back…

 

[22broncoraptor]

Baja trip sounds like the cure for you, although making sure its 100% solid will be in order since you’ll definitely be committed down there. I look forward to hear about how that 7.3 crawls. In theory, the low end torque should be perfect, but it’s all theory till proven. Conversely I also wonder about it high end throttle response over the 3.0, but the megazilla head should negate any difference. TBH, guess I’m just curious to hear about all of it. And eventually, how much the conversion will set someone back…

Exactly - I can't wait to take it rock crawling again. The gearing is still stock with the 4.70's and without options to upgrade gearing in Braptor differentials based on what's currently available in the market, I'm hopeful the Godzilla will turn the 40's easily off idle while in 4-Low. I found the 3.0L really had to rev high to do this which is challenging to do with finesse when you're in positions where you shouldn't just send it.

The high-end throttle response should hopefully be where the tuning comes into play along with the 10-speed transmission and adjustments that can be made for shift points with different G.O.A.T. modes. Baja mode with the 3.0L really holds onto gears to prevent turbo lag, which in turn keeps the 3.0L really in a high rpm range. I anticipate this needing to get adjusted differently for the V8.

 

[King_Bronco0327]

Can Juicy Motorsports do this to a 2 door Badlands?

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