Ford Godzilla 7.3L V8 in a Chevrolet C10
Ford created the hot-rodder’s best friend when it unveiled the 7.3-liter Godzilla engine. This powertrain has been heavily modified and installed in virtually every product from the Blue Oval manufacturer one can imagine, from Ford Fox Body Mustangs to F-150 pre-runners, and many more. However, I must admit I had never seen one in a squarebody Chevrolet C10 until now.
Jody Gunter’s Custom C10
This pickup truck belongs to Jody Gunter from Valley Mills, Texas. It is a 1986 Chevrolet C10 Silverado model that was recently tested on the dyno at Late Model Restorations. Instead of installing a used engine from a Super Duty pickup, Gunter opted for one of Ford’s crate Godzilla engines. He immediately equipped the block with a 92-millimeter GT500 throttle body, a Ford Performance intake manifold, a stage one Brian Tooley Racing camshaft with a phaser, an OBR control system, and beautiful exhaust headers that feed the rest of the custom exhaust.
Technical Specifications of the Swap
The 7.3-liter Godzilla engine represents an exceptional platform for customization enthusiasts. With its generous dimensions and robust design, it offers considerable power potential. The crate engine version chosen by Gunter allows for easier installation while guaranteeing the reliability of a new engine. The addition of the GT500 throttle body and Ford Performance intake manifold optimizes cylinder filling, while the Brian Tooley Racing camshaft enhances high-RPM performance.
Integration into the C10
Installing a Ford engine in a Chevrolet represents a major technical challenge. The Late Model Restorations team had to solve several adaptation issues, particularly with engine mounts, the exhaust system, and electronics. The OBR control system effectively manages the engine while retaining the phaser’s functionalities. The custom long-tube headers were specially designed to fit perfectly into the C10’s chassis while optimizing exhaust gas flow.
Dyno Performance
Dyno tests revealed the impressive capabilities of this configuration. The combination of various performance elements allows the Godzilla engine to develop substantial power while maintaining a flat and usable torque curve. Retaining the phaser contributes to good low-RPM efficiency, while the modifications unlock the engine’s potential at high RPMs.
The Significance of This Project
This engine swap perfectly illustrates the current mindset in the automotive customization world. Traditional boundaries between brands are becoming increasingly porous, with enthusiasts now prioritizing performance and originality over brand purity. The Chevrolet C10 equipped with the Godzilla V8 thus represents a unique creation that combines the timeless charm of an American classic with the modern performance of a contemporary engine.