Ford introduces massive 7.3-litre engine that costs nearly as much as a Ranger

Ford Performance has finally announced the pricing of its Megazilla crate engine which was first revealed approximately one year ago, with the motor now on sale in North America.

According to Hagerty, the monstrous 7.3-litre, V8 powerplant has a recommended retail price of $22,995 (R435,150), just R60,000 shy of the cheapest Ranger in South Africa.

Crate V8

The Megazilla is based on the slightly tamer Godzilla, the siblings sharing the iron block, aluminium heads, wiring harness, and forged steel crankshaft with one another.

However, its flagship status necessitated a few upgrades, these taking the form of forged Mahle pistons and Callies H-beam rods that are unique to the new power unit, as well as a low-profile intake manifold and streamlined throttle body adapted from the Mustang GT500 to help it fit into a tight engine bay.

Consumers also have the option between two camshafts, one aimed at low-end torque and the other at extra top-end power.

Despite not featuring any turbo or superchargers, Megazilla produces a mountain-moving 459kW at 5,750rpm and 865Nm at 4,650rpm – 138kW more than the Godzilla.

This translates to approximately 63kW per litre, making it one of the more volumetrically efficient motors in its category, though we will venture to guess that this is about the only thing it is efficient at.

There is a catch, though, and that is that the magnificent Megazilla does not come with all the necessary bits and bobs that will let it run in whatever restomod, hot rod, or shop truck it is installed.

It lacks all forms of engine management and doesn’t include a starter or a front accessory drive, either.

Combined, these items can easily cost in the region of $3,000 (R57,000), which will push the price of the Megazilla to over half a million rand, or if you want to interpret it another way, a complete Megazilla with all the necessary accoutrements costs just one tank of fuel less than the Ranger Single Cab XL.