Swap Tech Guide
1965–79 F100 Godzilla Swap Tech Guide
Godzilla Performance Engines · Proformance Unlimited · Updated Oct 18, 2026
A 7.3L Godzilla is one of the best engine swaps you can put in a 1965–1979 Ford F-100. The engine bay is roomy, but the swap still takes planning: the right oil pan and front drive, motor mounts that match your front suspension, headers that clear the steering box, an EFI fuel system and enough cooling for 445 cubic inches.
At a Glance
The Five Decisions That Shape Your Parts List
Ford built the 7.3L Godzilla crate engine for Super Duty trucks, so it feels right at home in a classic F-100. It makes 430 hp and 475 lb-ft stock, and a cam, intake and headers push it toward 600 hp. Before you buy parts, make these five calls, because each one changes the rest of the list.
Front Suspension
Stock twin I-beam or an aftermarket IFS (Ridetech, Heidts and others). This decides your motor mounts and headers.Transmission
Automatic (10R80, 10R140, 6R80, 4L80E) or manual (Tremec TKX or TKO).Engine Management
Ford Performance control pack, Holley Terminator X or OBR.Accessories
A/C and power steering, or an alternator-only setup.Fuel Tank Location
1965–72 trucks have the tank in the cab; 1973–79 trucks have it behind the axle, and bolt-in EFI tanks exist for those.Section 1
Before You Start: Size, Weight & Planning
The F-100 engine bay is much roomier than a car’s, so the Godzilla’s width is rarely the problem. The tight spots are the front crossmember (oil pan), the radiator (front accessory drive), the steering box (driver-side header) and the transmission tunnel.
| Measurement | 7.3L Godzilla |
|---|---|
| Width at valve covers | About 25.5 in. |
| Length | About 24 in. |
| Height, intake to pan (stock intake and pan) | 32-1/8 in. |
| Height with Holley low-profile intake and Holley pan | 28-1/4 in. (3-7/8 in. lower) |
| Dressed weight | About 540 lb |
| Bellhousing pattern | Same as 4.6/5.0 Coyote |
- Know your generation. 1965–66, 1967–72 and 1973–79 trucks share the twin I-beam front end on 2WD models but differ in radiator supports, fuel tank location and cab details. Order radiators, tanks and mounts for your exact year.
- Pick your parts as a system. Mounts, headers, oil pan, front suspension and steering all have to agree. Choose the front suspension first, then buy the mounts and headers built around it.
- Twin I-beam is plenty strong. The stock front end handles the Godzilla’s weight; what it lacks is bolt-in Godzilla mounts. Many builders add an IFS at the same time to lower the truck and get rack-and-pinion steering.
Section 2
Front Accessory Drive & Oil Pan
Holley built its Godzilla high-mount accessory drive for F100 swaps (20-345) specifically for 1965–79 F-series trucks. It shrinks the engine’s envelope and packages the oil system, water pump and accessories as one engineered kit.
What’s included:
- Holley timing cover/coolant manifold and water pump
- Alternator (works without the factory ECU)
- SD7 A/C compressor and power steering pump
- Tensioner, belt and pulleys
- Gerotor oil pump with Melling internals
- Cast aluminum F100 swap oil pan: 6.5 qt with filter, windage tray, trap-door baffle, oil cooler ports, and 1/2″ NPT turbo drain-back port
- Dipstick and new front main seal
Holley also offers a high-pressure oil pump spring kit (302-102) if your build needs more oil pressure.
Section 3
Front Suspension & Motor Mounts
Your front suspension decides your motor mounts. If you go with a Ridetech IFS, there is a bolt-in Godzilla mount. If you keep the stock twin I-beam, plan on fabricated mounts.
| Part | Manufacturer | Part # | Notes | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godzilla motor mounts for Ridetech IFS | Ridetech | 12319506 | Bolt-in, for 1965–79 F-100s with Ridetech IFS. Laser-cut steel, Grade 8 hardware. | ~$225 |
| IFS front suspension | Ridetech | 12312799 | Replaces the factory front crossmember and twin I-beams. Coil-over or air ride, with rack-and-pinion steering. | Call |
| Complete coil-over system (front IFS + rear 4-link), 1965–72 | Ridetech | 12320201 | 1973–79 trucks need a small bed-support modification. | Call |
| Universal builder’s Godzilla motor mount kit | ICT Billet | 551028-GZ01 | Billet aluminum mounts with poly bushings and cut-to-fit steel frame tabs. For stock twin I-beam trucks. | ~$330 |
| DIY Godzilla engine mount kit | G Force Performance | — | Weld-it-yourself laser-cut 1/4 in. plates, poly bushings and Grade 8 hardware. | ~$160 |
| Mock-up block (fabrication tool) | G Force Performance | GF-EJ-ZILA-DIY | Steel mock-up block for building custom mounts without risking the real engine. | ~$335 |
Section 4
Headers & Exhaust
The Godzilla’s tall, straight exhaust ports need Godzilla-specific headers; small-block and FE headers won’t bolt on. In an F-100 the driver-side header has to clear the steering box and column, and both sides have to clear the frame rails and starter.
| Header | Style | Fits | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Headers 432051 | Mid-length, 1-7/8 in. primaries, 304 stainless | Listed for F-100 and 1967–73 Mustang Godzilla swaps | Cast stainless flanges and tight-radius elbows; 3 in. slip-fit collectors; Cometic gaskets and bolts included | $2,000 |
| Custom-built | Any | IFS swaps and trucks with unusual engine placement | The usual route when your mounts put the engine somewhere the off-the-shelf header doesn’t expect | Varies |
- Put O2 sensor bungs in the collectors or downpipes, where your engine management wants them.
- Plan a full exhaust from the collectors back; mid-length headers keep the pipes up near the frame.
- Wrap or shield near the starter, brake lines and the master cylinder.
- Most swap headers are sold for off-road or racing use, so check your state’s emissions rules.
Section 5
Transmission & Driveline
The Godzilla uses the same bellhousing pattern as the 4.6/5.0 modular and Coyote engines and the Coyote’s 8-bolt crank flange, so most transmissions built for Coyote swaps bolt up.
Automatic Options
| Transmission | Why Choose It | What to Plan For |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 10R80 10-speed | Great gearing and drivability; a popular choice for street trucks | Needs a transmission controller; check tunnel clearance |
| Ford 10R140 10-speed | Heavy-duty; pairs with the Ford Performance M-6017-73A control pack | Large case; plan the crossmember and tunnel |
| Ford 6R80 6-speed | Proven behind the Coyote; easier to package | Needs a transmission controller |
| GM 4L80E with adapter | Very strong and simple | Adapter bellhousing and a flexplate for the 8-bolt crank |
Manual Option (Tremec TKX / TKO)
| Part | Manufacturer | Part # | Notes | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godzilla-to-TKX/TKO bellhousing | Lakewood | LK8300K | Cast aluminum, includes block plate and hardware. For hydraulic release bearings only. | ~$450 |
| Hydraulic release bearing | Hays | 82-103 | Recommended with the LK8300K. | Call |
| Aluminum flywheel | Hays | 24-213 | Coyote/Godzilla pattern. | Call |
| SFI-rated steel bellhousing (alternative) | Quick Time | — | For high-power or competition builds. | Call |
| Transmission | Tremec (TKX or TKO) | — | 5-speed. The TKX is rated for 600 lb-ft. | Call |
Section 6
Engine Management
The Godzilla needs a standalone engine management system. Pick it together with the transmission, since electronic automatics need a controller or must be supported by the engine computer.
| Part | Manufacturer | Part # | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.3L control pack – automatic | Ford Performance | M-6017-73A | PCM with Ford Performance calibration, harness, drive-by-wire pedal, airbox, throttle body adapter, MAF and O2 sensors. Set up for the 10R140 automatic. |
| 7.3L control pack – manual | Ford Performance | M-6017-73M | Same idea, for manual-transmission builds. |
| Terminator X MPFI kit | Holley | 550-1431 | Self-tuning EFI with OEM VVT and oil pump control preconfigured. For engines with “dumb” coils (no built-in ignitors). |
| OBR control pack | OBR | — | Available as an upgrade on our Godzilla packages. |
Section 7
EFI Fuel Tank & Fuel System
The Godzilla is port fuel injected, so the carbureted fuel system has to go. Where the tank lives depends on your truck’s year.
| Part | Manufacturer | Part # | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EFI-ready tank kit, 255 LPH pump – 1973–79 | Tanks Inc. | F1B-T-KIT | Mounts behind the rear axle. Includes pump, sending unit and straps. |
| EFI-ready tank kit, 400 LPH pump – 1973–79 | Tanks Inc. | F1B-T-KIT6 | For higher-power builds. |
| EFI tank – 1965–72 | Tanks Inc. / universal | — | These trucks have the tank in the cab. Most builders move it under the bed or behind the axle. |
| Fuel lines and EFI filter/regulator | Various | — | EFI-rated hose and fittings, at least 3/8 in. (AN-6) supply, 10-micron filter. |
| Billet fuel rails (optional) | Holley | 534-265 | Fits the stock 7.3 manifold. |
Section 8
Radiator & Electric Fans
Our first choice for cooling a Godzilla F-100 is a Be Cool aluminum radiator module: radiator, shrouded electric fans, brackets, wiring harness with relays, temperature sender, billet cap and recovery tank in one box. A 445-cubic-inch engine makes a lot of heat, and electric fans fit far better than a mechanical fan in front of the Holley drive.
| Part | Manufacturer | Part # | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory-Fit radiator module, 1971–82 Ford truck, manual trans | Be Cool | 80025 | Crossflow conversion; rated 400–700 hp; radiator, fans, wiring, cap and recovery tank included. |
| Factory-Fit radiator module, 1971–82 Ford truck, automatic (polished) | Be Cool | 83025 | Same module with a transmission cooler, 27 in. W × 19 in. H. |
| Factory-Fit radiator only, 1971–82 F-series | Be Cool | 60025 | Radiator only, for builders supplying their own fans. |
| Aluminum swap radiator kit, 1966–79 | Cold Case | FOT575-5K | Includes two 12″ electric fans and a shroud. Built for Coyote swaps, so check inlet and outlet positions for the Godzilla. |
| Aluminum radiator, 1970–79 | Mishimoto | MMRAD-F1G-70X | 3-row direct fit. Confirm hose locations against the Holley drive. |
- Hoses. Plan on new upper, lower and heater hoses routed to the Holley coolant manifold.
- Fill and bleed. Put the fill point at the highest point in the system so air can’t get trapped in the heads.
- Fan control. Let the engine management switch the fans through relays.
- Seal the air path. Close the gaps around the radiator so air goes through the core.
Section 9
Electrical, Steering & Misc.
- Upgraded battery cables and grounds.
- Fuse/relay panel for the cooling fans and fuel pump.
- Gauges. Digital gauges that read engine data are the simplest choice.
- Power steering lines from the Holley pump to the steering box or rack.
- Steering shaft. Check clearance against the driver-side header; a new shaft or column is often needed.
- A/C lines and condenser, if you run the SD7 compressor from the Holley kit.
- Air intake routed with the MAF sensor in the right place.
- Brakes. With 500-plus horsepower, front disc brakes are the minimum. Check booster and master cylinder clearance against the valve cover.
- Fluids and break-in oil.
Section 10
Parts Checklist
- Swap-ready 7.3L Godzilla with F100 swap oil pan, front accessory drive and forward-facing intake
- Front suspension plan: stock twin I-beam or IFS
- Godzilla motor mounts matched to the front suspension
- Godzilla swap headers, plus O2 bungs and full exhaust
- Transmission, bellhousing or adapter, clutch/flywheel or flexplate
- Transmission crossmember, custom driveshaft and transmission cooler
- Engine management, harness, DBW pedal and transmission controller
- EFI fuel tank, pump, EFI-rated lines, filter and relay wiring
- Be Cool radiator module with electric fans and hoses
- Steering shaft clearance, power steering and A/C lines
- Battery cables, grounds, fuse/relay panel and gauges
- Front disc brakes and rear axle check
F100 Godzilla Swap FAQ
Will a 7.3 Godzilla fit in a 1965–1979 Ford F-100?
Yes. The F-100 engine bay is roomy, but you need a swap oil pan and front accessory drive (such as the Holley F100 kit), Godzilla motor mounts that match your front suspension, Godzilla swap headers and an EFI fuel system.
Is there a bolt-in Godzilla motor mount for a stock twin I-beam F-100?
Not right now. Trucks with a Ridetech IFS can use Ridetech’s bolt-in Godzilla mounts (12319506). Stock twin I-beam trucks use a universal builder’s kit, such as ICT Billet 551028-GZ01 or the G Force DIY kit, with fabricated frame-side mounts.
What headers fit a Godzilla-swapped F-100?
Ultimate Headers’ 432051 mid-length Godzilla swap headers are listed for F-100 swaps and are the off-the-shelf header to start with. Fit depends on engine position, so confirm your year, front suspension and mounts first. IFS swaps and custom engine placement often need custom headers.
What transmissions bolt to a 7.3 Godzilla in an F-100?
The Godzilla shares the modular/Coyote bellhousing pattern. Common choices are the Ford 10R80, 10R140 and 6R80 automatics, a GM 4L80E with an adapter, or a Tremec TKX or TKO manual with a Godzilla bellhousing such as the Lakewood LK8300K.
What fuel tank do I need for a Godzilla F-100 swap?
1973–79 trucks can use a bolt-in EFI tank behind the axle, such as the Tanks Inc. F1B-T-KIT (255 LPH) or F1B-T-KIT6 (400 LPH). 1965–72 trucks have the tank in the cab, and most builders move it under the bed or behind the axle.
What radiator should I use for a Godzilla swap in an F-100?
We like Be Cool aluminum radiator modules with electric fans. For 1971–79 trucks, Be Cool’s Factory-Fit Ford truck modules (80025 manual, 83025 automatic) include the fans, wiring and recovery tank. Earlier trucks can use the Cold Case FOT575-5K kit, which covers 1966–79.
Planning an F-100 Godzilla Swap?
Tell us about your truck, front suspension and transmission plans. We’ll confirm fitment and quote the right Godzilla package for your build. Every package is assembled by Proformance Unlimited in Melbourne, Florida.
Sources
- Holley Godzilla High-Mount Accessory Drive – F100 Swap (20-345)
- Ridetech 7.3L Godzilla motor mounts for Ridetech IFS, 1965–79 F-100 — CJ Pony Parts
- ICT Billet universal Godzilla builder’s motor mount kit
- Ultimate Headers 432051 mid-length Godzilla swap headers — Proformance Unlimited
- Be Cool 80025 Factory-Fit radiator module, 1971–82 Ford truck
- Be Cool 83025 Factory-Fit radiator module, 1971–82 Ford truck (automatic)
- Cold Case FOT575-5K radiator module, 1966–79 F-100 — Summit Racing
- Mishimoto 3-row aluminum radiator, 1970–79 F-100 — CJ Pony Parts