Ford’s 7.3-liter “Godzilla” V8 offers heavy-duty buyers a large-displacement gasoline alternative to diesel power, delivering up to 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. But a teardown from Dave’s Auto Center highlights a significant weakness: lifter failures, including one with a destroyed roller after its needle bearings disintegrated.
Why Ford Went Big With Gasoline
Diesel engines remain the dominant choice when strong low-end torque is required for towing and hauling. However, strict U.S. emissions rules have made diesel engines less prominent than they are in Europe, prompting automakers to offer large-displacement gasoline engines instead.
Gasoline engines may not match the torque output of their diesel counterparts, but they have their own appeal and generally require less-complex emissions equipment.
Ford introduced the 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 for the 2020 model year as a successor to the 6.8-liter Triton V10 in many heavy-duty applications. The engine uses a pushrod, two-valve design with a cast-iron block and is available in heavy-duty vehicles such as the F-250.
In the F-250, the Godzilla produces up to 430 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. That falls well short of the Power Stroke diesel’s available 1,200 lb-ft, but the gasoline V8 was designed as a capable workhorse with old-school muscle.
The Godzilla V8’s Lifter Problem
The 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 is not without problems. Lifter failures have been reported, including in a teardown conducted by Dave’s Auto Center.
In the engine examined during the teardown, one lifter had a destroyed roller after its needle bearings disintegrated. The host criticized the use of needle bearings under extremely high loads, arguing that a bushing design could better withstand the stress.
The engine also contained evidence of water intrusion. Rust was found inside one of the cylinders, and the engine had reportedly been sitting outside for some time, making water intrusion a plausible explanation.
The Engine Can Still Be Rebuilt
Despite the damage, there was a positive outcome for the engine. It is set to be rebuilt, allowing the damaged components to be replaced.
The host said the engine’s core remained good and that it was still rebuildable. He also praised Ford’s decision to use port fuel injection rather than the direct-injection system found in General Motors’ 6.6-liter L8T.
Port injection sprays fuel upstream of the intake valves, helping keep them cleaner and reducing the risk of carbon buildup.
How Owners Can Reduce Lifter Risks
Owners looking to reduce the risk of lifter problems should follow the proper maintenance schedule, particularly when it comes to oil changes. Avoiding prolonged idling is also recommended because it can lower oil pressure and reduce lubrication around the lifters.
Godzilla V8 Availability
For the 2026 Super Duty, the Godzilla V8 is generally a $1,500 option over the standard 6.8-liter V8 on applicable trims, although some models include the engine as standard.
The 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 is set to become standard across the Super Duty lineup for 2027. Ford also sells the engine as a crate engine for swaps and custom builds.
The teardown shows that the Godzilla V8 can experience lifter-related problems, but the examined engine remained rebuildable despite its damaged components. With its large displacement, heavy-duty application and continued availability, the 7.3-liter gasoline V8 remains part of Ford’s approach to big-engine power.
