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Old 01-09-2023, 04:04 PM   #1
jasin1
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Ford 7.3 Godzilla Engine

pretty impressive tow vehicle with the 7.3 …gas mileage isn’t so great while towing… but with the 10 speed transmission it’s a viable option.
10k savings over the base 6.7 diesel and almost 13k savings over the HO 6.7

ive always liked big block engines

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Old 01-09-2023, 04:07 PM   #2
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might be hard to work on it…looks pretty complicated
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Old 01-09-2023, 04:43 PM   #3
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It’s really a time-tested pushrod engine design, fewer parts, rock solid reliability. As big as the engine is, there is a surprising amount of room in my engine compartment (even with two batteries and two alternators). I can easily access everything I need to.

With the 10 speed I get 9-10 mpg towing at 70-75 mph. I get 14-16 around town unloaded and 18-19 on the highway unloaded. In comparison, my Explorer Limited with 4.6L V8 never got more than 14 mpg in any driving situation and my Ram 2500 Crew Cab with the 5.7L Hemi V8 never got more than 7 mpg towing and 16 mpg unloaded in the highway. I am really impressed with the Godzilla and it’s performance so far.
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Old 01-09-2023, 05:07 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog View Post
It’s really a time-tested pushrod engine design, fewer parts, rock solid reliability. As big as the engine is, there is a surprising amount of room in my engine compartment (even with two batteries and two alternators). I can easily access everything I need to.

With the 10 speed I get 9-10 mpg towing at 70-75 mph. I get 14-16 around town unloaded and 18-19 on the highway unloaded. In comparison, my Explorer Limited with 4.6L V8 never got more than 14 mpg in any driving situation and my Ram 2500 Crew Cab with the 5.7L Hemi V8 never got more than 7 mpg towing and 16 mpg unloaded in the highway. I am really impressed with the Godzilla and it’s performance so far.
well that’s good to know ..the picture of the engine looked like it wouldn’t be easy to access for maintenance
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Old 01-10-2023, 06:13 AM   #5
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Good to know. A viable alternative to my upgrade. Glad to hear from experience. Not just opinion. Keep us up to date on any issues please. I am very interested. Been looking ram. May change my mind.
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Old 01-10-2023, 06:20 AM   #6
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If you have one check on recall for hydraulic hose on power brakes/steering.
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Old 01-10-2023, 03:48 PM   #7
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I was curious to hear from owners how this engine performed. But after looking at the specs I'm a little surprised at the horsepower and torque numbers, 430 and 475. The 6.2 in my wife's 2018 Escalade makes 420 and 465 and with the 10 speed gets 24-25 mpg highway. Yes, for real. I was surprised, having had two Suburbans in the past and doing good to get 16 on the highway.

I've never towed anything with it so I can't tell you anything about that but for a 6000 lb vehicle it gets up and goes.
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:12 PM   #8
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I was curious to hear from owners how this engine performed. But after looking at the specs I'm a little surprised at the horsepower and torque numbers, 430 and 475. The 6.2 in my wife's 2018 Escalade makes 420 and 465 and with the 10 speed gets 24-25 mpg highway. Yes, for real. I was surprised, having had two Suburbans in the past and doing good to get 16 on the highway.

I've never towed anything with it so I can't tell you anything about that but for a 6000 lb vehicle it gets up and goes.

The downfall IMO of GM and the 6.2 in a HD truck isn't the numbers of the engine. They strap it with a 6 speed tranny and a 3.73 rear ratio max last I looked. That puts it at the bottom of the heap performance wise IMO. The 8 and 10 speed transmissions coupled with the 4.10/4.30 rear axle options leave the GM "wanting".
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:13 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Badbart56 View Post
I was curious to hear from owners how this engine performed. But after looking at the specs I'm a little surprised at the horsepower and torque numbers, 430 and 475. The 6.2 in my wife's 2018 Escalade makes 420 and 465 and with the 10 speed gets 24-25 mpg highway. Yes, for real. I was surprised, having had two Suburbans in the past and doing good to get 16 on the highway.

I've never towed anything with it so I can't tell you anything about that but for a 6000 lb vehicle it gets up and goes.
i have twin 6.2 mercruisers in my boat and wish they were the big block engines as they run at lower rpm’s for the same torque and power..but it is good for an escalade …i had a 2008 with the 6.2 and it was no slouch…really miss that one
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:29 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Badbart56 View Post
I was curious to hear from owners how this engine performed. But after looking at the specs I'm a little surprised at the horsepower and torque numbers, 430 and 475. The 6.2 in my wife's 2018 Escalade makes 420 and 465 and with the 10 speed gets 24-25 mpg highway. Yes, for real. I was surprised, having had two Suburbans in the past and doing good to get 16 on the highway.

I've never towed anything with it so I can't tell you anything about that but for a 6000 lb vehicle it gets up and goes.
Must say, I was surprised at that as well. However if you wanna get it dyno'd and use race fuel at $15 bucks a gallon. welllllll...........

How much HP can a stock 7.3 Godzilla handle?
The result is 1450 hp and 1030 lb-ft of torque on an engine dyno. That's damn impressive for a stock block, though it should be noted that they're using VP C16 race fuel.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:38 PM   #11
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The downfall IMO of GM and the 6.2 in a HD truck isn't the numbers of the engine. They strap it with a 6 speed tranny and a 3.73 rear ratio max last I looked. That puts it at the bottom of the heap performance wise IMO. The 8 and 10 speed transmissions coupled with the 4.10/4.30 rear axle options leave the GM "wanting".
The 6.2 engine Bradbart mentions is NOT in the HD trucks.
That 6.2 is more of a "performance" engine than it is a truck engine.

The HD trucks got the 6.0 up until the 2019 model year.
Then they went to a 6.6 gas engine, although with the 6 speed tranny you mention.
My 2019 6.0 6-speed has a 4.10 gears

For the upcoming '24 model year, they will go to the 10 speed trans.
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:38 PM   #12
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While as you can see from my signature I have the 2022 f350 and it has the 7.3. I don’t really see a difference from my 2019 f250. Mileage is so close don’t see a difference in it. Now pulling power no problems pulling my 5th wheel. Plenty of toque and power. I love mine and the savings on gas verses diesel and the savings on maintenance not to mention the upfront cost of a Diesel engine. I have had both gas and diesel switch back to gas in 2019 and saved thousands.
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:47 PM   #13
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Some of that 6.2L fuel economy comes from cylinder deactivation, but the tune for the Escalade is for sport performance not heavy work.

I saw that C16 was $129/5 gallons, but aside from fuel and the tune, mechanically it was a stock engine.

For us “regular” consumers, the motor is definitely de-tuned from it’s peak capability, but it gives me confidence that it will remain a very strong and durable engine. If I wanted fuel economy, I would have kept my F150 EcoBoost. But this truck and motor/transmission combination does all I need/want…..especially with a Banks Pedal Monster….
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Old 01-10-2023, 04:57 PM   #14
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The 6.2 engine Bradbart mentions is NOT in the HD trucks.
That 6.2 is more of a "performance" engine than it is a truck engine.

The HD trucks got the 6.0 up until the 2019 model year.
Then they went to a 6.6 gas engine, although with the 6 speed tranny you mention.
My 2019 6.0 6-speed has a 4.10 gears

For the upcoming '24 model year, they will go to the 10 speed trans.
Ah, yes. Thanks for correcting, I did not look back at it again. It is the 6.6 in the HD trucks. I commented from trying to build one on the GM website as I was interested. There was nothing offered higher than a 3.73 online for a 2022 SRW 3500 which was confirmed when I called a dealer (and online as I'm looking). It still shows a 6 speed tranny. They have a good engine but their options for tranny and rear ratio, at this time, is lacking IMO. When is the "upcoming" '24 model year starting, they show nothing online for order?
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Old 01-10-2023, 05:12 PM   #15
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Back to the 7.3;

IMO the 7.3 is THE gas engine for towing at the moment (but I love my Rams). A diesel comes with lots of downsides, that comes from one that doesn't believe it's the best tool for the "many jobs" I want my truck to perform - I know it, and having bought and driven them in a commercial capacity.

As the poster in the video noted, with the torque it puts out combined with that multi speed transmission, it is stouter than diesels of a few years ago. And then there are the costs with a diesel that cannot be rationalized for a normal person's use. As I've always said, a diesel has a place. If it needs to strap up every day and prove its worth with a big load it's the only answer. If on the other hand you are going to use the truck for many things and occasionally strap a load on its back - no, it's not the best answer. When you combine the outrageous (IMO) up front cost (I won't buy used), fuel cost that was 50% and more higher than gas coming to FL this time, multiple batteries/filters etc. for mtce......those numbers cannot make sense....unless you just want a diesel, NEED one for towing loads daily or want to drive the truck for 500k miles - I don't and won't. Most RVrs don't. At that point it is 100% personal preference and not "the best vs the worst" - and I'm liking the 7.3....unless Ram picks up their game which I have asked them to do repeatedly. JMO/YMMV as I know it will.
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Old 01-10-2023, 05:13 PM   #16
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Ah, yes. Thanks for correcting, I did not look back at it again. It is the 6.6 in the HD trucks. I commented from trying to build one on the GM website as I was interested. There was nothing offered higher than a 3.73 online for a 2022 SRW 3500 which was confirmed when I called a dealer (and online as I'm looking). It still shows a 6 speed tranny. They have a good engine but their options for tranny and rear ratio, at this time, is lacking IMO. When is the "upcoming" '24 model year starting, they show nothing online for order?
Danny, this may be helpful if you haven't already seen this page. I appears to be having some technical issues at the moment though. I too was curious.


https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NA...1&divisionID=1
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Old 01-10-2023, 05:32 PM   #17
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My brother has a 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 with the 6.6L gas and a 6 speed transmission. Gas mileage around town is the same as mine, but when he pulls his Fuzion Impact 367 his mileage drops to 4 mpg with a good tailwind. We are doing the Great Lakes Circle Tour this summer so it will be interesting to see how big of a hole it makes in his wallet……
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Old 01-10-2023, 05:54 PM   #18
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I saw that C16 was $129/5 gallons, but aside from fuel and the tune, mechanically it was a stock engine.


Yes, you are correct it was a stock motor. I was only joking and pointing out the upside, however, I do stand corrected on the price of the C16 as well!! almost 25 bucks a gallon. I would love some!!!! LOL
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Old 01-10-2023, 05:57 PM   #19
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Danny, this may be helpful if you haven't already seen this page. I appears to be having some technical issues at the moment though. I too was curious.


https://www.gmfleetorderguide.com/NA...1&divisionID=1

Thank you. The webpage seems to have some issues but I did pull up the page for engines/drivetrains and they are showing the 10 speed but still retaining the 3.73. To me that's unfortunate as you know the rear axle ratio does a lot for performance. I'll stay tuned.
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Old 01-11-2023, 08:05 AM   #20
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What about the engine brake diesels provide? Is there something similar on the 7.3?
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