Ford Performance’s Godzilla crate engine prioritizes torque over horsepower, unlike the Coyote engine, due to it being built for heavy-duty truck applications where towing is important. That does not mean it doesn’t make good power. This 7.3L makes a whopping 430 horsepower and 475 lb/ft of torque at the crank in factory form. While these horsepower numbers are on par with Gen 2 Coyote numbers, the torque is leagues ahead of even the newer Gen 4 Coyote. This is to be expected as Ford did not need as much torque in a performance car when compared to a truck built for towing. However, 475 lb/ft of torque sounds pretty fun in a 3000lb Fox, and you may need to invest in a few sets of tires!
Watch Our Gen 3 Coyote Dyno
Pros and Cons Comparison
Godzilla 7.3 Engine
Pros
Smaller Size - Thanks to the pushrod configuration, the Godzilla has a smaller engine width-wise, making it easier to fit between the strut towers of a 79-04 Mustang.
Torque Monster - The Godzilla is the clear winner for torque, beating out the Coyote by about 50 lb-ft of torque.
N/A Power Potential - One of the biggest strengths of the Godzilla engine is its potential to make big N/A power with the right upgrades.
Cons
Heavier Engine - Due to the iron block, the Godzilla is going to weigh in at nearly 150 lbs more than the Coyote engine.
Will Most Likely Need A Low Profile Intake Manifold - Due to the original goal of the Godzilla being used in trucks, the intake manifold is designed to be taller. When swapping into a Fox or SN, you will most likely need drop mounts or a cowl hood, possibly both, to fit it in your vehicle as is. A
low-profile Godzilla intake manifold solves this issue for most. vehicles.
Swap Parts Market Is Still Emerging - Since the Godzilla Swap is still in its infancy, there is not as big of a market for swap parts when compared to the Coyote Swap.
Gen 3 Coyote 5.0 Engine
Pros
Vast Aftermarket Swap Market - The Coyote swap market is far more advanced than the Godzilla swap market as the Coyote engine has been available for over a decade. LMR.com has a wide selection of Mustang Coyote Swap Parts available to complete the swap.
Mates To Many Factory Transmissions - Since the Coyote uses the same basic dimensions as the earlier 4.6/5.4 engines, many of the same transmissions will fit. There are plenty of options for bell housings as well to get your Coyote mated to other transmissions.
Fits Under Most Factory Hoods - Unlike the Godzilla, the Coyote engine was designed with a smaller profile, allowing it to fit under most factory hoods on 79-04 Mustangs. The use of drop mounts may be needed for certain applications or if you will be using a taller intake manifold.
Used Engines Can Be Found Cheaply - With the 2018 Mustang being six years old, many used engines can be found cheaply through junkyards or online marketplaces. The Gen 3 Coyote was also used in the F-150; however, there are a few differences due to the configuration of the truck engine.
Cons
Crate Engine Pricing - If you plan on purchasing a brand new Gen 3 Coyote Engine, the cost can seem a little intimidating. However, you will be getting a brand-new motor with a harness, so you will not have to source one in the aftermarket. Can you get a Gen 3 cheaper used? Of course, but for those who want a brand-new crate engine, you will need to budget accordingly.
Coyote Engine Width - Due to the Dual Overhead Cam configuration on the Coyote engine, the overall width of this engine is pretty wide. While thousands of enthusiasts have done this swap in 79-04 Mustangs successfully, there will be a few places that will need some modifying.
Aftermarket Support
Godzilla 7.3 Engine
At the time of this article, the Godzilla swap was rapidly growing as Ford Performance and other brands brought new parts to the market. While there is just about everything you need to complete the swap, there is a lack of options when compared to Coyote Swaps. As the years go on, you can expect to see more and more brands developing parts for the Godzilla swap, making it easier and cheaper to complete the swap.
Shop Godzilla Swap Parts
Gen 3 Coyote 5.0 Engine
When it comes to versatility and part availability, the Coyote swap wins the battle. There is no shortage of Coyote swap components and some manufacturers have developed Coyote swap parts for specific vehicles. The Coyote swap aftermarket support is growing daily, and you can expect to see swap parts become more personalized for each vehicle.
Shop Coyote Swap Parts
Cost Of Swap
Before we dive into the cost of each swap, we do need to disclose that these are estimates based on the current market price. Each swap will be different, and you will want to use this as a guideline. There will be other parts you may need to complete your swap, such as different hoods, oil pans, etc.
These swaps can cost anywhere between $10,000-$50,000 when all is said and done. You can save a pretty penny by purchasing used components, but for the sake of this article, we are looking at brand-new prices.
NOTE: Prices Will Vary And Are Only Estimates
Godzilla 7.3 Engine
- Engine - $7,500-$8,500
- Transmission - $2,500-$3,500 (New Tremec TKX For Reference)
- Control Pack - $2,000-$3,000
- K-Member/Engine Mounts - $500-$700
- Brake System - $400-$1,500
- Accessory Drive/Power Steering - $700-$800
- Fuel System - $1,000-$1,500
- Exhaust - $500-$2,000
- Cooling System - $200-$1,500
- A/C (Optional) - $800-$2000
Gen 3 Coyote 5.0 Engine
- Engine - $8,000-$9,00
- Transmission - $2,500-$3,500 (New Tremec TKX For Reference)
- Control Pack - $2,000-$3,000
- K-Member/Engine Mounts - $600 - $800
- Brake System -$400-$1,500
- Accessory Drive/Power Steering -$1,100-$1,500
- Fuel System - $650-$1,150
- Exhaust - $500-$2,000
- Cooling System - $200-$1,500
- A/C (Optional) - $800-$2000
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know when deciding on whether you want to go with a Godzilla engine or a Coyote engine for your next swap. While the Godzilla swap may be a little more restricted in the realm of aftermarket support, this is quickly changing by the day and we are excited to see where this will go. Check out all of our Godzilla 7.3L swap and Coyote engine swap parts at LMR.com
