V8 Ranger Raptor Roars

V8 Swap

Some folks just aren’t satisfied with stock power under the hood. That’s where Killa Conversions comes in. These guys have taken the Ford Ranger Raptor, known for its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 pushing out 405 horsepower, and turned up the heat.

The Transformation

This Australian tuning group decided to swap out the Ranger’s V6 engine for a more aggressive option—Ford’s Coyote Gen3 5.0-liter V8, often found in a Mustang. But they didn’t stop there. They bolted on a Roush supercharger, shooting the power up to a staggering 750 horsepower with a meaty 670 lb-ft of torque. It’s a mind-blowing transformation that makes the original setup seem almost modest by comparison.

Why Do It?

Now, it’s fair to question why someone wouldn’t just opt for a Ford F-150 Raptor R, which comes with a similar 720-horsepower arsenal courtesy of a supercharged 5.2-liter V8. However, the problem is availability—Ford doesn’t offer the F-150 Raptor R in Australia. So, if you’re an Aussie looking for a truck that screams as loud as a sports car, this transformation might be one of the only ways to achieve that.

The Mechanics

Killa Conversions didn’t just pop in a new engine and call it a day. To handle the increased power, they equipped the Ranger with a beefier 10-speed automatic transmission. Despite the serious overhaul, all of the truck’s essential functions and safety features remain fully operational, just with a lot more power to back them up.

The Driving Experience

Driving this modified Ranger Raptor is an experience layered with aggression and adrenaline. The supercharged V8 throbs and growls in a way the V6 never could, offering an intoxicating audial symphony that couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. The additional torque propels the truck with a ferocity that feels like it defies its mid-size pickup status. Compared to other vehicles, this conversion throws out vibes more akin to high-octane muscle cars than trucks.

The Cost

Hold onto your hat, as the price tag for such a conversion isn’t for the faint-hearted. The standard Ranger Raptor starts at about $57,600 USD, while the Killa Conversions modifications add around $57,000 USD to the equation. All in, you’re looking at around $121,600 USD. It’s a hefty sum, but for a vehicle that offers the heart of a Mustang with the practicality of a pickup, it could very well be worth it for enthusiasts who crave uniqueness and raw power.