Ford Super Duty Gets a Boost with a Chevy V8
American car enthusiasts always appreciate a unique build. One such creation is a 2017 Ford Super Duty pickup truck given new life and power thanks to a Chevrolet secret.
Evan Thompson, a Michigan-based enthusiast known for his ambitious projects, decided his Ford F-150 needed a serious upgrade. He wanted a vehicle with more power and the ability to handle larger loads. His search led him to a 2017 Super Duty on Facebook Marketplace – a truck ripe with potential.
The Genesis of the Project
Thompson purchased the truck for $6,500, recognizing the perfect base for an engine swap project. The truck’s missing transmission and transfer case actually made it even more ideal. Given his experience with LS engine swaps, he set his sights on transforming this Super Duty into a true workhorse.
Tapping into his network, Thompson discovered a friend was removing an 8.1-liter Vortec Chevrolet V8 from their own truck. The engine was available, and the project’s direction became clear.
Chevrolet Power for Ford Performance
The Chevy V8, a big-block engine paired with a VS Racing dual-ball bearing 7875 turbo, proved to be more than enough for Thompson’s needs. The engine now delivers a robust 500 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque.
“Towing was the main goal,” Thompson said about the build’s focus, emphasizing the importance of torque for heavy-duty tasks.
Having acquired the truck without a transmission, Thompson chose a 4L80E four-speed automatic to handle the power. He stated that it offered a cost-effective and reliable solution. Once everything was meshed together, the Super Duty functioned as intended. Even the air conditioning worked! The end result is testament to the time and care Thompson placed into making this custom build as good as possible.
