Some folks love the Ford Ranger Raptor just the way it is. Others think it's been missing something crucial since day one - namely, a V8.
Fortunately for the latter camp, Queensland’s Killa Conversions has decided to right what they see as a performance wrong.
A V8 growl, finally
Out goes the factory twin-turbo 3.0-litre Ecoboost V6, and in comes the mighty 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8.
But this isn't just an engine swap for the sake of noise - although the rumble is certainly part of the charm.
With a Roush supercharger strapped on, this upgraded Raptor now belts out a staggering 559kW and 908Nm. That’s nearly double the output of the standard Ecoboost Raptor, which delivers a comparatively tame 292kW and 583Nm.
Power is still channelled through all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Killa Conversions claims the transmission’s internals have been beefed up to handle the extra grunt, ensuring the drivetrain won’t throw in the towel the moment you mash the throttle.
Serious power, serious coin
Naturally, such a transformation doesn’t come cheap. The conversion starts at AU$89,000 (around NZ$96,500) - and that’s before you account for engineering certification or the cost of the base vehicle itself.
But for those who’ve always felt the Ranger Raptor deserved more muscle under the bonnet, this might just be the dream spec.
Budget brawlers welcome too
For those unwilling to part with that much cash, Killa offers slightly less eye-watering alternatives. A naturally aspirated Coyote V8 can be fitted into the previous-gen turbo-diesel Ranger Raptor for AU$62,000 (NZ$67,300).
Or, if you’re feeling particularly nostalgic (and frugal), an LS3 swap into the older standard Ranger can be had for as little as AU$49,500 (NZ$53,700), depending on the spec.
No matter which route you take, it’s clear Killa Conversions is happy to feed the V8 hunger that Ford never quite satisfied from the factory. Whether it’s wise or wild, well, that’s up to your wallet and your right foot.