The third-generation Ford F-150 Raptor was announced just last week to much fanfare. The new generation of Baja-inspired trucks continues to push the boundaries, with new terrain programs, one-pedal driving, a more robust frame, and larger intelligent shock absorbers.
However, one aspect which continues to remain, in Ford’s words, “relatively unchanged” is the 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. And while Ford will be offering a V8-powered “Raptor R,” right now, we only know that it’ll be available for purchase sometime in 2022.
Read: Ford Reveals New 2021 F-150 Raptor And Confirms V8-Powered Super Duper Raptor R For 2022
If you’re looking to scratch a V8 itch in the interim, your best bet would have been picking up a first-gen Raptor — that is, until now.
Yes, the good folks at PaxPower will be offering V8-powered Raptor “conversions.” What exactly is a Raptor conversion, you ask? Well, rather than shoe-horning a V8 into the body of a 2021 Raptor, the team at PaxPower will instead start with a 400 hp 5.0 Coyote V8 base F-150 and add the third-gen raptor bits on top.
The exterior is converted using OEM Raptor panels and pieces. The body conversion includes the entire 2021+ Raptor front clip: fenders, hood, grilles, trim, flares, and accent lighting. The bed is then rebuilt with the Raptor aluminum inner and outer bed sides, fender flares, and accent lighting. Finally, the chassis is finished with OEM Raptor skid plates and bumpers.
Read: AddArmor’s Hennessey VelociRaptor Will Protect You Both On And Off Road
But what about the new Fox Shox “live valve” coil-spring setup? Unfortunately, the latest tech won’t feature — at least for the time being. Instead, PaxPower’s conversion will feature suspension components from the second-generation Raptor, meaning it’ll ride on leaf springs. According to PaxPower, once the third-generation F-150 Raptor is released for sale, they will “examine the updated Raptor suspension system and live valve shocks to determine if they are a vast improvement and what is involved in retrofitting these items to the F150 chassis.”
The whole conversion will cost under $30,000, and in addition to the external and suspension upgrades, it will also include the customer’s choice of either 35×12.5″ or 37×12.5″ tires.
Still jealous of the TRX’s sheer power? There’s an option for that too
But if you’re still thinking that’s a lot of work for a truck that still won’t be on par with the Dodge Ram TRX’s performance figures, then we have good news. PaxPower will also offer a supercharger upgrade specifically crafted to level the Ford vs. Dodge playing field.
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For $14,500, you can raise the V8 engine’s output from 400 hp and 410 ft-lb of torque to a far more substantial 770 hp and 675 ft-lb. The performance upgrade features a larger intercooler and upgraded intake system matched with the kind of improved fuel system and injectors to make those numbers possible.
The question is, would you go ahead with an extensive conversion/upgrade like this, or would you prefer to wait around a see what the F-150 Raptor R has to offer?
