The Ford Ranger Raptor has earned a solid reputation among automotive enthusiasts, widely praised for its performance and rugged appeal. Equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, this powerhouse not only offers an engaging exhaust note but also delivers an impressive 405 horsepower. With the capability to accelerate from 0 to 96 kilometers per hour in under six seconds, it can hold its own against many performance-oriented hatchbacks. However, in the world of high-performance modifications, there are always those who seek more—more power, more sound, and more excitement.
Enter Killa Conversions, a tuning specialist based in Australia, who took the already capable Ranger Raptor and pushed it to extreme new heights. Rather than sticking with the V6, Killa Conversions opted for a far more aggressive engine swap: the Ford Coyote Gen3 5.0-liter V8. But the upgrades didn’t stop there. The engine has been further enhanced with a Roush supercharger, boosting the output to a jaw-dropping 750 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque. This marks a dramatic leap in performance, effectively eclipsing the capabilities of the stock engine and transforming the truck into an absolute powerhouse.
You might wonder why an enthusiast wouldn't simply opt for a Ford F-150 Raptor R, which comes factory-equipped with a 720-horsepower, supercharged 5.2-liter V8. That would seem like a natural choice for someone chasing extreme performance. The answer lies in regional availability. Unfortunately, Ford does not offer the F-150 Raptor R in the Australian market. For local performance aficionados who want that raw V8 muscle, Killa Conversions’ modified Ranger Raptor presents a compelling and highly customized alternative—albeit at a premium price.
To complement the massive increase in power, Killa Conversions also upgraded the transmission, installing a reinforced 10-speed automatic gearbox capable of handling the added torque. Remarkably, all factory systems—ranging from electronic safety aids to onboard features—continue to function exactly as they did when the vehicle rolled off the production line. Despite the more robust engine and transmission, no significant impact on the driving experience in terms of handling or comfort has been reported.
Of course, this level of customization comes at a cost. While a new Ford Ranger Raptor retails for just over AU\$90,000 in Australia, the V8 conversion package provided by Killa Conversions adds an extra AU\$89,000, bringing the total price to approximately AU\$190,000. For those seeking a one-of-a-kind, supercharged V8 performance truck with OEM-like functionality, it might be a price worth paying.