The 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission in the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R is based on the same engine found in the Mustang Shelby GT500 but has a number of key differences that make it more suitable for truck duty.
First, its power rating is 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet torque which is less horsepower but more torque than the version found in the Mustang. Its unique hardware starts with an inverted 2.65-liter supercharger with a slightly smaller pulley which delivers 12 psi boost which is cooled by an air-to-water intercooler.
With Raptor R emblazoned across the top of its intake plenum, this combination helps to boost mid-range torque. Also unique to the dual-overhead cam engine are cast stainless steel exhaust manifolds and a deep sump cast aluminum oil pan. There’s also a more robust crankshaft and viscous aluminum damper along with a high-capacity oil cooler.
Following the airflow, the intake charge starts at the top of the radiator where it flows into a large air intake box with a high-flow conical air filter. From there it travels through the mass airflow sensor and intake duct to a single bore throttle body.
The intake air is then compressed and cooled before traveling up and over into the cylinder heads which feature dual cam timing. Much of its port fuel injection system is hidden from view as are the tops of the spark plug coil packs which reside under plastic covers.
From there the spent exhaust gasses exit through the aforementioned stainless steel exhaust manifolds and into a high-flow exhaust system.
Servicing locations for DIY maintenance are all easily spotted and accessed. The 12-volt battery is located high on the passenger side. Behind it is a fuse box. The oil filler cap is at the front of the passenger side valve cover. Checking the oil is done on the driver side of the engine notable by the bright yellow dipstick. The oil filter must be accessed from below the truck.
The brake fluid reservoir found at the firewall nearby atop an electronically controlled brake pump unit. The air filter is at the front driver side of the engine bay and does require tools to access. There are two coolant tanks at the front and center. The larger one is for the main engine coolant and the smaller one toward the passenger side is for the air-to-water intercooler system.
Looking around the engine compartment there are a few notable things to point out. Because this is a body-on-frame truck, there are a lot of openings around the engine bay for water and mud to get in from your adventures. So periodic cleaning out is good practice if you are having a lot of fun in the wild.
The hood features functional air extractor vents which are ducted to holes underneath you can see through the sound deadening pad to pull hot air out.
Looking toward the front you can see the radiator has two high-capacity electric cooling fans. Always keep your hands clear of these even if the engine is not running. Looking down at the front, it’s a little hard to see, but the supercharger belt runs on a second sheave only servicing itself. The other engine accessories run off a separate belt.
