Automotive

500-hp Mil-Spec Ford F-150 super-truck slays the Raptor

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Mil-Spec takes its tactical-grade customization talents to the Ford F-150
Mil-Spec Automotive
Mil-Spec takes its tactical-grade customization talents to the Ford F-150
Mil-Spec Automotive
The optional Baja aesthetics package brings the roof rack and tire carrier
Mil-Spec Automotive
An optional long-travel suspension upgrade puts 11 inches of travel at the wheels
Mil-Spec Automotive
The base conversion includes a heavy-duty front bumper and LED headlights, and the off-road lighting is available optionally
Mil-Spec Automotive
The spare tire carrier is sized around the oversized off-road tires
Mil-Spec Automotive
Mil-Spec got its start with Hummer H1s before making the move to something far more popular on US roadways
Mil-Spec Automotive
Mil-Spec powers its F-150 with a 5.0-liter V8 engine
Mil-Spec Automotive
Mil-Spec's F-150 fenders have some serious bulge
Mil-Spec Automotive
Steel rear bumper
Mil-Spec Automotive
Mil-Spec wheels and Nitto tires
Mil-Spec Automotive
Inside the Mil-Spec Automotive F-150
Mil-Spec Automotive
Mil-Spec adds billet aluminum controls and badging
Mil-Spec Automotive
View gallery - 12 images

Known for its head-turning lineup of customized Hummers, Michigan's Mil-Spec Automotive has turned its attention to America's favorite truck. Its new, reenergized F-150 gives Ford's own Raptor a run for its money, gaining a touch more edge to go along with its big horsepower boost. It's a weapons-grade super-pickup for off-roaders and truck collectors.

The decision to move into the F-150 business was a natural one for Mil-Spec. "Our company designs always center around a deep passion for upgrading some of the world’s most celebrated trucks," says Mil-Spec cofounder Adam Mitchell.

Mil-Spec got its start with Hummer H1s before making the move to something far more popular on US roadways
Mil-Spec Automotive

Ford's F-Series isn't a cult classic like the Hummer H1, but the untouchable US vehicle sales leader of nearly 40 years can certainly lay claim to being "celebrated." Mil-Spec indulges F-150 lovers with a 500-hp 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that gives the truck an immediate leg up over the 450-hp twin-turbo V6 Raptor.

Veering in a different direction from Ford's strong but clean Raptor styling, Mil-Spec applies the tactical-inspired treatment it developed for its Hummers. It caps the F-150 front and rear ends with fully welded heavy-duty steel bumpers, flicks on high-intensity LED headlights, slaps heavy-duty side steps on the flanks, drops a set of black-finish dual exhaust tips in back, and fits the truck with 20-in alloy wheels shod in 37 x 13.59R-20LT Nitto Ridge Grappler tires.

The spare tire carrier is sized around the oversized off-road tires
Mil-Spec Automotive

Mil-Spec's swollen fenders help contain a track that's widened by up to 13.5 inches (34 cm) via the available Baja performance suspension. A US$6,000 bump over the base price, the suspension upgrade brings in adjustable Fox 3.0 long-travel bypass shocks front and rear, offering up to 11 in (28 cm) of wheel travel. Not only does this suspension widen the Mil-Spec F-150 out 7 in (17.8 cm) more than the Raptor itself, it stands the truck up as tall as the heavy-duty F-250.

The interior includes leather seats, a high-performance steering wheel with magnesium paddle shifters, billet aluminum control knobs and a number plaque. The Mil-Spec conversion starts at $85,000 before the optional suspension upgrade, and those looking to go a step further can add the $8,600 Baja Appearance Package, a functionally aesthetic bit of kit with low-profile roof rack, chase rack with oversized spare tire carrier, and off-road LED light bar system.

The 2020 F-150s that serve as the basis of Mil-Spec's build are eligible for factory rebates and financing and covered by Ford's warranty.

Source: Mil-Spec Automotive

View gallery - 12 images
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5 comments
WB
Tesla Cybertruck will rule this whatever this is.. any day on every spec
guzmanchinky
So cool! And so sad that most of these will hardly ever see an ounce of dirt.
BlueOak
Does it sound good? (That would be an easy thing to best vs. the wimpy sounding Raptor.)
ljaques
Very cool truck. Very high price. Very much not worth it to most people. Wow, a 500hp 302? Awesome...if they're reliable. // WB and Guz, you're both likely 100% right.
Anthony Constantinou
F-150 is one of the F-Series and it was introduced in 1975 ostensibly to fill the gap between F-100 and F-250.