2021 Custom 4X4 of the Year winner revealed

Killa's Ford Ranger Raptor with a Coyote 5.0-litre V8 transplant has won the Ryobi Custom 4X4 of the Year competition in 2021.

A creation of Queensland mob, Killa Kustom Kables & Conversions, the V8-powered Ranger Raptor utilises a Ford Performance Coyote crate engine pulled from a written-off Mustang GT - it puts out 345kW at 7000rpm and 570Nm of torque at 4600rpm.

A worthy winner of the Custom 4X4OTY crown, the V8 conversion also includes specifically engineered parts; a PWR cooling system; a new air-conditioning system with all new hard lines; full electronics integration; full exhaust system; and full compliance. In fact, Killa's V8 Raptor is a drive-in/drive-out conversion that will set you back $56K.

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Despite dropping in a V8 engine, Steve Kidley from Killa told 4X4 Australia the most complex part of the build was ensuring everything works and stays fully ADR compliant - stability control, autonomous braking, and other factory systems.

To nab the title in 2021, the Ranger Raptor has to beat some fierce competition - with a 2012 Defender and a killer 69 Stout rounding out the podium.

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More than 5000 4X4 Australia readers voted in the 2021 Custom 4X4OTY competition, with one lucky winner plucked at random - Julie Crisp - scoring $5000 worth of Ryobi power tools and $2000 worth of Maxxis tyres.

The owner of the winning vehicle - Steve from Killa Kustom Kables & Conversions - also took home the same prize.

“That’s awesome!” said an excited Steve when we called to tell him he’d won. Steve says he’s been a busy man since we featured his Raptor V8 on the cover of our October issue.

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“We’ve currently got four V8 Rangers on the go here now and our fitter in WA has also done four of the conversions.”

He's also been buying all of the Ford Performance Coyote V8 crate engines he can get his hands on, to keep up with demand.

Congratulations to the winners and a big thank-you to everyone who voted in this year's competition. It'll be back in the New Year bigger and better than ever!

Agree or disagree on the winning car? Let us know in the comments below.