How much boost can a 5.0 coyote handle

As we mentioned, the Ford 5.0 Coyote engine was crafted from the Modular V8, but with some significant changes and improvements made with the Mustang GT in mind. It had to fit into the existing Mustang body, replacing the previous 4.6L 4-valve engine, and the manufacturers had to be able to produce it in a way that fits with the Modular family. However, the damn thing had to be powerful, too — to push the GT back to the head of the pony car pack.

Well, they absolutely delivered on the power front. As for the other concerns? The 5.0 Coyote, while equally powerful, wound up with a smaller displacement than the competition. Smaller meant lighter. Lighter meant faster.

Additionally, Ford had been using Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) technology on their engines to offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions — the 5.0 Coyote was their first V8 engine that used Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TI-VCT), which improved power and torque with the same level of efficiency. Talk about a win-win. But let's dig a little deeper to see just why the Ford Coyote engine still has us howling at the moon. Shall we?

The 5.0 Mustang Coyote Engine: A Match Made In Heaven That Was Born to Raise Hell

You know the 5.0 Coyote was built for the Mustang GT. You might even know that it's stuck around ever since. The first Mustang Coyote model was the 2011 Mustang GT, and as of this writing in 2022, it's still wreaking havoc. However, it's also gone through a few changes in that time. Below, we'll look at the 5.0 Coyote specs for each GT.

Gen 1 5.0 Coyote Engine Specs (2011-2014 Mustang GT)

The first generation of the 5.0 Coyote engine was in every 2011-2014 Mustang GT — and it was an absolute revelation to Mustang enthusiasts. The latter two model years also got a nice little bump in horsepower and some powertrain calibrations to boost overall power. These early Mustang GT Coyote engines utilized a port fuel injection system.

• Horsepower: 412 hp in 2011-2012 / 420 hp in 2013-2014
• Redline: 7000 RPM
• Torque: 390 lb-ft

Gen 2 5.0 Coyote Engine Specs (2015-2017 Mustang GT)

The 2015-2017 Mustang GT Coyote models, we saw some solid upgrades in power. While it wasn't a drastic change, it was clear that Ford knew they had a winner, giving it larger intake and exhaust valves, updated intake and exhaust camshaft and plenty of tweaks to allow for higher RPMs.

• Horsepower: 435 hp
• Redline: 7000 RPM
• Torque: 400 lb-ft

Gen 3 5.0 Coyote Specs (2018-2020 Mustang GT and Beyond)

The third generation 5.0 Coyote engine has been a true revision, offering tons of power upgrades, bigger intake and exhaust valves, an added high-pressure direct injection system and more. It also has a larger total displacement than previous versions. We first saw this on the 2018-2019 Mustang GT models, but it's also on the now-current 2022 Mustang GT. As for the future, we'll just have to wait and see.

• Horsepower: 460 hp
• Redline: 7500 RPM
• Torque: 420 lb-ft

Push Your Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote Engine to the Limit

5.0 Coyote Variants

Where else might you find the Ford 5.0 Coyote engine besides a Mustang GT? This gnarly little beast has been popular enough to find its way into some other cars. It's also been used as a base for many other high-performance engines. Check out some of the most popular alternate versions of the 5.0 Coyote below.

Ford F-150 Coyote Engine

We know what you're thinking: "A Ford Coyote engine in a truck?" To that, we say, "Hell yeah, baby!" In fact, the F-150 has been on the 5.0 Coyote train alongside the Mustang GT since the very beginning, getting upgraded with every generation. It's not the exact same engine, however — the F-150 Coyote engine is more torque-oriented with a lower compression ratio, but it's still quite powerful. But add a few performance parts and you'll really be cooking. Checking the Ford coyote engine specs for the F-150 show nice boosts in torque:

• 2011-2014 F-150: 360 horsepower with 380 lb-ft of torque
• 2015-2017 F-150: 385 horsepower with 387 lb-ft of torque
• 2018-2020 F-150: 395 horsepower with 400 lb-ft of torque

The Road Runner

The Boss 302 name is important to a lot of Mustang folks, so when Ford brought it back, they needed an engine that lived up to it. The so-called "Road Runner" was a high-performance, high-RPM monster built on the 5.0 Coyote engine block for the 2012-2013 Ford Boss 302 models. However, all of the internal components were upgraded to increase the power and hit a 7500 RPM redline.

• Horsepower: 444 hp
• Torque: 380 lb-ft

The Voodoo

This is where things get really interesting. While still considered part of the Coyote family, the Voodoo actually has 5.2L displacement. It also uses flat-plane cranks that cause a bit of engine vibration, meaning it's insanely loud. In the best way possible. The Voodoo is in all 2015-2020 Shelby GT350 and GT350R models, and its specs are a thing of magic.

• Horsepower: 526 hp
• Torque: 429 lb-ft

The Aluminator

Like the GT350, the Aluminator uses a 5.2L cylinder block, but it has a Cobra Jet intake manifold, cross-plane crankshaft and a few other tweaks to give it some extra rip. The Ford Performance Aluminator engine is sold independently, usually to insane people like us who want to do nothing but chew bubblegum and destroy asphalt — did we tell you we're all out of bubblegum?

• Horsepower: 580 hp
• Torque: 445 lb-ft

The Predator

It's the newest 5.2L Coyote engine variant, and the Predator doesn't bleed, so you can't kill it. This engine is good enough to be in the 2020 Shelby GT500, which is truly an honor, considering it's the most powerful production Mustang thus far.

• Horsepower: 760 hp
• Torque: 625 lb-ft

What Is Coyote Swapping?

While not officially sanctioned by Ford as 5.0 Coyote variants, the concept of "Coyote Swapping" (or doing "Coyote Swaps") is a favorite pastime for gearheads. Basically, it involves putting a high-powered, crate-style Ford Coyote engine into an older Mustang, letting past generations share in the power. Plus, since earlier Mustangs had lighter bodies, the kind of speed you'll experience will take your breath away. The most popular models for Mustang GT Coyote Swapping include:

• Fox Body Mustang (by far the most popular choice)
• SN95 Mustang
• New Edge Mustang (an underrated option that's easier to pull off)
• S197 Mustang

Keep in mind that swapping a new 5.0 Coyote into an older Mustang isn't always the easiest performance mod to do. For instance, with a Fox Body, there are different approaches you can take that involve varying amounts of parts and fabrication, and you'll need to consider factors like physical size and electronic components.

“I got ninety-nine problems, but a [Coyote] ain't one.”

- Jay-Z, sort of

Upgrade Your 5.0 Coyote Engine for Other Vehicles

Strengths and Weaknesses of the 5.0 Coyote Engine

Look, at this point, it should be pretty clear that we're huge Ford Coyote motor fans. So, we're pretty tempted to say, "Strengths = Everything, Weaknesses = Nothing." But we're trying to take off our fanboy hats here and look at this engine with a critical eye.

What Are the Biggest Strengths of the 5.0 Coyote Motor?

The 5.0 Coyote engine has a lot to offer, especially for the Mustang GT, but its most significant strengths in the grand scheme of Ford history are:

• It is incredibly easy to modify, especially when it comes to bolt-on performance modifications.
• The 5.0 Coyote engine is wildly powerful, even stock off the line.
• With some power mods, it can hit 750 horsepower at the crankshaft as long as you have the right tuning and configuration.

What Are the Weaknesses of the 5.0 Coyote?

While the positives definitely outweigh the negatives, the stock Ford 5.0 Coyote is weak in the following areas:

• The hypereutectic pistons are somewhat fragile and should be swapped out for forged pistons when you're modding for high horsepower.
• The oil pump gear experiences fatigue (and possible failure) when pushing into high-RPM territory, which is a major concern for heavy track use.

Luckily, as with most things, you can fix most of your potential Coyote problems with some simple mods.

Best Mods for the Ford Coyote Motor

We've sung the praises of the 5.0 Coyote engine, but we're also never satisfied. Since it's such a mod-friendly platform, there is a ton you can do to make it exactly as powerful as you want. The possibilities are nearly endless. That said, in this section, we've picked out a few of our favorite places to start.

Cold Air Intake

A cold air intake is one of the best ways to immediately give your 5.0 Coyote motor more power, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. Forcing more cold air into your intake manifold allows your Coyote engine to produce more combustion. And more combustion means — you guessed it, hero — more power.

You're looking at maybe just a few extra horsepower, but adding a CAI is super easy and it's one of the best bang-for-the-buck mods you can splurge for. So, just do it, alright?

Not convinced? Pair your new cold-air induction with a properly tuned Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and you're looking at more HP and better fuel efficiency. Increased fuel economy and extra horsepower? What are you waiting for?

Supercharger

While a cold air intake might be your first mod, your boldest upgrade is to add a supercharger. It'll push your Coyote to its limits. Nothing wakes up your Mustang GT like a supercharger, so if adding some serious horsepower to your bottom line sounds interesting, this is the only way to go.

Understand that if you do go this route, you'll want to add a sturdier suspension and high-performance tires; your stock Pony likely won't be able to handle the massive boost in power otherwise.

Tuning

Tuning is the not-so-secret secret weapon of car enthusiasts everywhere. Anyone who wants to get the most performance from their 5.0 Coyote engine is starting with a good tune. Tuning is the process of configuring your PCM for optimal performance. Even a stock Mustang will see impressive gains from a quick tune.

If you're adding aftermarket mods to your platform, then a good tune is not only recommended, it's really essential. Everything you want will pop up before your eyes. More power? Yep. Faster acceleration? Of course. Improved efficiency? Yes, indeed.

Exhaust

Let's be honest: newer Mustangs just don't sound as badass as they should. You want a ride that howls along with your Coyote. A new exhaust kit will do just that, providing better overall power flow.

Here's a quick glance at some of the most pressing questions and answers you might have regarding the 5.0 Coyote engine.

What is the Ford Coyote engine?

The Ford Coyote engine is a 5-liter Dual Overhead cam V8 used primarily in Ford Mustang GT and F-150 platforms. The 5.0 Coyote motor, which first appeared in 2011, is naturally aspirated and a popular engine for Ford enthusiasts.

How can I identify a 5.0 Coyote motor?

There are three generations of the Coyote engine that can be distinguished from one another by specific details.

• Gen 1 Coyotes (2011-2014) are most easily set apart from other generations due to the absence of charge motion control valves (CMCV) on the back of the intake manifold. Both Gen 2 and Gen 3 have these valves, which restrict airflow to create low-end torque but open up at faster acceleration to generate more horsepower.
• Gen 2 Coyote engines (2015-2017) and the Gen 1's feature a 7-quart oil pan, while the Gen 3's use a larger, 10-quart pan.
• The Gen 3 Coyote (2018-Present) has a direct-injection pump on the cylinder head's right side.

How much does a 5.0 Coyote engine cost?

You might be able to find a great deal on a used Mustang Coyote engine or pluck one from a salvage yard, but a new crate 5.0 Coyote engine is going to start at a little over six grand. But with more bells and whistles (and maybe a supercharger), you're talking about tens of thousands of dollars.

When was the Ford Coyote motor introduced?

The Ford 5.0 Coyote engine was introduced on the 2011 model year Ford Mustang GT and the Ford F-150 pickup.

“...the coyotes aren't going anywhere, but the herd is, and so are the men who drive the herd.”

- Louis L'Amour, Tucker

Keep Howling with 5.0 Coyote Engine Parts from Lethal Performance

Ford is always cooking up something new, so in all reality, we don't know how much longer the 5.0 Coyote engine will give the Mustang GT its balls. But for freaks like us, the Coyote will always be around. Sure, we'll follow the Blue Oval to the gates of hell, but when something is a genuine part of Mustang history, it stays in our blood. The 5.0 Coyote has more than earned its place in the books.

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