The 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine is the fourth generation of Ford’s 5.0L V8, part of the modular engine family, and is most commonly associated with the 2021+ Ford Mustang GT and F-150.
Key Features of the Gen 4 5.0L Coyote:
Feature | Description |
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Displacement | 5.0 liters (302 cubic inches) |
Configuration | 90° V8 |
Block Material | Aluminum |
Heads | Aluminum DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder |
Compression Ratio | ~12.0:1 (varies slightly by application) |
Fuel System | Dual fuel injection – both direct and port injection |
Horsepower | ~460–480 hp (Mustang GT), ~400 hp (F-150) |
Redline | 7,500 RPM (Mustang) |
Intake | Updated intake manifold design for improved airflow |
Crankshaft | Forged steel |
Bore x Stroke | 92.2 mm × 92.7 mm |
Improvements Over Gen 3: 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine
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Improved cooling: Especially for higher RPM endurance.
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Revised intake and exhaust camshafts for better airflow and valve timing.
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More durable internals to support higher output.
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Oil pump improvements for better reliability under track conditions.
Common Applications:
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2021–2023 Ford Mustang GT
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2021–2023 Ford F-150 (slightly detuned)
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Ford Performance Crate Engine (M-6007-M50C)
Aftermarket & Tuning:
The Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine is a favorite in the performance community due to its high-revving nature, robust bottom end, and strong aftermarket support. It’s ideal for:
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NA builds (intake, cams, headers, tuning)
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Forced induction (supercharging and turbocharging)
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Engine swaps into classic Mustangs, trucks, or kit cars
If you’re looking at buying one or swapping it into a project, I can help you compare crate engine options, ECU harness kits, or compatible transmissions. Want that info? Great — here’s a detailed continuation with a focus on performance, compatibility, crate engine options, and engine swap considerations for the 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine.
Performance Potential
Naturally Aspirated (NA) Upgrades:
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Intake manifolds: The Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine already comes with an improved version, but switching to Cobra Jet or Boss 302-style intakes can yield gains at higher RPM.
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Long-tube headers: Free up exhaust flow and increase horsepower and torque.
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Custom tuning: Critical after any bolt-ons to fully optimize the dual fuel injection and VCT (Variable Cam Timing).
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Cams: Aftermarket camshafts can boost power, though Gen 4 cams are already quite aggressive.
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High compression pistons: If going fully built for NA.
Forced Induction Builds:
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Superchargers (Whipple, Roush, VMP, Edelbrock): Easily push power to 700–850+ hp on pump gas with supporting mods.
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Turbo kits: Twin turbo kits (e.g., Hellion) can surpass 1000 hp with forged internals.
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Bottom-end: The Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine has strong internals, but going beyond 800+ hp long-term usually requires:
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Forged pistons
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Upgraded rods
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Billet oil pump gears and crank sprocket (a known weak point under boost)
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Engine Swap Considerations
Crate Engine Options (from Ford Performance or aftermarket):
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M-6007-M50C (Gen 4 Crate 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine)
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~480 hp / 420 lb-ft
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Includes intake manifold, throttle body, coil packs, oil pan, and more
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Control Pack (M-6017-M50C):
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Makes wiring easy
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Comes with PCM, wiring harness, drive-by-wire pedal, etc.
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What You’ll Need for a Swap:
Component | Notes |
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ECU & Harness | Control Pack recommended |
Transmission | TREMEC TR-3160, TR-6060, or 10R80 (auto) work well |
Exhaust | Headers compatible with your chassis |
Cooling System | High-flow radiator and fan setup |
Driveshaft | Custom-length if not stock chassis |
Fuel System | Return-style with upgraded pump & filters for EFI |
Motor Mounts & Oil Pan | May require swap-specific mounts and low-profile oil pan (especially in classic Mustangs, Broncos, etc.) |
Compatibility & Swap-Friendly Vehicles
The Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine is popular in:
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Classic Mustangs (1965–1973)
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Fox-body Mustangs (1979–1993)
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F-100 and F-150 restomods
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Ford Broncos (old and new)
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Factory Five kit cars (e.g., Cobra replicas)
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Mazda RX-7, BMW E36/E46, and more for wild custom swaps
Want Recommendations?
Let me know:
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What car/truck you’re swapping it into
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Budget range
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Preference: NA or forced induction
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Street, track, or drag use?
I can help spec out the right build and parts list (including cooling, fuel, and driveline). Want to go deeper into a specific swap or power goal? Perfect — let’s dive into specific swap setups, budgeting, and potential pitfalls when working with the Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine, especially if you’re planning a build or restomod.
Popular Swap Setups with the Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine
🔹 Classic Mustang (1965–1973)
Why it’s popular: Iconic chassis + modern powertrain.
What you’ll need:
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Control Pack (PCM, wiring harness)
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Aftermarket headers (Hooker or Ultimate Headers for tight clearances)
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Front accessory drive kit (to clear crossmembers)
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Aftermarket K-member (like from Total Control Products or Rod & Custom Motorsports)
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Hydraulic clutch conversion (if running manual)
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Mini-starter & compact oil pan
Pro tip: Gen 4 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine has a wider intake manifold and taller intake than Gen 1–3 — hood clearance can be tight. Consider a low-profile intake or aftermarket hood.
🔹 Fox Body Mustang (1979–1993)
Why it’s ideal: Light weight, tons of aftermarket support.
Key parts:
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Coyote swap K-member (e.g., UPR, Maximum Motorsports)
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5.0 Coyote Control Pack
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TREMEC TKX or T56 Magnum (for manual)
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Driveshaft with correct yoke
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Oil pan clearance varies — use rear sump pan
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Fox Body Coyote swap headers (BBK, Kooks)
Note: Budget-conscious swaps often use junkyard Gen 3+ F-150 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine, but for top performance and easiest tuning, the Gen 4 crate is ideal.
🔹 F-100/F-150 (1950s–1980s) 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine
Why it’s growing: Vintage truck + modern drivability
Common mods:
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Crown Vic front suspension swap or QA1 tubular kits
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Frame notching/crossmember fab for clearance
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Upgraded fuel system (EFI-ready)
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Aftermarket headers for truck chassis
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Control Pack makes it plug-and-play
Modern Kit Cars (e.g., Factory Five Cobra, Daytona Coupe)
Why it works: Modern reliability, excellent weight balance
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Short accessory drive helps packaging
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Control Pack simplifies integration
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Transmission: TKO, TREMEC TKX, or T56 Magnum
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Cooling: Lightweight aluminum radiator with high-flow fan
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Lightweight flywheel for quicker revs
Budget Breakdown (Estimated for a Turnkey Swap)
Category | Approximate Cost (USD) |
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Gen 4 Coyote Crate Engine | $9,000–$10,000 |
Control Pack (PCM & harness) | $2,000–$2,200 |
Transmission (T56 or 10R80) | $3,000–$4,000 |
Clutch/Converter & Driveshaft | $800–$1,200 |
Fuel System (EFI-ready) | $800–$1,500 |
Cooling System | $500–$1,000 |
Mounts, Headers, Oil Pan | $1,000–$2,000 |
Misc (Hoses, wiring, sensors) | $1,000+ |
Total Estimate: ~$17,000–$22,000
(depending on labor, used parts, and fabrication needs)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
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Oil pump gear failure under high RPM/boost: Upgrade to billet gears if pushing hard.
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Wiring mismatches: Always use a Ford Performance Control Pack for proper CAN-BUS functionality.
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Cooling problems: Use a high-quality aluminum radiator and proper fan/shroud setup.
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Clearance issues: Measure hood clearance carefully; tall intake manifolds can cause interference.
Want to Build a Custom Parts List?
Let me know the car/truck you’re working on and:
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NA or boosted?
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Manual or auto trans?
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Power goals (e.g., 450, 600, 800+ hp)?
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Street, strip, or mixed use?
I’ll tailor a full parts recommendation list for your 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote engine swap.