Differences Between the Mustang 5.0L Coyote Engine | Gen1-Gen3
Created by Phillip Perez
Last Updated 5/17/2021
A common question among the Mustang community is "What is different about the Coyote Mustang engines through out the years?" Answer inside this article!
This was Ford's chance to speak to the enthusiast by bringing back the iconic 5.0L. However, this time it boasted 412HP! Ford produced a remarkable engine with lower emissions, better economy, more power, and less vibration. This brought new light to the Ford Mustang. The coyote has evolved over the years into the Boss 302 and the new VooDoo 5.2L version in the Shelby GT350. With many aftermarket parts, the all-new Coyote could make serious HP without affecting driveability. Although these engines were very similar Ford changes little things throughout the years.
The Gen 1 Coyote Engine | 2011-2012
The first year of the coyote made its statement by producing 412 hp at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm while making 11:1 compression. Starting with a clean slate, Ford engineered the 5.0L with power, efficiency, and economy in mind. They did this by utilizing a string aluminum block with deep-skirting, high flow heads, variable cam timing, a composite intake, and tuned headers!
The Gen 1 Coyote Engine | 2013-2014
The 5.0L coyote V-8 continued to make impressive numbers increasing 8 hp while keeping the torque the same as the previous 2011-2012 Mustang GT model. The 2013-14 Coyote Block had smaller head bolts than the previous year and no oil cooling jets. The 2013-14 Mustang benefits from a phosphorous coating on the pistons as well as the piston rings from the Boss 302’s V8, and powertrain calibration improvements contribute to the increase in power as well.
The Gen 2 Coyote Engine | 2015-2017
Along with the redesigned exterior of the 2015 Mustang, the 5.0 received a few upgrades of its own. This all-mighty engine took a few cues from the 12-13 Boss, making this coyote a 435 hp & 400 lb-ft of torque 5.0L monster!
The Gen 3 Coyote Engine | 2018+
Improving on the Coyote motor, Ford hit a home run with the new Gen 3 coyote motor. This new 5.0 features dual-fuel,
high-pressure direct injection with low-pressure port fuel injection. This combo allowed the Gen 3 coyote to produce more power while becoming more efficient. The 435 horsepower/400ft-lb torque Gen 2 coyote motor has been quickly overshadowed by the new 460 horsepower/420 ft-lbs torque Gen 3 motor.
The Boss Coyote Engine
With 444 hp at 11.0:1 compression, at the time, this was Ford's most powerful naturally aspirated engine they ever produced. To achieve this was no easy feat, and Ford has done significant upgrades compared to the 5.0L found in the GT. The Boss 302 featured a revised composite intake system with shorter runners for improved airflow in the higher RPM range. The lightened valvetrain components provided improved performance and could easily handle the 7500 RPM redline. The Boss also had new cylinder heads that have CNC-machined ports and chambers for better airflow across the entire RPM range, forged pistons, forged connecting rods and a forged steel crankshaft. This 302 also had an engine oil cooler that improved oil pressure and longer-lasting lubrication during racing conditions. Needless to say, this 5.0L coyote was a huge upgrade over stock! The Boss 302 engine was appropriately code-named "Road Runner" by the Boss development team.
The VooDoo 5.2L Engine
The Shelby GT350 and R variants produced a whopping 526hp & 429 lb-ft of torque! To achieve the 5.2L displacement Ford enlarged the bore size, and it also moved from a traditional crankshaft to a flat-plane crank. All-new heads get enlarged ports, bigger valves, and higher-lift cams. A new intake is used with taller ports, a larger plenum, and a 90mm throttle-body. We believe this high powered 5.2L V-8 will become a performance legend over time!
