In 2011 Ford debuted the all-new 5.0L Coyote V8 engine in the Ford F-150, replacing the 5.4L and 4.6L V-8 engine options from the previous years. Even though this engine’s power is lower than the Mustang variants, the truck-specific coyotes are designed to shift the powerband lowering in the RPM range where trucks will need the powerband.
As the Coyote progressed and new generations of the coyote were released, there have been power and torque increases. Subtle changed have progressed the F-150 Coyotes' power output, and there have been some notable changes mentioned below.
The below improvements include the changes mentioned above starting in 2018.
| Coyote Engine Specs | Gen 1 Coyote | 2011-14 F-150 | Gen 2 Coyote | 2015-17 F-150 | Gen 3 Coyote | 2018/21 F-150 |
|---|
| Horsepower | 360 HP | 385 HP | 395 | 400 HP |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 387 lb-ft | 400 | 410 lb-ft |
| Displacement | 4.951 Liters | 4.951 Liters | 5.035 Liters |
| Compression | 10.5 | 10.5 | 12:1 |
| Bore | 92.2mm | 92.2mm | 93mm |
| Stroke | 92.7mm | 92.7mm | 92.7mm |
| Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 |
| Oil Capacity (Qts) | 7.75 | 7.75 | 8.75 (18-20) | 7.75 (21+) |
| Valve Size (mm) | 37(I)/31(E) | 37.3(I)/31.8(E) | 37.7(I)/32(E) | 38.3(I)/32.2(E) |
*Information based on data acquired by AllData.
The Mustang Coyote Engine
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The Mustang Coyote Engine debuted in 2011 along with the F-150 Coyote. The Mustang Coyote engine has always increased performance over the F-150 variant, mainly due to intake manifold differences, cam differences, and tuning differences. More on this subject later.
Just like in the F-150 Coyote, the Mustang Coyote engine has had its fair share of performance improvements that make the engine a more powerful engine.
For a more detailed breakdown of the difference in the Mustang Coyote 5.0 engine, check out our DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE MUSTANG 5.0 COYOTE ENGINE that covers the history and technical specs between the three variants!
| Coyote Engine Specs | Gen 1 Coyote | 2011-14 Mustangs | Gen 2 Coyote | 2015-17 Mustangs | Gen 3 Coyote | 2018+ Mustangs |
|---|
| Horsepower | 412 HP | 420 HP | 435 HP | 460 HP |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 420 lb-ft |
| Displacement | 4.951 Liters | 4.951 Liters | 5.035 Liters |
| Compression | 11:1 | 11:1 | 12:1 |
| Bore | 92.2mm | 92.2mm | 93mm |
| Stroke | 92.7mm | 92.7mm | 92.7mm |
| Firing Order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Oil Capacity (Qts) | 8 | 8 | 10 |
| Valve Size (mm) | 37(I)/31(E) | 37.3(I)/31.8(E) | 37.7(I)/32(E) |
*Information based on data acquired by AllData. Information based on Mustang GT Coyote engines. 
What Is The Difference Between F-150 Coyote & Mustang?
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Although there are many similarities between the two, there are many key differences that are important to look at when swapping a 5.0L Coyote from an F-150 or Mustang into your project car.
The main difference between the Mustang and F-150 Coyote will be the change in firing order on the Gen 2 and Gen 3 Coyotes. All Gen 1 11-14 Mustang and Truck applications will use the same 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 firing order. In comparison, the 15-23 Gen 2 and Gen 3 applications will differ. These firing orders for the Mustang will be 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2, and the truck applications will be 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. This can result in many control packs not working on the Gen 2 and Gen 3 F-150 engine.
Another big difference between the two engines will be that the F-150-based engines will feature a long runner intake manifold that is designed for increased torque in the lower range of the RPM. These intakes will limit the max RPM power output, usually tapering off in horsepower at the 6500 RPM range. The Mustang intake manifolds feature a shorter intake runner allowing the engine to make power beyond 6500 RPM.
The notable difference between F-150 engines and Mustang Coyote engines will be the camshaft durations. F-150 camshafts feature a shorter duration on the intake camshaft allowing the F-150 Coyote to produce better low-end torque. In comparison, the Mustang Coyote intake camshaft features a longer duration camshaft allowing for more upper rpm power.
Some other notable differences between the Mustang and F-150 engine is that the Mustang featured stainless steel exhaust manifolds, while the F-150 Coyote engine has cast iron exhaust manifolds. For a vehicle designed for durability and workload, the iron version makes more sense.
Also, there are some changes in oil pump gears between the F-150 and Mustang. Depending on the year model of the engine, the size of the oil pump gears may vary between the F-150 and Mustang Coyote. Some other differences between the Mustang Coyote vs. the F-150 Coyote include a windage tray on the pony car, whereas the truck does not. A front-mounted oil cooler will be equipped on some of the F-150 Coyote engines whereas the Mustang oil coolers will be mounted on the side of the block. The front accessories also have differences in the alternator location and a timing cover that features fewer ribs on the Ford F-150 variant.
Commonly Asked Questions
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Which F-150 Year Models Have A Coyote Engine?
- Ford started installing the Coyote Engine in the 2011 F-150 pickup truck and is still offered in the current 2023 Ford F-150 alongside the popular EcoBoost v6 engines.
Is the F-150 5.0 a coyote?
- Yes. While there are differences between the F-150 5.0 and the Mustang Coyote V8, they share the same block and general makeup.
Will A Boss 302, Cobra Jet, or Mustang Intake Manifold Work On Coyote Powered F-150s?
- Yes, the Mustang intake manifolds are interchangeable with the F-150 Coyote engine. Depending on the generation of the Coyote engine, additional modifications, including CMCV delete/alteration and custom tuning, will be necessary. Please consult your tuner for more information.
Is the F-150 5.0 a Coyote Engine?
- Yes the F-150 is a variant of the Coyote engine family. While there are differences in some internal parts, the engine is still considered a Coyote engine.
What year F-150 has the 5.0 Coyote?
- 2011-2023 currently has the 5.0L coyote engine as an option on the F-150.
What is the most reliable F-150 Engine?
- Generally, the 5.0L Coyote engine is extremely reliable with fewer wear items than the Ecoboost V6 engine.
LMR hopes that you have found this F-150 and Mustang Coyote Guide to be helpful in your search for the most ideal Ford Motor. For all things, Ford Mustang and F-150 Lightning keep it right here at Late Model Restoration.
Source: Ford Performance Tech Guide, Alldata.
