Is the Ford 5.0 Coyote a Good Engine?

Larry Printz
Jul 13, 2021

The 5.0L Coyote crate engine powers some of Ford’s best vehicles, but does its reliability match its potency?

Ford Coyote Engine-Photo by Ford

When a new Ford Mustang arrived for 2011, something equally new was under its hood: the Ford Coyote V8 engine.

Developed from the modular engine family Ford that had been building since the 1990s, the V8 was named after a 1960s-era Ford race car of the same name driven by the legendary A.J. Foyt. It was Ford’s first four-valve V8, and it helped Foyt win 25 of 141 races, including the 1967 and 1977 Indianapolis 500.

Initially launched to do battle against the Chevrolet Camaro’s 6.2-liter LS3 V8 and the Dodge Challenger/Charger’s 6.4-liter Hemi V8, both pushrod engines, the Coyote was far more modern, with double-overhead cams, four-valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.

The powerplant progressed through three generations, including 2011 to 2014, 2015 to 2017, and the current version, which arrived in 2018. And although it launched in the Mustang, it’s been used in the F-150 and (in modified form) Shelby GTs.

While it shares its 5.0-liter (or 302 cubic-inch) displacement made famous in the 1969-73 and 1979-93 Mustangs, the Coyote is a very different engine.

Like the outgoing 4.6-liter V8 it replaced, the 5.0-liter powerplant had a cast aluminum block and cylinder head, and a composite intake manifold. Bore spacing, deck height, and other specifications remained unchanged from the 4.6-liter so that Ford could use the existing V8 tooling.

Despite some commonalities, parts are not interchangeable between the 5.0-liter and the 4.6-liter because there was much that was new.

2011 Ford Mustang GT California Special - Photo by Ford

Coyote Engine: First Gen. (2011-2014)

Unlike the 2010 Mustang’s 24-valve, single-overhead-cam 4.6-liter, the 32-valve Coyote 5.0-liter used double-overhead cams, as well as twin-independent variable cam timing–a first for a Ford V8. This allows the intake and exhaust camshaft’s timing to be individually increased or decreased based on engine load and rpm, which improves performance, smooths the idle, reduces emissions, and boosts fuel economy.

Bore and stroke were both increased too, from 3.54 to 3.63 inches for the former, and from 3.54 to 3.65 inches for the latter. The engine has an exceptionally high 11:1 compression ratio at a time when 8:1 was more typical for naturally-aspirated engines.

The upshot comes when it’s time to refuel. The EPA rates a 2010 Mustang with the 4.6-liter at 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway. The 2011 Mustang, now boasting a six-speed manual rather than 2010’s five-speed, returns 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway.

The story is much the same for these steeds equipped with the automatic transmission. The 2010 five-speed automatic is rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the 2011 six-speed automatic improves on that, returning 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

But the numbers most cared about were generated under the hood. In the 2011-12 Mustang GT, the new Coyote V8 produced 412 horsepower @6,500 rpm and 390 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. Redline is 7,000 rpm. The engine proves to be so strong, webbing is built into the walls to handle the increased power. In the 2013-14 Mustang GT, horsepower rose to 420 at 6,500 rpm, although torque remained unchanged.

Mustang Boss 302’s ‘Roadrunner’

Also in 2012, Ford rolled out the Mustang Boss 302, a hallowed name that debuted on the track-oriented 1969 Mustang Boss 302. For its new iteration, it came with a modified Coyote 5.0-liter V8 dubbed the Roadrunner. To ensure the engine delivered the power expected of a Boss 302, engineers went to work.

Designing a new intake manifold, they revised the cylinder head ports, enlarged the intake valves, and fitted race-spec bearings. These and other tweaks, such as revising the camshaft lift and using synthetic oil, yielded potent results.

This stallion generated 444 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm, fed through a six-speed manual to the rear wheels. Yet it delivered 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, according to the EPA. No doubt your mileage will be lower if you take advantage of its finest attributes. The Boss 302 would return for 2013.

2014 Ford F-150 - Photo by Ford

Ford F-150 & the Coyote Engine

The first Coyote was also optional on the 2011 to 2014 Ford F-150, but it uses different cam profiles, a milder 10.5:1 compression ratio, and an additional oil cooler. This means there’s slightly less power, but it’s tuned to deliver more low-end grunt: 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm through a six-speed automatic.

It was available in virtually every trim level and is a noticeable improvement from the 4.6-liter V8’s 292 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque.

Overall, the engine is strong and reliable, and you’ll find few complaints from those whose vehicles have one. It’s considered by many to be one of the best engines Ford has ever built.

Common problem areas include a fuel pressure sensor that can cause rough idling and ignition coils that go bad, leading to misfiring, poor gas mileage, and a lack of power. Be sure to keep the throttle body clean, and change the oil regularly to keep it running properly. But you knew that, right?

2015 Ford Mustang-Photo by Ford

Coyote Engine: Gen. Two (2015-2017)

Ford updated the Coyote to coincide with the launch of the fully redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang.

While still the same basic engine with identical block and head design, the intake and exhaust valves in the cylinder heads were enlarged, valve springs were stiffened, and the variable valve intake timing was changed to improve emissions.

Additionally, the intake manifold received an extensive update to improve the air/fuel mixture at low rpms, delivering better fuel economy.

These and other changes provided better breathing and greater durability at higher rpms, which along with other revisions, led to a higher power output: 435 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

The redline stays at 7,000 rpm, and the compression ratio remains unchanged at 11:1.

The EPA rated the revised engine at 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway with the automatic transmission. Both figures are down from the first-generation Coyote, but that’s the price to pay for the extra oats under the Mustang’s hood.

The engine would also be used in the 2015 to 2017 Ford F-150, albeit with a lower compression ratio and tuned to produce more power down low where it helps with towing and hauling. In this iteration, the Coyote Gen 2 produces a healthy 385 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 387 lb.-ft. at 3,850 rpm through a six-speed automatic transmission.

That produces EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, and 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway with four-wheel drive, the lowest EPA numbers for the F-150 among the various engine choices.

But torque is the second highest, losing out to the top of the line 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, rated at 365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm, and returning EPA numbers that are two mpg higher.

Nevertheless, for some only a V8 will do – and with good reason.

A modified version of the second-generation Coyote engine dubbed the Voodoo was also used in the 2015 to 2020 Ford Shelby GT350 and GT350R, and featured the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine that Ford ever built up to that time.

Technically, it’s a 5.2-liter V8 thanks to a bigger bore. But it also boasts a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) ported cylinder head and a 180-degree camshaft.

So, basically, this is a second-generation Coyote engine with a cylinder head that would later be used on the third-generation Coyote. The result is 526 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 429 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,750 through a six-speed manual. Redline is an astounding 8,250 rpm.

However, the automaker issued a stop-sale order from February 2015 through August 2016 due to a potentially insufficiently crimped engine oil cooler tube. This could cause the tube to separate, causing oil starvation in the engine and potentially leading to a fire. If you’re buying one, be sure that this repair is done.

It would all be a prelude for what came next. For while the first two generations of Coyote powerplants had much in common, the same wouldn’t be true of the next Coyote.

2018 Ford Mustang - Photo by Ford

Coyote Engine: Gen. Three (2018-Today)

Consider the third generation to be the ultimate Ford Coyote V8, with significant changes throughout the engine that were planned to coincide with the mid-cycle refresh of the 2018 Ford Mustang. Displacement hadn’t changed, and it was the same basic powerplant, but the only part it shared with its forbearers was the crankshaft.

For the newest iteration of the Coyote, engineers combined high-pressure direct injection with low-pressure port injection used in the previous version. The cylinder head was redesigned to improve airflow and larger valves were fitted. The engine’s bore diameter was increased and engineers swapped out the cylinder walls for those used on the Voodoo V8, which reduced engine weight.

New crankshaft and connecting rod bearings were devised, and two knock sensors were added for more precise spark control. This allowed engineers to increase the compression ratio to 12:1 from 11:1, allowing the engine to rev higher than ever, while also providing more low-range torque. The result was 460 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

That was enough to propel the Mustang GT from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Despite the added power, the EPA ratings of the new engine remained unchanged from 2015 at 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 16 mpg city, and 25 mpg highway with the automatic transmission.

Given all of the changes made, Ford changed its ECU calibrations, which affects any aftermarket tuning you might be considering. While each generation has different ECU settings, the biggest change came in 2018.

As before, the 2018 Ford F-150 received an updated Coyote V8 as well, once more tuned for down-low muscle. Rated at 395 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 400 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, and fed through a new 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine returns EPA fuel economy 15-17 mpg city, and 19-22 mpg highway depending on the configuration.

For 2019-20, the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt arrived, a 50th-anniversary salute to the original car. Powered by an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivers 480 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The top speed is 163 mph – an eight mph increase more than the 2019 Mustang GT. The same engine would find its way into the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1.

As before, Coyote variants continued to appear, including the Predator V8, basically, a supercharged 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 modified for the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500. Its 9.5:1 compression ratio is lower than the Voodoo’s 12:1 ratio due to the forced induction. The engine also has a number of airflow upgrades to enhance output. The result was 760 horsepower and 625 lb.-ft. of torque funneled through a TREMEC seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels.

And let’s not forget the Aluminator, launched alongside the Voodoo V8 but reserved for Ford Performance. Sold individually, it generates 580 horsepower and 445 lb.-ft. of torque.

Is a Coyote-equipped Ford a Good Buy?

Regardless of which Coyote-equipped vehicle you can afford, you’ll find the Coyote produces abundant power given its size, yet remains extremely drivable. Reliability is first-rate. Despite its long life, recalls are nearly non-existent.

Best of all, aftermarket support is extensive. Modifying your Coyote can yield more than 1,000 horsepower with the proper tweaks, as it’s more than strong enough to handle added forced induction, which is something Ford itself proved with the 2020 Ford Shelby GT500.

And considering that the Coyote’s size matches that of earlier Mustang V8s, they make the ideal candidate for engine swaps.

Photos: Ford

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 3, 2022

How long do Coyote engines last?

A Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 engine should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles. These are well-built motors that are the latest generation of V8 engines made by Ford. They are built on a modular design that has been in production since the early 1990s and has been offered in different displacements over the years.

The most important thing that you can do to help your Coyote engine last a long time is get the regular maintenance done on it. Changing the oil on your engine helps reduce the wear and tear on the internal components and can help it last significantly longer. Upgrading to synthetic oil is also preferred since it will offer better protection.

The Coyote 5.0L engine is used across the F-150 and Mustang these days and it is a great motor to go with if you want reliability and power. Ford also offers the Coyote 5.0L as a crate engine if you would like to swap it into another vehicle.

How much HP can a Coyote 5.0 handle?

The Ford Coyote 5.0L is a very robust engine and the stock lower end should be good to about 800 horsepower, this could result in wheel horsepower rankings of 650 to 750 depending on drivetrain loss. Once you begin getting over 800 horsepower you will need to start rebuilding the lower part of the engine with stronger components.

The Ford 5.0L that was launched with the S550 Mustang has become wildly popular amongst tuners and enthusiasts and some Mustang 5.0L drag cars have over 1,000 horsepower. These have extensive work done to them though to be able to handle that much power.

Ultimately the weak point on building out a Coyote 5.0L engine will be the differential in your vehicle. They often cannot handle the extra horsepower and torque that you will throw at them and you will need to upgrade it to something stronger if you want to get that power to the ground.

How can I make my Coyote 5.0 faster?

If you are looking to make your Coyote 5.0L engine faster there are a few simple things that you can do to start. The easiest is of course installing a different tune since all you will have to do is plug it into the ECU. Other simple bolt-on options include intakes and exhausts which increase power slightly but give you a better throttle response.

If you want to get more power out of your 5.0L Coyote engine then you could always change to forced induction. Several companies make supercharger and turbo kits for the engine, however, these do put a lot of extra stress on the internal components. If you do want to add boost to your engine be prepared to have to replace other components to handle the power.

Getting extra horsepower out of Ford's 5.0L Coyote engine is relatively easy to do since they are well-built and come underrated from the factory. A large tuner group has formed around the 5.0L so there are plenty of options on the market when you want to make your vehicle faster.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jeff D. on December 4, 2022
2022 mustang gt 6 speed manual
I purchased my 2022 mustang GT brand new and i really loved the car but at just over 200 miles (i drove it easy during break in all the way to 1000 miles) the engine started making a raddling noise (piston slap) which got worse until 1100 miles I couldn't take it any longer and traded it in on another new vehicle of a different make. Some might ask why in the world not get it taken care of under warranty?? Well i do not want a brand new car like the mustang GT that i just paid 50k for to have the engine removed and replaced only to have to let some mechanic I don't know or trust run the c**p out of my new motor when he goes joy riding after he replaces the motor and yes its true not all mechanics will do that but no way to know plus from what I read about other people having so many issues with there 5 liter engines I didn't want to go thru getting it replaced only to have the new motor fail (which does happen with the 5 liter mustang) kind a heart broken over the whole thing and get sick to my stomach every time i think about it.
accountCircle John R Reno, Nevada on August 26, 2022
2019 Mustang GT. PP1 5.0 Vehicle
Purchased new Aug. 2019, Low Oil Pressure Light came on at 16, 000 miles. Oil pressure and volume were normal. Took car to local Ford Dealer for checkup. Changed oil and filter, reset oil and check engine lights. Drove car an additional 2000 miles during which time Low Oil Level and check engine and low oil lights continued to intermittently activate and then go out. Took back to Ford dealer where purchased 8-23-22 who checked problem out and advised me today 8-25-22 that oil pump was failing, main bearings where badly damaged and motor needs to be replaced on warranty. Long story short maybe the 5.0 Coyote isn’t as reliable as I assumed it was based on write ups such as this one. I guess I just got a bad one.
accountCircle Richard A on July 16, 2021
I will own another F-150 once this 2011 Ford F-150 XL stops working!
Has a 5.0l engine. Truck has over 160k mile and still runs great. No major mechanical issues since I have owned the truck. Have haul gravel, mulch, and several cords of wood over the years and have never had an issue. Have a tow package and have used it to pull a variety of trailers. Again without issue.
accountCircle Dave L on July 27, 2021
2011 ford f-150 colt crew cab with long bed.
My truck is easy to work on and I can get parts cheap. 2011 f150 with a 5.0 motor. I use it everyday for work and pulling small trailers. It get great gas mileage at 20 on the Hwy and 16 in town. I am very satisfied.
accountCircle Chris J on July 14, 2021
5.0 liter F 150 2011 summary
Gas cost a lot since its a V8. Parts are expensive at least for quality parts. To much electrical configurations to vehicle make repairs more difficult to do on my own. Compared to the ecoboost there is less HP
accountCircle Chris B on July 25, 2021
Looks, performance and functionality, this 2012 Ford Mustang GT has it all!
The 5.0 motor puts out a ton of power and the body style of the car is sleek and powerful. Fuel mileage is great for a v8 typically hovering around 18-24 mpg depending on how often I light up the tires.
accountCircle Gordon W on August 2, 2021
My take on the 2011 f-150 5.0 is 5 out of 5.
Basic maintenance has been performed on time. And for having 132,000 miles it feels as good as it did when I bought it new. Do not think I plan on buying another vehicle till this one has no more to it.
accountCircle Susan C on July 28, 2021
2017 Ford Mustang California Special.
My Ford Mustang 5.0 GT California Special convertible 6 speed manual is the most fun and amazing car I have ever driven. It's responsive, fast, and looks beautiful.
accountCircle Lynda L on July 27, 2021
2011 Ford Mustang 5.0 —nothing else will do!
I love this car. It has the 5. 0 coyote motor in it and it really moves! I have the 6 speed manual transmission and it really gives you the sports car experience.
accountCircle John L on July 19, 2021
2014 Ford Mustang GT Premium. Great car with lots of power and options.
My mustang is a gt with a turbocharged 5.0 liter v8 engine automatic transmission and convertible top. The car has a lot of power and extremely fast acceleration.
accountCircle Cheyanne P on July 30, 2021
2019 5.0 coyote mustang review.
This car drives amazing! It's not only comfortable but it is also a very reliable vehicle. It is not only stylish but it also has the power to back up the look.
accountCircle Allison R on July 25, 2021
4 wheel drive 5.0 v8 2013 Ford F-150 STX.
No issues, has a 5.0 v8 with lots of power and torque. Is great for hauling things. Very reliable like anything you take care of had no issues thus far.
accountCircle Natalie F on July 22, 2021
American made 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium with lots power and speed, who could want more.
I absolutely love my mustang gt 5.0. I get great gas mileage, drives awesome, top performance, and it is never gave me any problems to need to fix.
accountCircle Simran B on July 23, 2021
Very fun and fast 2013 Ford Mustang GT Premium, no problems with it.
Very fast and fun, no problems with it at all. Done a lot of mods to it, the coyote engine holds up very well and it is a legendary engine.
accountCircle Michael W on July 20, 2021
2015 Mustang GT 5.0 with premium package
My vehicle has been very reliable. It has a lot of power and looks great! Fuel mileage has been on par with what is stated on the sticker.
accountCircle Tom Ferguson on December 4, 2023
Performance
I had a 2022 GT500 mustang with the VooDoo version of the Coyote engine but sold it when I was outrun by a 6cylinder Camaro.
accountCircle Ben S on July 20, 2021
2013 Ford Mustang gt with coyote engine.
This car has great style, is fun to drive, and most importantly has a fantastic v8 which makes it fast. Sounds great too.
accountCircle Michael D on July 20, 2021
2016 Ford Mustang GT is truly an amazing vehicle.
It's got a 5.0 liter engine and it's fast! It's a beautiful car inside and out. I have nothing at all to complain about.
accountCircle Marcie T on July 15, 2021
2015 50th anniversary mustang gt 5.0.
It is a beast. I love the power. It rides smooth and has a lot of features for customization on steering & on braking.
accountCircle Gabriela H on July 29, 2021
Quick and Powerful 2015 Mustang GT
5.0-liter V8 with 435 horsepower. Sport mode driving, giving you the option to shift like a Manual car.
accountCircle Adam C on July 26, 2021
2013 F150 5.0 4 door pickup.
Love my 5.0 2013 F150 4 door truck. Has all the power a V8 needs gets 17 mpg average city/hwy.
accountCircle Dusyy N on August 1, 2021
2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium handles great with plenty of power and great mpg.
A blast to drive especially with the 5.0 coyote. One of my favorite toys to cruise around.
accountCircle Trs S on July 16, 2021
Love my 2018 Ford Mustang GT 5.0, such a great ride.
I love how smooth and fast the engine is, and that I get 24.1 miles to the gallon.
accountCircle Cameron C on July 13, 2021
Good power with the 5.0 motor in the 2012 Ford F-150 XL.
Cannot beat the coyote 5.0 motor that is in these trucks. Best part love it!
accountCircle Allyn W on July 15, 2021
My 2012 Ford F-150 is a great truck!
It has 5.0 liter V8, and it averages 15.9 mpg, which is great for a V8.
accountCircle Thomas G on July 29, 2021
2016 mustang gt high quality outstanding performance and drive-ability.
No problem with car outstanding performance with 5.0 coyote engine.
accountCircle John M on July 19, 2021
2020 ford mustang gt 5.0 coupe.
No problems with my vehicle. Everything is good with it.
accountCircle Nadine T on July 21, 2021
2012 Ford Mustang GT.
Love the power of the 5.0.
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