Optimizing Power: The Best Performance Mods for Coyote 5.0

When it comes to Ford Mustangs and F-150s, part of the Coyote’s widespread appeal stems from the fact you don’t have to spend too much to get a ton of performance and growl. 

The stock fourth-generation Coyote 5.0L engine packs 480 horsepower in 2024 Mustang GT models and Ford’s active exhaust feature turns high-rev sessions into a symphony. It looks and drives great right off the assembly line – but there’s always a way to do a little more.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best performance mods for Coyote engines found in Mustangs and F-150s. From cold air intakes to superchargers and advanced internal upgrades, we’ll explore ways to optimize the power of your pony and point you to some reputable brands and parts manufacturers. 

Before jumping into our aftermarket Coyote performance guide, let’s review quickly how this engine became the cornerstone of Ford’s muscle car lineup.

Ford introduced the 5.0L Coyote engine in 2011. Since then, it’s become renowned for its robust power output, impressive reliability, and vast potential for modifications. Every inch of this V8 powerhouse is designed for excitement – whether you’re on the track or driving to work.

How Much Power Can You Get Out of a 5.0 Coyote Engine?

As is always the case with sports cars, the power coming from your Coyote engine depends heavily on your specific Mustang or F-150 model/generation; accompanying exhaust; and whether you’ve added mods. If you’ve got your eye on the record, that goes to Evolution Performance’s supercharged 2024 Dark Horse, which produces a downright enviable 1,045 HP.

For the rest of us, here are the key specifications for Coyote 5.0L stock engines:

• Configuration: V8
• Horsepower: Up to 486 hp (varies by model and year)
• Torque: Up to 420 lb-ft
• Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT)
• Fuel Injection: Advanced system featuring both port and direct injection

How Can I Get More Power Out of My 5.0 Coyote?

Upgrading the intake and exhaust systems is a common first step in modifying the Coyote engine. These cheap engine modifications improve airflow, enhancing the engine's efficiency and power output. Here’s a closer look at cold air intakes and exhaust systems: 

Cold Air Intakes

By allowing more cool air into the engine, cold air intakes increase combustion efficiency. Popular brands like K&N, Airaid, and JLT Performance offer high-quality options that can significantly improve horsepower and throttle response.

Exhaust Systems

High-performance exhaust systems reduce backpressure, allowing exhaust gasses to exit more freely. This results in improved engine breathing and performance gains. Brands such as Borla, MagnaFlow, and Flowmaster are renowned for their high-quality exhaust systems that can add a noticeable increase in power and an aggressive exhaust note.

These baseline mods, however, may not deliver more than a few digits of horsepower gain on their own. In some cases, swapping the factory intake and filter necessitates tuning – reprogramming the engine's computer to optimize performance. Even if your new intake is a match to the old size, tuning or remapping the Coyote’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can bring a boost. 

ECU Tuning

By adjusting the air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other factors, Mustang and F-150 owners can draw improved power and performance along with better fuel efficiency.

What Is the Best Upgrade for the Coyote Engine?

The 5.0 coyote performance mods we’ve covered so far are the most common because they are the simplest and most cost-effective and work across models, with many options available from aftermarket manufacturers. 

As you look to gain more horsepower, car engine modifications get more complex and expensive. Here are a few examples: 

Superchargers & Turbochargers

The former is belt-driven; the latter is exhaust-driven. Turbochargers give more power at higher RPMs and increase your Ford’s peak power potential. Superchargers similarly reconfigure aspiration, delivering greater horsepower overall. 

Camshaft Upgrades

By upping the camshaft’s lift and duration it holds open valves, you can increase the Coyote’s output, particularly at higher speeds. Often you’ll notice lower torque at low RPMs, however. This modification requires precise tuning and compatibility with other engine components.

Cylinder Head Porting

Reshaping the intake and exhaust ports provides optimal flow, which translates to better HP and torque. This is a key mod for the Coyote engine to significantly reduce air restriction.

Best Performance Mods for Coyote 5.0

From basic bolt-ons to advanced internal upgrades, the Coyote 5.0 engine offers a wealth of opportunities for performance enhancement. By understanding the options and selecting the right parts for your needs, you can unlock the full potential of your Mustang or F-150. 

Of course, where you source your parts matters. For performance parts, we recommend you work with a trusted mechanic and check out major brands like Whipple, Roush, Borla, and MagnaFlow – although there are many smaller companies providing great options. Do keep in mind that many mods and products won’t be street-legal due to exhaust control changes.  

At Wade’s Motorsports, we specialize in helping you build, restore, and optimize your vehicle with OEM parts. If you’re looking for a Coyote 5.0 engine for your next swap or other OEM Mustang parts or F-150 parts, check out our online inventory or give us a call today!