The Unique Sound of the 5.0L Coyote Engine Explained

To legions of die-hards, the nicest sound is the meanest growl of a Ford Mustang Coyote 5.0 engine. 

From the baddest builds to the stock sounds of a new 2024 Dark Horse, Ford’s Coyote is distinctive – and its acoustics elicit an emotional response from many followers. 

In this article, we’ll look at the Coyote motor sound profile, what makes it unique, and the inner workings of engine acoustics. Exhaust setups and aftermarket performance parts can drastically change the sound in favor of higher horsepower and better torque. We’ll have a few examples in this blog, but we always recommend you check your local exhaust noise laws for street cars before buying enhancement parts. 

While even a minor modification can change the Coyote engine sound and exhaust note, nothing can detract from its powerhouse reputation. Starting with its 2011 debut, the Coyote engine is renowned for its power and reliability, making it one of the most popular choices for engine swaps.  

So it looks good and feels good – how does it sound? Let’s jump in. 

Why Does the 5.0 Coyote Sound Different?

From the throaty growl that echoes through the streets to the exhilarating roar that accompanies every twist of the throttle, the Coyote engine ignites the senses. 

With a tuned and dialed-in exhaust setup, you can elevate the Coyote’s well-known rasp into a deeper-sounding growl or a higher-pitched snarl with even higher HP. 

At the core of engine sound production lies the combustion process, where a precise mixture of fuel and air ignites within the engine cylinders, generating power through controlled explosions. As this power is harnessed, sound waves propagate through the exhaust system, creating the unmistakable auditory signature of the Coyote engine.

It has a dual overhead cam (DOHC) and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). Like all V8s, the sound you get from the engine and revving is chiefly influenced by your intakes, exhaust setup, and muffler. 

Coyote Engine Sound: Engine Acoustics Explained

The distinctive sound of the Coyote 5.0 engine is a product of Ford’s meticulously engineered design, which intricately shapes the acoustics of its operation. Key components of the exhaust system – including the catalytic converter, muffler, and resonator – play crucial roles in modulating and refining the engine's sound profile. 

The unique configuration and tuning of these components contribute to the distinctiveness of the Coyote's acoustics at idle, low revs, and high revs.

Here’s how Mustang enthusiasts around the world tend to talk about the Coyote’s sound:

Throaty Growl

A deep, resonant sound with a rich and powerful tone that emanates from the engine, often associated with large displacement engines and high-performance vehicles.

Aggressive snarl

An intense and menacing sound characterized by sharp, raspy tones and rapid fluctuations in pitch, conveying raw power and aggression.

Roaring thunder

A thunderous and commanding sound that reverberates with deep bass notes and explosive bursts of intensity, evoking a sense of awe and excitement, often heard in high-performance muscle cars and racing engines.

In other words, this pony don’t “purr” (unless you make some intentional mods for that). 

What is the 5.0 Coyote Tick?

Some drivers report a nagging tick sound from the Coyote. It’s been called a “BBQ tick” or a “typewriter ticking” sound. Many suspect the noise is caused by problems with oil pressure, which is a plausible explanation as the engine ticking sound could be improperly lubricated valves or lifters. 

To be sure, any “ticking” from your engine could be a sign of a mechanical issue. If you’re experiencing this problem, visit a trusted mechanic and explore whether your spark plugs could be bad, you have an exhaust leak, or your oil pressure is off.  

Aftermarket parts, especially, can interrupt the Coyote’s oil distribution. Don’t let a “ticking” sound from your engine overshadow the Coyote’s power and auditory bliss.

Ford Mustang Engine Sound

If you need further proof of the emotional reaction many enthusiasts have to the uniqueness of the Coyote 5.0 motor sound, look no further than Ford’s latest feature on the Dark Horse and 2024 model key fobs.

The remote rev feature lets Mustang owners start the engine outside the car – then, with a click, gun it. Two more clicks and you can let it loose at 5,000 RPMs. 

Given that drivers can’t fully enjoy high-revving exhaust sounds from behind the wheel, this new feature from Ford puts Mustang owners where they most want to be for the engine symphony: behind the pipes.

Road and Track describes it as, “One simple trick to make all of your neighbors hate you.”

Coupled with Ford’s active exhaust (or an upgraded kit with even more customizable sounds), the remote rev feature surely solidifies the satisfying sensory experience of driving a Coyote-powered ’Stang.

The exhaust is where decibels and dyno testing meet. Mustang owners are spoiled for choice when it comes to aftermarket performance parts – from X pipes to long tube headers for better scavenging and higher HP. Cat-back systems are especially popular to upgrade your tips and pipe size while staying street-legal. On the other hand, Mustang owners can spend less and still produce Coyote engine sound changes with an aftermarket axle-back exhaust.

At Wade’s Motorsports, we specialize in high-quality used and OEM parts for Mustangs – ranging from Coyote engines with low miles to exhaust parts. If you’re looking for parts for your next swap, we test everything we sell and can ship much of our inventory worldwide. Parts are available for Mustangs, Camaros, and F-150s, including original equipment and those from popular manufacturers like Borla, Roush, and FlowMaster. Check out our inventory online or call us today – we’re standing by ready to help!