How to Prepare Your Car for a Coyote Engine Swap

by Will Wade March 4, 2025

With so much variety across the V8 platform, a Ford engine swap may not be as straightforward – or budget-friendly – as we’d wish. But if you’re in it for power and reliability, a Coyote engine swap can be well worth your time, money, and effort.

Ford’s Coyote engine, officially known as the 5.0L Ti-VCT, has earned a solid reputation since its introduction in the Mustang in 2011.

Although it’s not as common as an LS engine swap, the Coyote is a popular choice for an engine swap as sourcing one from a donor Mustang or F-150 generally isn’t too hard. Preparation, however, is key.

This guide will walk you through the essentials of preparing your car for a successful Coyote swap – whether you’re dropping a modern engine into a classic Ford dentside or keeping it in the Mustang family with a Coyote-foxbody swap.

While your pony’s powerplant is the main event, an engine swap will likely require at least some associated modifications and – depending on your application – those mods could be very complex and expensive. We’ll give you a rundown on non-engine parts and systems, from the transmission to the cooling system, to plan for with a Coyote engine swap.

First, let’s look at the Coyote across four generations:

Generation 1 (2011-2014): The Gen 1 Coyote produces 412–420 horsepower. It’s an ideal choice for those on a tighter budget looking for reliable power.
Generation 2 (2015-2017): Improvements in the intake manifold, cylinder heads, and valve springs helped this version reach up to 435 horsepower. Gen 2 Coyotes are great for builds that require a balance of power and affordability.
Generation 3 (2018-2020): With dual-fuel injection and an increased compression ratio, Gen 3 Coyotes hit 460 horsepower. These engines are ideal for high-performance swaps or restomod builds where modern tech is desired.
Generation 4 (2021-present): The latest version of the Coyote can produce 480–486 horsepower, with special models reaching over 800 horsepower when supercharged.

Choose the Right Coyote Engine Variant

The right generation often depends on your vehicle’s compatibility, intended performance, and budget. For example, a Gen 1 Coyote may fit best in an older Mustang body, while a Gen 3 might suit a modern performance build.

For a manual, the most sought-after stock Coyote engine for a swap is probably a Boss 302 variant.

Keep in mind that costs and required modifications for a Coyote motor swap vary with each generation.

Assessing Compatibility and Potential Modifications

A Coyote swap requires more than just installing an engine. You’ll need to ensure that your car’s components can handle the new power – which may be upgrading certain parts or installing aftermarket kits.

You can start with this fundamental checklist:

unchecked Transmission: While a Tremec manual transmission or 6R80 automatic transmission is ideal, make sure to confirm compatibility. Adapter kits are available if you plan to keep your current transmission.

unchecked Motor Mounts and Crossmembers: A Coyote swap often requires custom motor mounts or crossmembers to secure the engine properly.

unchecked Driveshaft: Adjustments to the driveshaft length may be necessary for proper alignment with your transmission setup.

unchecked Suspension and Chassis Support: The Coyote engine’s weight and power may strain an older suspension system. Consider aftermarket subframes to ensure stability and performance.

unchecked Fuel System: Coyote engines demand high fuel flow, so plan for larger injectors, a high-capacity fuel pump, and compatible fuel lines.

unchecked Cooling System: To keep the engine running cool, consider upgrading to a larger radiator and electric fans.

unchecked Exhaust System: Custom headers may be needed for proper fitment, ensuring clearance in the engine bay.

unchecked Control Pack: Ford Performance offers a control pack that simplifies wiring and includes an ECU and required sensors for a Coyote swap.

unchecked Battery Relocation: Space constraints often require relocating the battery to allow room for the intake system or headers.

unchecked Gauges and Electronics: To fully integrate the Coyote’s ECU with your dashboard instruments, make sure your gauges are compatible.

Budgeting for a Coyote Swap

While a used Coyote engine can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $17,000, remember that additional customizations can quickly add up. Parts like fuel pumps, custom exhausts, and a reinforced suspension are often needed to safely handle the Coyote’s power.

Custom work can bring the total swap cost to $25,000 or more, especially when professional labor is involved.

Consider a Swap Kit

Swap kits simplify the Coyote swap process by bundling the necessary components and adapters, which can save a considerable amount of time (and some money). Plus, this can make it far easier to fit the Coyote – which is infamously not compact – into the new car’s engine bay.

Here are some popular Coyote swap kits:

Ford Performance Control Pack: This kit includes an ECU, wiring harness, and sensors. Worth a look if you’re moving the Coyote into an older vehicle.
BBK Coyote Swap Headers: Designed for Fox Body Mustangs, these headers provide necessary clearance and improve airflow for the Coyote engine.
Hooker Blackheart Swap System: Offers motor mounts, crossmembers, and exhaust options specifically designed for a range of Ford vehicles.
UMI Performance Swap Kit: This kit is popular for Coyote swaps in F-bodies, providing necessary mounts, crossmembers, and stabilizers.
AJE Suspension Kit: Designed for classic Mustangs and Fairlanes, AJE’s swap kit helps with alignment and stability when adding a modern (and heavier) Coyote.

What Cars Can You Put a Coyote Engine in?

How big is your imagination? No seriously, as long as the Coyote has been around, fans have been putting it under some unusual hoods.

The versatility of Ford's Coyote engine makes it a popular swap candidate for a range of vehicles, particularly within the Ford family but extending beyond it as well.

Classic Ford models, like the Mustang (1965-1973 models are especially popular), Fairlane, Maverick, and even Ford Broncos, frequently receive Coyote upgrades to combine vintage style with modern power.

The Coyote engine’s adaptability even makes it a popular choice for non-Ford models, including Mazda RX-7s and Nissan 240SXs. However, non-Ford swaps often require custom mounts and additional modifications to pull off this V8 swap. If you’re going outside the Ford family, the LS engine is a far more popular swap and often can be done for far less money.

Getting Your Coyote Swap Started

Set yourself up for success and start with the highest-quality Coyote engine you can find in your budget. At Wade’s Motorsports, we offer quality OEM-tested parts for your Coyote swap, including Coyote engines in excellent condition – at a fraction of the cost of new crate engines.

Ready to take your vehicle to the next level? Contact Wade’s Motorsports today for the parts and guidance you need to make your Coyote swap a reality.