Ford broke the mold when it rolled out the Coyote engine – walking away from the V8 of earlier years with a simple design and huge capacity for engine modifications.
No doubt, Ford’s 5.0L Coyote – modern, mean, and fastidiously designed for high rev and horsepower – is far more efficient and boasts far more brute strength than the earlier pushrod design.
But, there’s more to the continued interest in pushrod engines than just nostalgia.
In this article, we’ll look at the evolution of Ford’s 5.0L engines (Pushrod vs. Coyote) and give you a rundown of Ford’s modern modular engine’s specs.
Is the 5.0 Coyote a Pushrod Engine?
No, it’s not. Officially designated as the 5.0L Ti-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing), the Coyote has been a cornerstone of Ford’s performance lineup for over a decade since overtaking the traditional pushrod design.
The Coyote, first introduced in the 2011 Mustang GT, has become a benchmark for performance, high-revving capability, and advanced technology.
While size and stock Coyote engine performance vary by model year and generation, there is no Coyote pushrod version.
The Gen 1 Coyote, featured in 2011-2014 Mustangs, generated 412-420 horsepower. Later models only improved from there. By the time we reach the Gen 4 Coyote horsepower ranges from 480 to 486, with special performance variants going beyond 800 HP when supercharged.
This level of performance is a significant leap from the days of Ford’s classic pushrod engines, which were a mainstay in Mustangs for decades. Other than perhaps the GT nameplate and ability to attract legions of diehards, there’s little similarity to be found between a Ford pushrod and a Ford overhead cam (modular) engine.
Understanding Engine Types: Pushrod vs. Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Pushrod engines were a favorite for classic Ford Mustangs, especially during the Fox Body era (1979-1993), as they allowed owners to easily add horsepower with basic upgrades.
What Is a Pushrod Engine?
A pushrod engine operates with a camshaft located within the engine block, using rods to control the opening and closing of valves. These engines were small compared to modern modular builds and continue to be favored by some for their ease of modification and ability to produce high amounts of torque.
Quick facts on pushrod engines:
- Camshaft located within the engine block
- Pushrods controlling the valve timing
- Compact design allows for high torque output at lower RPMs
What Year Did the Pushrod 5.0 End in Mustang?
Ford stopped producing pushrod engines for Mustangs in 1995.
Some beloved pushrod-powered vehicles include the 1969 Ford Boss 429, the 5.0L Windsor V8, and even the 7.3L V8, starting in the 2020 F-Series Super Duty trucks.
Are Pushrod Engines More Reliable?
Any answer to this would be subjective but one reason Mustang owners love pushrods is because they’re easier and cheaper to work on and repair or swap than a modern engine. Plenty of people prefer the smaller size and weight of an old Fox Body pushrod. From a reliability standpoint, pushrods are considered a “tried-and-true” engine design (though can suffer with performance and longevity under extreme power/high-rev).
That said, generally, Coyote engines are just as reliable.
Overhead Cam (OHC) Engines
Ford’s Coyote, of course, is a high-revving dual overhead cam engine. From a manufacturing perspective, Ford found much higher efficiency for engine assembly in a “modular” plant – which is what the term modular engine refers to (the way assembly machines themselves were built).
Quick facts on modular engines:
- Camshaft located above the cylinder head
- Direct control of valves, eliminating the need for pushrods
- More efficient air-fuel mixture and exhaust flow, improving fuel economy
- Mustang parts for the modern engines can be more expensive and complex
Every Mustang beginning with the 1996 model year is outfitted with a modular engine.
The legacy is alive and being constantly refined with Ford’s advanced engine technology. A pushrod, for instance, could never match the 2024 Shelby Super Snake, which offers both a 480-horsepower and a staggering 830-horsepower version thanks to a Whipple supercharger added to the 5.0-liter V8.
An overhead cam engine features a camshaft located directly above the cylinder head, where it directly controls the valve timing. This eliminates the need for pushrods, reducing the complexity of the engine. In Mustang engines, the Coyote’s DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) setup has four valves per cylinder and allows for more precise control over air intake and exhaust flow.
The 5.0 Coyote Engine Design/Specs
The Coyote engine is a modern masterpiece of engineering.
It features a DOHC setup with twin independent variable cam timing, meaning that each camshaft can adjust timing independently of the others, offering optimal performance at various RPM ranges. This flexibility not only improves performance but also fuel efficiency and emissions.
What Type of Crank Does a Coyote Engine Have?
Mustangs with Coyotes feature a forged steel crankshaft. Some generations have a flat-plane crank, others a cross-plane. In addition to performance, the crankshaft weight and pistons in a Mustang engine contribute to the Coyote’s unique sound.
The Coyote has become a go-to for enthusiasts looking for a high-performance, street-legal engine capable of producing power without sacrificing modern technology and efficiency. Ford lists the Coyote as having “unbridled power” in its 2024 Mustangs – but of course, there’s a cap.
Here are the actual specs:
Swapping the Pushrod for Coyote: OEM Mustang Parts
Ford has a storied history with pushrod engines. These pony engines were workhorses known for their simplicity and ability to handle massive torque loads. However, they couldn’t rev as high as modern overhead cam engines, and their design limited potential performance upgrades without significantly altering the engine.
The Coyote’s overhead cam design, however, allowed Ford to push the boundaries of what a 5.0L V8 could do. The result? More power, better fuel efficiency, and engines that could rev significantly higher than their pushrod counterparts. The Coyote’s higher RPM capability lets it generate more horsepower at the top end, making it perfect for performance vehicles like the Mustang.
For Mustang enthusiasts, upgrading to a Coyote engine swap is a dream come true. However, it’s not a simple “drop-in” replacement. Depending on the model year of your Mustang, a Coyote swap can cost anywhere between $16,000 and $20,000 — and that’s before adding upgrades like a supercharger. Yet, for those looking to breathe new life into a Fox Body or early SN95 Mustang, the Coyote is the engine of choice, delivering modern performance with classic muscle car power.
Wade’s Motorsports offers a variety of OEM parts tailored to Coyote swaps. From engines to accessories, we’ve got you covered. Check out our online inventory, and remember, we ship internationally for most orders and run quality tests on every item we sell. Have questions? Give us a call at (803) 818-4144 or send us an email and we’ll be glad to help!
