Coyote vs 4.6L

[cfassett87]

Looking for some guidance from the forum... my 69 F100 has a C6 and a 400/6.6L out of a 79. It also has power disc from a 79, and drop I beams with lowering shackles.
No power steering. Both, the engine particular, and tranny are in need of replacement or a rebuild. I would like the truck to be more daily drivable... better MPG. Better HP (250-350 would be plenty). Better reliability.

I've been considering a Crown Vic as a donor for 4.6L, tranny and front end. However, my mechanic just brought to my attention an early Gen2 5.0L coyote F150 with 80-90k. which can be bought for a few grand, for use as an engine and tranny donor. It seems like a more costly option, due to the need for control packs, etc.

My mechanic would be doing this swap, but has research to do beforehand.

Any thoughts or guidance on the crown vic vs 5.0 F150 as donors?

[Dismantalus]

I've pondered the same question. Just picked up a '69 F250. The Coyote may be more costly initially, but it is basically plug and play with the controls pack. With the 4.6, you have to weed through the existing wiring harness from the Crown Vic. I'm leaning toward the 4.6 as I've been doing the wiring thing for a couple of decades. Started with a Crossfire from an '82 Vette on a '79 GMC. It really depends on your (or your Mechanics) comfort level with the wiring. If he is doing it, time is money, and you may be better off in the long run with the Coyote. Just food for thought!

[cfassett87]

Good thoughts... I was thinking the 4.6 would be a drop in and this lower cost, but sounds like it could be worse. With that in mind, the coyote may be lower total cost, even after buying the performance pack. Which would make the coyote a no brainer to me.

[basketcase0302]

There's a guy on the FB bump forums fabbing the coyote harness for our trucks now.
Can't remember his name but he's easy to find.
I'd love a Coyote powered or 4.6 (as you can do so much with either engine it seems) bump.

[Aerocoupe]

Compared to the Coyote 5.0 the 4.6's are good for boat anchors. Yes you can make good power and yes they are serviceable but they are now getting to be old and most aftermarket support has moved over to the Coyote. That said you can still build a very nice 302W motor and back it with a 4R70W and a controller like a Baumann or US Shift.

So the 5.0 Coyote F150 motor only differs from the Mustang motors in 1/2 point of compression (11:1 vs. 10.5:1) and the intake cams have a different profile. The intakes while different in appearance are supposed to be nearly identical in flow characteristics. What is really different is the accessory package. I could regurgitate a lot and I mean a lot of crap here but the best thing I can tell you is to go to PHB's website and read up on what you will need to swap out. They also have a really nice controls package for the Coyote motor and the 6R80 trans which is what I will be doing.

https://pbhperformance.com/shop/pbh-6r80-control-pack/

To put it mildly you better be willing to commit to this as this is not like swapping in a stroked Windsor 302 and slapping on a carb.

[cfassett87]

Thanks for the input. I've seen the wikipedia estimate of $10-20k for a Coyote swap. This makes that 302 drop in sound more attractive!

Outside of the cost to acquire the engine, tranny and controls pack, what would you guys estimate as the cost to make this conversion? In terms of hours and labor?

[59yblockf100]

why not go with a engine around the year of your truck,newer isnt always better.can make alot of hp on a older engine with the amount of money your talking about spending.i have had alot of screaming fe engines,351 w,351 c and 302 can give you alot of power,just a thought.

[Aerocoupe]

So 5.0 Coyote swaps into these trucks have been done and there are a couple on here:

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=79876

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=54483 (some pictures now appear to be missing)

You can Google "f100 coyote swap" and there are several build threads on other forums. Some have even done LS swaps so whatever floats the boat.

As for the cost it depends on the deals you can find what your abilities are in the shop. Typically can find a F150 Coyote motor and 6R80 trans in the $3500 range and then you need to add in the controls, fuel system, and getting the motor/trans put in the frame. This can nickel and dime a person to death if not well planned.

A naturally aspirated Windsor pushrod motor (302 or 351 based) to put up the same numbers as a naturally aspirated Coyote motor will most likely cost you more than a used Coyote unless you already have parts laying around or can find someone selling a nice 302 or 351 based motor.

[Ranchero50]

If you are paying a shop, 460 versus 302 since the 400 should share the same frame perches. You could build a nice high torque 512 and back it with a c6 and tall gears.

[cfassett87]

I should probably change the title of this thread, due to the path this has taken... Thinking about the controls, labor, etc for the whole Coyote swap has me cringing, and the more period correct swap is seeming more financially feasible.

Came across a rebuilt 390 from a shop in NC for $2k, and this has me thinking as well. Would this swap be a better option? I considered rebuilding the 400, but sending to a machine shop would make this something that doesnt make financial sense either.

[Aerocoupe]

So if you want better MPG a FE motor is not the way to go nor is a three speed auto. You need to look for a carbed 331 or 347 and an AOD if you want to stay away from any electronics.

I would tell you to run a 4R70W as you can still find them in salvage yards for cheap (do a search on this as I am pretty sure a 2000-2001 V6 car is what you want) and the plug and play self learning controller is around $600.

Example of putting the 4R70W behind a carbed 302/351 based Windsor motor is here:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.fordmu ... ml%3famp=1

With this trans you do not need a kick down cable or rod. You need to buy a throttle position kit for your respective carb like this one:

http://blog.innovatemotorsports.com/new ... lications/

Hopefully this helps you make a good decision and have fun with the project.