I wanted to share some information on doing a coyote swap since it is asked so much in here on where to start or what parts are needed, etc.
●1st you need to decide what your budget is. That will tell you if you should use a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen f150 or mustang motor. I would recommend searching LKQ on Ebay which is where I bought mine. 1st gen f150 motors with less than 50k miles are around $2000 shipped. 2nd gen f150s around 50k are being shipped for $2700. 1st gen mustang motors are being shipped for $3500 and 2nd gen around $4500. 3rd gen are about $6500.
●2nd you need to decide on a transmission. You can run about any modular trans. 3650, t45, t56, etc. Mt82 shifter wont line up unless the linkages are shortened. 6r80s and other autos have been used also. I chose the cobra t56 that was already installed when I bought my car.
●3rd you need to put together a parts list and find them online. Late Model Restoration has a great coyote swap parts list. Plus they featured my blue mach 1 I swapped myself and sent me a free tshirt .
●Parts list: coyote swap headers and mid pipe, new gas pedal bracket, control pack, return fuel system, pulley brackets to run ac and power steering (Volvo electric ps pump can be used to keep the alternator and ac compressor in the stock coyote locations), 8 bolt flywheel and clutch, 4.6 starter, 4.6 motor mounts, 4.6 ps pump, coolant reservoir, battery relocation. Maybe more? This write up is being typed off the top of my head. I'm liable to forget some things.
●What's involved?
•A tubular k member is ideal but if you're on a budget you can use the stock k member with 3/8" motor mount spacers and a small dent in the corner of the stock oil pan.
•Gt exhaust manifolds can be used but it's a PIA! Not recommended because I done this because they were free. The passenger side gt manifold needs to hug the engine about a 1/2" tighter or more. I cut it in 3 places and welded it back. Flanges must be cut off and made new, mid pipe will need to be modified to attach.
•There are return fuel systems available but I made my own. Involving 20' of -8an braided ptfe feed line and -6an return (DO NOT use Ebay brand or a non brand or non ptfe hose! Idc what Ebay claims to hold 1500psi. They will bust!) I used Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator with a vacuum hose running to the intake manifold by the throttle body set at 60psi idle. AN fittings from summit racing and AN bulkhead fitting on the stock gas tank lid (also a PIA and not recommended). $400 was involved here. I used the ford gt pump that was already in the car.
•The ford racing control pack is most commonly used for the swaps because of its simplicity, reliability, and NOT for the price of ~$1500. There are other ways using a mustang or f150 wiring harness with PATS deleted but I am not experienced with that area. The control pack comes with your gas pedal, rad hoses, mustang air intake, computer, pcm, etc. It works well with the stock new edge ECU to run your factory stuff. There is a write up on wiring in the factory gauges. This is not something that is plug and play. The fuel pump also needs wired into the control pack along with the starter.
•The coyote powered f150 and mustangs all have electric steering racks. Therefore you will need a way to run power steering. I chose to put the ps pump in the ac compressor location using a swap bracket. I did not run ac, NOT recommended unless you live in Canada. Bracket kits can be bought for simplicity and reliability that add the ps pump to the front cover. I believe a mustang cover is needed for this. I used the f150 cover with mustang alternator that had to be grinded on to lign up the belt (If it works it works ♂️). Also a Volvo electric power steering pump can be used and that way the coyote ac compressor and alternator can be left in OEM positions. The Volvo pump is bulky and ugly but it will save you money and you can mount it in the fender area or radiator area.
• The coyote cold air intake comes around to the driver side where your factory battery is. I have seen a custom intake coming from the passenger side. I chose to run a lightweight odyssey 14lb battery and mounted it on the passenger side. Or you can put a battery in the trunk. The stock coolant reservoir will hit the intake. A smaller resorvoir can be used or relocated. Power steering lines will need to be made longer. Heater core hoses will need customized (simple). The control pack coyote pcm will need to be mounted. I put mine in the fender. The new wiring harness will need to be routed through the firewall. The control pack has directions.
•2nd gen f150s need mustang cams to run with the control pack since the f150 has a different firing order. 1st gen f150 cams do not need changed but the intake cams are different. The mustang intake cams can be swapped in for ~38hp. The f150 intake manifold is different, front timing cover, oil pan, exhaust manifolds are different and the 1st and 2nd gen have 10.5:1 cr instead of 11:1 like the mustang. 3rd gens are all 12:1.
•The factory oil coolers will not clear the front sway bar or work with the included rad hoses. Unscrew the cooler, insert adapter fitting and screw on oil filter.
1st gen f150 swaps can be done for around $6000 if you do it yourself. Always shoot for $1000 less than your budget for miscellaneous parts. 2nd gen mustang coyote swaps will get you closer to $9000 for a basic swap. Brand choices, k members, bracket kits, boost, return fuel kits, motors, trans, all vary in prices.
I'm sure I'm missing a lot and forgot some things but that's all I can think of for now. Good Luck!
PS: I will swap your car starting at $2500 for labor only for basic n/a swaps. Boost, wire tucks, etc. will make that price go up!
-Darren Slone
