Over the past couple of years, much clamor has centered around the potential unveiling of all-new powerplants to accompany the seventh-generation Mustang’s release. This, imaginably, led to a certain degree of confusion among consumers and critics alike, when the 2024 Mustang entered production, with a nearly identical engine lineup as that offered during prior production.
Nonetheless, many a studious critic was also quick to point out that each of the Mustang’s respective powerplants had undergone notable revision, all in the name of increased potency and efficiency. Take, for example, the 5.0L Coyote V8, which now delivers a rated output of 480 horsepower. Additional revision sees internal components beefed up to withstand the rigors of continual high RPM operation.
5.0L V8 Engine History
In concept at least, the 5.0L Coyote V8, and the manufacturing platform it represents, is a long time in the making. Modular engine design and production have served as a staple of Ford manufacturing practices since the 4.6L V8s debut in 1991. This practice allows rapid implementation of subsequent upgrades to a particular engine and markedly reduces downtime and financial expenditure when switching from the production of one engine to the next within this platform.
The 5.0L Coyote V8 officially launched in 2011, as the latest addition to Ford’s famed modular engine program. Upon its release, the Coyote V8 produced 420 horsepower and 390 lb/ft of torque. Later revision saw the Coyote become a testbed for various technical upgrades, including the addition of high-pressure direct/port fuel injection, refined high-performance camshafts (with VVT technology), and enlarged intake/exhaust valves. With each revision, the Coyote’s output and internal integrity were enhanced.
Also of note, is the fact that the Coyote V8 has served as the genesis for at least two additional powerplants, both of which have seen service beneath the hoods of various specialty or high-output Mustang models. These engines include the 5.2L flat-plane crank “Voodoo” V8, and the formidable 760-horsepower “Predator” V8.
Via Road and Track
5.0L V8 Specifications and Technical Specifications
Structurally, the 2024 5.0L Coyote V8 is extremely similar to previous iterations of this famed powerplant. The 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 continues to utilize an all-aluminum engine block, constructed with Ford’s Plasma Transfer Wire Arc Technology. Housed within this block is a hearty rotating assembly, which features a forged-steel crankshaft with four-bolt mains, sinter-forged connecting rods, and hypereutectic cast aluminum-alloy pistons.
The third-generation 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 exhibits an approximate displacement of 302 cubic inches, with a defined compression ratio of 12.0:1. This displacement is achieved through the use of 3.660″ cylinder bores, and stroke measurements of 3.650″.
Attached to the Coyote’s block are two cast-aluminum cylinder heads, specifically designed to facilitate the engine’s use of multi-port fuel injection, while also allowing for the most unabated flow of intake air possible. Each head is equipped with solid stem steel valves measuring 1.484″ (intake), and 1.259″ (exhaust). Valve actuation is sustained through the use of third-generation specific camshafts, with defined valve durations of 260°(intake)/263°(exhaust), and a unilateral valve lift of 0.551, across both intake and exhaust strokes.
While the 5.0L Ti-VCT has long been known as a heavy-breathing beast, Ford has further improved upon such characteristics for the 2024 model year. Most notably, the 5.0L Coyote now comes equipped with a set of twin 80mm throttle bodies, effectively doubling the engine’s intake capacity. This intake air is then enriched with fuel, via both port and direct fuel injection, allowing for more efficient combustion across the engine’s performance range.
All considered, the 2024 Ti-VCT 5.0L Coyote V8 serves as the perfect addition to Ford’s modular engine program, showcasing further progression in performance and overall efficiency. Ford has again found a way in which to churn out additional output from their aging Coyote V8, this time through the addition of an all-new twin throttle body arrangement. Those opting for the addition of a revised active exhaust package can expect even greater performance yields, achieving an advertised output of 486 horsepower, at 7,250 RPM.
Via Mustang Fan Club
5.0L V8 Specs Index
- Horsepower: 480 hp @ 7,500 rpm, 486 hp @ 7,250 rpm (active exhaust)
- Torque: 415 lb.-ft @ 4,900 rpm, 418 lb.-ft @ 4,900 rpm (active exhaust)
- Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
- Displacement: 302CI (5.0L)
- Cylinder Bore: 3.66″ (93mm)
- Stroke: 3.65″ (92.7mm)
5.0L V8 Additional Uses
The 5.0L Ti-VCT Coyote V8 has served as a staple of high-performance Ford production for more than a decade. While the 5.0L Coyote V8 is synonymous with late model Mustang production, this powerplant has also served beneath the hood of the Ford F-150, beginning in 2011. This pattern of dual usage between both Ford models continues today.
Additionally, the 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 has also reached a near mythical status among those in search of the perfect crate engine to utilize as part of their custom builds. When properly tuned, the “Coyote” has been proven to produce recorded outputs of approximately 1,000 horsepower, without extensive need for internal revision.
Via Ford Muscle
A Step Ahead, In Each Direction
The 2024 Ti-VCT 5.0L V8 takes center stage, proving unequivocally that there is little limit to the power that can be squeezed out of this already storied engine platform. It seems even more apparent with each passing year that those at the helm of Ford’s engineering department are feeling little stress when it comes to reinventing their most potent performer, in the most meaningful of ways.
Aside from its many accolades, the 5.0L Coyote V8’s most significant claim to fame is serving as the powerhouse behind Ford’s most prestigious performance car, over the last decade; a decade of enormous growth. All in all, the Ti-VCT 5.0L V8 is virtually destined to go down as the most influential engine in Mustang history. With each passing year, this chapter of greatness just continues to grow ever
