Coyote Swap Builds to Inspire Your Next Project Car
There’s big interest in cramming a Coyote engine into a classic Ford. It’s understandable: modern performance and vintage iron always go hand-on-hand to produce the ultimate street machine. However, as we pointed out in part one of our series on this epic powerplant, a Coyote engine won’t just “drop in” to all applications.
This ain’t no LS swap.
A lot of dreamers–and builders—lose their gusto when they discover the hardships associated with Coyote swaps. Hard work doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but in the face of adversity anyone can feel discouraged without a little inspiration. So, to keep that fire lit under your rear end, we’re going to take a look at some particularly killer Coyote swap builds.
1979 Ford Bronco
“Bullet Hole Bronco”
Starting off our list, we’re taking a look at what is likely the best-looking model of Ford trucks to ever exist. This is a 1979 Ford Bronco—and before we even get a look at what’s under the hood—we can’t help but be humbled by the pure spirit of vintage truck culture this rig perfectly embodies.
“This Bronco has some history and an actual bullet hole, which gives it the name,” says owner Josh Jacobson. “I got it in original condition, but it needed a lot of work to be road-worthy. Everything mechanical has been rebuilt, replaced, or upgraded. The original 400 engine lost the head gaskets, so at that time my brother and I swapped in a 460, and have since swapped to the 5.0L Coyote engine.”
Anyone who’s had their hands on an extensive project knows the uphill battle Josh must have faced putting this truck together. Countless hours spent day and night just to get a 40-year-old vehicle up and running. Never mind what it takes to get a Coyote inside.
Sure, the Bronco offers up plenty of real estate for swaps, but crawling under the hood of a truck like this is no easy endeavor. Josh’s ability to keep swinging with a resto Coyote swap build like this is motivational to say the least.
Specs
- Year/Make/Model: 1979 Ford Bronco
- Engine: 5.0 Coyote
- Trans: 6R80
- Diff and Transfer Case: Pro Series Race Case Atlas 2 (3.0 ratio) Front axle: Dana 44 completely rebuilt with TrueTrac
- Rear Axle: 9 inch with Strange Engineering Pro Series Nodular Housing, StrangeTrac diff and 35 spline axles
- Aeromotive in tank Stealth Phantom setup
- Northern Radiator with dual Spal Fans
- Dakota digital dash
- Retrosound Stereo system (Bluetooth etc)
- Baja RS seats
- Full mandrel custom exhaust
- 50×15 Goodyear MTRs on 1996 Bronco Alcoa wheels powder-coated black
1993 Ford Mustang
So, what’s the fun in talking about Coyote swaps if we aren’t going to talk about a true-to-form muscle car?
Nick Meyers’ Mustang is a build that current-era muscle car nuts will love. This 1993 Ford Mustang started out life as a Cobra. Despite the legendary name, these cars are a faint shimmer in the history of Ford Performance. While certainly cool in their own respect, the factory-rated 235hp leaves a lot to be desired in the quarter mile.
But this particular Fox Body pretty much takes everything you know about these cars and throws it out the window.
From Mustang360: “Nick started with a 2014 Coyote crate engine, but he had Fonzie Novelo build it to Aluminator specs using forged pistons and Mahle H-beam connecting rods with ARP 2000 fasteners. The heads and intake are stock, but the fuel system is bolstered with a 2003-2004 Cobra fuel tank, Walbro 340 pumps, a Fore Innovations regulator, and ID1300 fuel injectors. The turbocharger is a Precision 76mm with a Vortech intercooler, 44mm wastegate and 50mm blow-off valve, and custom hot and cold side piping.”
“Jordan Performance and Racing handles the tune, and so far the combination is good for 780 horsepower on E85. Justin [Jordan] and Nick soon hope to turn up the boost and go for 950 horsepower at the wheels.”
Sure, Fox Body Mustangs are small and limited room makes any swap tough. But you want the Coyote. You want to harness that power. You want to be like Nick Meyers.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a slouch from the start, a Coyote will change that.
Specs
- Year/Make/Model: 1993 Ford Mustang
- Engine: 2014 Coyote Crate
- Trans: Tremec T56 6 Speed Manual
- 2003-2004 Cobra Fuel Tank w/Walbro 340 Pumps
- ID1300 Fuel Injectors
- Precision 76mm Turbo
- Vortech Intercooler
- CG Fabricated Headers
- McLeod RXT Clutch
Coyote-Powered AC Cobra
I’ll preface this next one by saying: I totally understand the mantra of “Built Not Bought.”
That being said—even if a vehicle is purchased with all the hard work already done, it can still serve as inspiration. While a company like Back Draft Racing has plenty of resources, the challenges they face are still very real. Besides, cramming a Coyote into a Bronco is tough. If these guys can jam one into a little AC Cobra, you can certainly get one into your project car.
While we don’t know all the specs for this particular build or what the owner has done to increase performance in half-mile drag races, we do know it works—and it works well.
“When everything is hooking up correctly, this particular Cobra makes 960 hp. That has translated into a constant battle for traction with hairy results at every shift. According to the Cobra’s build team, the high performance muscle car is pushing 250 shot of nitrous and can peak at 181 mph,” reported The Drive.
Watch it in action here:
Specs
- Year/Make/Model: Backdraft Racing Cobra
- Engine: Coyote 5.0 Supercharged
- Trans: 6 Speed Manual
- 2.3-liter Whipple Supercharger
1971 Ford Torino
So maybe you don’t have a Bronco, or a Mustang, or a ton of money to buy an AC Cobra Replica. While popular Ford’s certainly have abundant information archived in thread forums, as well as aftermarket support to make virtually anything possible, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a Coyote engine in your off-trend model.
Take for example, this 1971 Ford Torino built by Custom Classics. Not only did they successfully transplant a Coyote into this beautiful machine, but also they provide a plethora of photos of the entire swap.
This is a pro touring build, which means durability, comfort, and performance are all extremely important for the end result. It’s obvious the drivability of the Coyote made it a superb candidate.
Custom-made parts are the heart of this build. From reshaping the engine bay, to fabricating cross members and even the trans tunnel, Custom Classics had their work cut out for them. Still, with time, dedication, and focus, they were able to execute this Coyote swap build flawlessly. And, they even popped a stick in it to keep those true muscle car vibes.
Specs
- Year/Make/Model: 1971 Ford Torino
- Engine: 5.0 Coyote
- Trans: 6-Speed Manual
1967 Ford Galaxie
What if you’re looking to build a cruiser? You might not want to be banging gears. Instead, maybe your car is one you like to take out, roll the top back, hang your arm out the window and just ride. Can a Coyote swap get that done for you?
Yes. Coyote engines are HOT engines. They’re total power houses, but also can be super reliable, super tame, AND provide a super relaxing driving experience. That’s one of the things that makes this engine platform so great.
PBH Performance put together what is probably the best car that captures the cruiser spirit. This 1967 Ford Galaxie is a beautiful green, and straight as an arrow. It’s even got that soft top so the owner could enjoy the fresh air as they take a Sunday drive.
Oh, and yes—they did manage to shove a Coyote under the hood.
From PBH Performance: “This Coyote-swapped ’67 Galaxie is #pbhequipped. It was built here locally and packs a gen 1 Coyote and 6R80 transmission. Our gen 1 control pack is on board handling all the wiring. It is a frame off restoration mixed with an upgraded Crown Vic front end, Wilwood brakes, and Dakota Digital gauges.”
With that said, PBH is hoping to put a feature out soon in which they cover all the goods of this particular build. It will certainly give you some great insight on how something like this comes together.
Specs
- Year/Make/Model: 1967 Ford Galaxie
- Engine: 5.0 Coyote
- Trans: 6R80
- Wilwood Disc Brakes
- Dakota Digital Gauges
