Ford introduced its first “clean slate design” V-8
engines in the early 1990s in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. Known
as the “Modular” engine family, the 4.6L engines employed new overhead
cams, multi-valve performance, distributorless ignition, and more. This
engine had new technology for its time, and it proved to be an extremely
durable workhorse that logged hundreds of thousands of miles in various
vehicles. And, of course, hotter versions, and even supercharged
versions, found their way into performance applications such as Mustang
GTs and Cobras.
By 2011, Ford wanted something hotter and more current.
Enter Ford’s new 5.0L “Coyote” engine with Twin Independent Variable Cam
Timing (Ti-VCT); it was an evolution of the earlier 4.6L and 5.4L
Modular designs. Although the new Coyote engine had increased
displacement, it still had far fewer cubes than the competition. Despite
less displacement, the Coyote could hold its own against bigger Chevy
and Chrysler mills thanks to advanced technology such as 4V heads with
better port and valvetrain geometry. The Coyote is also Ford’s first
foray into technology such as Ti-VCT and cam-torque-actuated (CTA)
function, which is a fancy way of saying variable cam timing for an
incredible power curve over a broader RPM range.
Even with all of this new technology, there is always
room for improvement. Veteran Ford writer and historian Jim Smart
explains and highlights all of the latest and greatest options to
achieve more horsepower and torque, and of course, faster quarter-mile
times. Some of the upgrades covered are engine building techniques,
cold-air induction kits, supercharger and pulley kits, better exhaust
headers, fuel system and ECU tuning upgrades, and more. If you are
looking for even more power from your new Coyote, look no further.
About the Author
Jim Smart is a veteran automotive journalist,
contributing to just about every Mustang and Ford magazine ever
published. Over the decades, Jim has had hundreds of how-to and feature
articles on Fords and Mustang published. Jim is also an enthusiast, and
has been the owner and restorer of multiple enthusiast vehicles
including various Mustangs.
