If you like to get your hands dirty doing car modification, you may find the concept of a Coyote engine swap into a Fox Body Mustang appealing. As with all types of engine swaps, it is important that you prepare ahead of time to make sure that you have the parts and experience you need. If you would like to have an engine swap done by a professional, be sure to rely on an auto body and restoration shop that has experience with Coyote engines and Fox Body Mustangs.
What Makes a Coyote Engine a Good Pick
The Coyote engine was in many ways ahead of its time when it was first introduced, and it remains a powerhouse in the engine swap hobby. A third generation Coyote engine boasts 460 horsepower at 420 lb.-ft. of torque, which makes it among the most powerful options for its size and availability. With an overhead cam design that does not rely on a pushrod-engine style, this modular engine offers power and efficient performance for those seeking a noticeable boost over their current ride.
The Unique Benefits of a Fox Body
The Fox Body type Mustang originally came with a pushrod engine, which means that if you would like to swap for a Coyote, you will need to perform some modifications to ensure that the new engine will fit. However, once this is done, you will have a body that is highly suited for big results as a consequence of the swap.
The Fox Body is intuitive for modifications, and above all, it is very light. At just about 3,000 pounds, Fox Body Mustangs come in significantly lighter than modern cars—which means that the addition of an extremely powerful Coyote engine can boost speed considerably. You will have 420 horsepower in a car that weighs just a ton and a half.
The Process of Completing a Fox Body Coyote Swap
The first step in undertaking a Coyote swap into a Fox Body is to make space; the Coyote engine is larger than the original pushrod that the Fox came with. The brake booster should go, as should the sway bar, and you will need to make some modifications to the radiator inlet.
The Fox itself is not the only thing that will require some modification; the Coyote engine will also need attention before it is ready to be added to its new body. The Fox Body will require a longer clutch fork, and whether you use your car for racing will determine which type of bellhousing you will need in order to keep you safe.
The Coyote also requires a different oil pan, but one of the most critical additional considerations is the transmission. While it is certainly possible to use the stock T5 transmission, this model is not equipped to handle the high horsepower of a Coyote.
Whether you opt for a manual or automatic transmission, you will see much better performance if you select an option that can match the horsepower the Coyote is outputting. Automatic transmission enthusiasts typically praise the 4R70W, and you might benefit from considering a Tremec if you would like to opt for a manual transmission instead.
Do not forget to choose a control pack (the Ford Racing Performance Parts pack is highly praised), and you will likely also need to reconsider some pieces of the exhaust. You may need to use a new fuel line or reverse the fuel rails to compensate for where they feed on the Coyote.
Be aware that some careful planning for the AC and power steering functions of your vehicle will be required, since these vary heavily based upon which crate engine you decide to use. If you need guidance about how to get these systems working in your new Coyote swapped Fox Body, reach out to an auto restoration shop that has experience in this type of swap.
Work with the Expert Auto Body and Engine Swap Professionals
Whether you are just considering the possibility of a Coyote swap into a Fox for the first time or you are mid-way through the process and have encountered a hitch, it is important that you establish a relationship of trust with an experienced auto body and restoration shop.
The experts at Robs Customs & Restorations would be happy to help you navigate the many tough choices that lie ahead during a Fox Body Coyote swap, and we can even complete this process ourselves if you do not want to attempt the work on your own. Reach out to speak with an experienced professional to determine the right options for you.