Gen 3 Coyote Engine Specs: Years, HP by Vehicle and Gen 4 Differences (2026)
Quick answer: The Gen 3 Coyote is Ford’s 5.0L DOHC V8 used in the 2018–2023 Mustang GT and the 2018-and-later F-150. It has a 93.0 mm bore and 92.7 mm stroke (5,038 cc, 307 ci), 12.0:1 compression, port plus direct fuel injection, plasma-sprayed (PTWA) cylinder bores and a 7,500 rpm limit. Ford rated it at 460 hp and 420 lb-ft in the 2018–2021 Mustang GT, 450 hp and 410 lb-ft in the 2022–2023 GT, and 395–400 hp in the F-150. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2.
Ford’s generation labels come from the Mustang: Gen 1 is 2011–2014, Gen 2 is 2015–2017 and Gen 3 starts in 2018, according to Ford Performance. The 2024 Mustang got what Ford calls the fourth-generation Coyote. Below are the full Gen 3 specs, the ratings for each vehicle and year, oil capacities, known issues and what changed for Gen 4.
Gen 3 Coyote Engine Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Gen 3 Coyote 5.0L |
|---|---|
| Years (Mustang GT) | 2018–2023 |
| Layout | 90-degree V8, DOHC, 32 valves, Ti-VCT on all four cams |
| Displacement | 5.0L (5,038 cc, 307 ci) |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 × 92.7 mm (3.66 × 3.65 in) |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection + high-pressure direct injection |
| Cylinder bores | PTWA (plasma transferred wire arc) sprayed coating, as on the GT350 5.2L |
| Block | Aluminum, cross-bolted main caps, 12 mm head bolts |
| Cylinder heads | Aluminum, AS7GU alloy |
| Valve diameter (int/exh) | 37.7 / 32.0 mm |
| Valve lift (int/exh) | 14.0 / 14.0 mm |
| Crankshaft | Forged steel, cross-plane |
| Connecting rods | Sinter-forged, 150.7 mm long, 618 g |
| Pistons | Hypereutectic aluminum, raised dome (8.411 cc) |
| Firing order | 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 |
| Maximum rpm | 7,500 |
| Throttle body | 80 mm single bore |
| Oil pan (Mustang) | Composite, 10 qt with filter |
| Engine weight | 425 lb without accessories |
Sources: Ford Performance Coyote Technical Reference (Gen 1/2/3 spec table), Ford’s 2021 F-150 technical specs (5,038 cc, 3.66 × 3.65 in) and the 2018 Mustang engine fact sheet. The F-150 uses its own intake, cams and oil pan, so some items differ on the truck.
Gen 3 Coyote Years, Horsepower and Torque by Vehicle
| Vehicle | Years | Horsepower | Torque | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mustang GT | 2018–2021 | 460 @ 7,000 rpm | 420 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm | Ford 2018 Mustang specs |
| Mustang Bullitt | 2019–2020 | 480 @ 7,000 rpm | 420 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm | Car and Driver |
| Mustang Mach 1 | 2021 | 480 | 420 lb-ft | MotorTrend (Ford-confirmed) |
| Mustang GT | 2022–2023 | 450 @ 7,000 rpm | 410 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm | Ford 2022 Mustang brochure, Ford 2023 specs |
| Mustang Mach 1 | 2022–2023 | 470 @ 7,250 rpm | 410 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm | Ford 2023 specs |
| F-150 5.0L | 2018–2020 | 395 @ 5,750 rpm | 400 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | Ford 2018 F-150 specs |
| F-150 5.0L | 2021–2023 | 400 @ 6,000 rpm | 410 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm | Ford 2021 F-150 specs |
The 10 hp and 10 lb-ft drop for 2022 wasn’t a hardware change. Ford told MotorTrend it came from changes made to meet stricter LEV III emissions rules. Mustang ratings are on premium fuel per SAE J1349. Ford’s Performance Parts reference lists the Mustang’s peaks at 6,500 and 4,250 rpm, but the vehicle spec sheets and the crate-engine listing use 7,000 and 4,600 rpm, so those are shown here.
Both vehicles offered a 10-speed automatic from 2018: the Mustang GT had a 6-speed manual or the optional 10-speed SelectShift, and Ford paired the F-150 5.0L with the 10-speed for the first time. To tell the 10R80 from other Ford automatics, see our Ford transmission identification chart.
Gen 1 vs Gen 2 vs Gen 3 vs Gen 4 Coyote
| Spec | Gen 1 (2011–2014) | Gen 2 (2015–2017) | Gen 3 (2018–2023) | Gen 4 (2024+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bore × stroke (mm) | 92.2 × 92.7 | 92.2 × 92.7 | 93.0 × 92.7 | 93.0 × 92.7 |
| Displacement | 4,951 cc | 4,951 cc | 5,038 cc | 5,038 cc |
| Compression | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel injection | Port | Port | Port + direct | Port + direct |
| Cylinder bores | Iron liners | Iron liners | PTWA coating | PTWA coating |
| Mustang GT power | 412–420 hp / 390 lb-ft | 435 hp / 400 lb-ft | 460 hp / 420 lb-ft (450 / 410 from 2022) | 480 hp / 415 lb-ft (486 / 418 with active exhaust) |
| Max rpm | 7,000 | 7,000 | 7,500 | 7,500 |
| Valve lift (int/exh) | 12.0 mm | 13.0 mm | 14.0 mm | n/a |
| Throttle body | 80 mm | 80 mm | 80 mm | Twin 80 mm |
| Oil pan | Steel, 8 qt | Steel, 8 qt | Composite, 10 qt | Steel, 9.5 qt (crate engine) |
Gen 1–3 data: Ford Performance. Gen 4: Ford Media (December 2022) and Ford Performance’s Gen 4 crate engine listing (480 hp @ 7,150 rpm, 415 lb-ft @ 4,900 rpm). The 2011–2012 GT was rated 412 hp; iron liners for Gen 1/2 per Hot Rod.
What Gen 4 changed: Ford kept the Gen 3 bore, stroke, 12.0:1 compression, PTWA bores and dual injection, and added a dual-intake, dual-throttle-body induction system, structural improvements and an upgraded oil pan. The Mustang Dark Horse version adds forged connecting rods, a uniquely balanced crankshaft and strengthened camshafts for 500 hp and 418 lb-ft. Ford doesn’t publish generation numbers for the F-150; the 2024 F-150 5.0L keeps the 400 hp and 410 lb-ft rating.
What Changed for Gen 3: The Technical Details
- Larger 93 mm bores with PTWA coating. Ford replaced the iron liners with a plasma-sprayed bore coating borrowed from the GT350’s 5.2L. That made room for bigger valves and cut weight.
- Bigger valves and higher-lift cams. Intake valves grew to 37.7 mm and exhaust to 32.0 mm, and both cams went to 14 mm of lift, 1 mm more than Gen 2.
- Stiffer valve springs and a viscous crank damper to support the 7,500 rpm limit, plus a rebalanced forged crankshaft.
- 12.0:1 raised-dome pistons with deeper valve cutouts.
- Dual fuel injection. High-pressure direct injectors were added alongside the port injectors, which Ford says allows the higher compression ratio.
- New cylinder heads and intake. The heads use a stronger AS7GU casting with ports that Ford says approach the GT350’s CNC-ported heads. The higher-flowing intake keeps Gen 2’s charge motion control valves.
- Revised cam phasing. The intake side keeps Gen 2’s mid-lock phasers, and the exhaust phasers now use an oil control valve in the cylinder head.
- 12 mm head bolts (Gen 2 used 11 mm) and a 10 qt composite oil pan on the Mustang.
How the Dual-Fuel System Works
The Gen 3 runs two fuel systems: low-pressure port injectors in the intake runners and high-pressure direct injectors that spray into each cylinder. Ford says the combination allows higher compression for more power and efficiency. Because the port injectors spray onto the backs of the intake valves, they also help limit the carbon buildup seen on direct-injection-only engines. Ford doesn’t publish the injection pressures or exactly when the PCM switches between the two systems, so treat specific psi figures you see online with caution.
PTWA Bores: Lighter, but No Overbore
The PTWA coating is a thin layer sprayed directly onto the aluminum bore, so there’s no iron liner to bore oversize. A Gen 1 or Gen 2 block can be bored for larger pistons, but a Gen 3 bore can’t. A scored Gen 3 cylinder usually means a replacement block or professional sleeving, so keep the oil and air filtration in good shape.
Gen 3 Coyote in the F-150
The 2018 F-150 got the same Gen 3 core: Ford says the 5.0L gained dual port and direct injection, the spray-on bore technology from the Shelby GT350 and a 12:1 compression ratio, for 10 more hp and 13 more lb-ft than 2017, and it was paired with the 10-speed automatic for the first time. The truck engine is tuned for torque rather than peak rpm, so it’s rated lower than the Mustang. Ford lists it as flex-fuel (regular unleaded or E85). The 2021 redesign raised the rating to 400 hp and 410 lb-ft.
Compare it with the EcoBoost and PowerBoost engines in our F-150 engine comparison chart. For single-cab Coyote trucks, see our F-150 Coyote single cab guide.
Sources: Ford Media, August 2017, 2018 F-150 specs and 2021 F-150 specs.
Gen 3 Coyote Oil Capacity and Oil Type
| Vehicle | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil grade | Ford spec | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mustang GT 5.0L | 10.0 qt (9.5 L) | SAE 5W-20 (5W-30 for track use) | WSS-M2C945-B1 (track: WSS-M2C946-B1) | Ford owner’s manual |
| 2018–2020 F-150 5.0L | 8.8 qt (8.3 L) | SAE 5W-20 | WSS-M2C945-B1 | Ford owner’s manual (2019) |
| 2021+ F-150 5.0L | 7.75 qt | SAE 5W-30 | API SP / GF-6 | Ford 2021 F-150 specs |
Ford recommends 0W-20 in extremely cold climates (−22°F / −30°C and below), and the owner’s manuals say not to use supplemental oil additives. Later Mustang years can differ, so check the manual for your exact year. Ford’s oil filter for the 5.0L is part AA5Z-6714-A, sold as the Motorcraft FL-500-S oil filter. Full year-by-year capacities are in our 5.0 Coyote oil capacity chart and Ford engine oil recommendation chart.
Known Gen 3 Coyote Issues and TSBs
F-150 oil consumption (TSB 19-2365). Ford’s December 2019 bulletin covers 2018–2020 F-150s with the 5.0L that use more than 1 quart in 3,000 miles with no visible leaks. Ford says high intake-manifold vacuum during some deceleration fuel shut-off events can pull oil into the cylinders through the crankcase, valve guides and PCV system. The fix is a PCM reprogram, a new oil level dipstick and an oil and filter change. Some earlier 2018 trucks were handled under TSB 19-2058, which called for a long-block replacement. (TSB 19-2365 on NHTSA)
Ticking noises. Owners often describe a light tick from Gen 3 engines, and the high-pressure fuel system adds its own clicking. No single Ford bulletin covers every tick, so have a new or louder noise diagnosed rather than masking it with thicker oil or additives. Check open recalls for your VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup.
Gen 3 Coyote Swaps, Crate Engines and Parts Compatibility
- Crate engine: Ford Performance sold the Gen 3 as M-6007-M50C (460 hp, 420 lb-ft, 2018–2020 Mustang GT spec). It’s now listed as discontinued at major retailers; the current Gen 4 crate engine is rated 480 hp and 415 lb-ft.
- Mounting: Ford Performance says the engine-mount bosses and bellhousing pattern are common to the 4.6L modular engines. A swap needs a control pack (PCM and harness), which isn’t included with the engine.
- Timing parts: Gen 3 cams must be used with the Gen 3 chain drive and phasers (kit M-6004-A5018). Gen 3 shares Gen 2’s intake phasers, chains and crank sprocket, but the exhaust phasers are new and use a single bolt.
- Valve springs: Gen 3 springs have higher pressure and a taller installed height than Gen 2.
See our F-150 engine swap chart for factory engine pairings by generation, our Ford 302 crate engine guide for older small-block options and the Ford engine sizes chart for every Ford displacement.
Gen 3 Coyote Pros and Cons
- Pro: 7,500 rpm limit and 460 hp from a naturally aspirated 5.0L in the 2018–2021 Mustang GT.
- Pro: Port injection helps keep intake valves cleaner than a direct-injection-only design.
- Pro: Lighter than Gen 2 (425 vs 431 lb without accessories, per Ford Performance).
- Con: PTWA bores can’t be bored oversize like Gen 1/2 iron liners.
- Con: Two fuel systems mean more parts to diagnose and more complex tuning.
- Con: Gen 3 timing parts, cams and springs aren’t a direct swap with Gen 1/2 parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years are the Gen 3 Coyote?
In the Mustang GT, the Gen 3 Coyote ran from 2018 through 2023, including the 2019–2020 Bullitt and 2021–2023 Mach 1. The 2024 Mustang got the fourth-generation Coyote. The F-150 5.0L got the same Gen 3 changes for 2018.
What is the bore and stroke of a Gen 3 Coyote?
93.0 mm bore and 92.7 mm stroke (3.66 × 3.65 in), for 5,038 cc. Gen 1 and Gen 2 used a 92.2 mm bore with the same 92.7 mm stroke.
How much horsepower does a Gen 3 Coyote make?
Ford rated the 2018–2021 Mustang GT at 460 hp and 420 lb-ft, and the 2022–2023 GT at 450 hp and 410 lb-ft. The Bullitt and 2021 Mach 1 made 480 hp. The F-150 was rated 395 hp (2018–2020) and 400 hp (2021–2023).
What is the Gen 3 Coyote compression ratio?
12.0:1, up from 11.0:1 on Gen 1 and Gen 2. The added direct injection is what allows the higher ratio.
What is the Gen 3 Coyote firing order?
1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2, the same as Gen 1 and Gen 2, according to Ford Performance.
How much oil does a Gen 3 Coyote take?
The 2018 Mustang GT takes 10.0 qt (9.5 L) with the filter, and the 2018–2020 F-150 5.0L takes 8.8 qt (8.3 L), both SAE 5W-20 per Ford’s owner’s manuals. The 2021+ F-150 takes 7.75 qt of 5W-30.
What is the difference between Gen 3 and Gen 4 Coyote?
Gen 4 (2024+ Mustang) keeps the 93 × 92.7 mm bore and stroke, 12.0:1 compression, PTWA bores and dual injection, but adds dual throttle bodies and a dual intake, structural changes and an upgraded oil pan. It’s rated 480 hp and 415 lb-ft in the Mustang GT, 486 hp with active exhaust and 500 hp in the Dark Horse.
Conclusion
The Gen 3 Coyote kept the 5.0L’s 92.7 mm stroke but added a 93 mm PTWA bore, 12.0:1 compression, dual injection and a 7,500 rpm limit, for 460 hp in the 2018–2021 Mustang GT. For maintenance, use the oil capacity and grade for your exact vehicle and year. For builds, remember the bores can’t be overbored and Gen 3 timing parts must stay matched.