Coyote 5.0L...thoughts?

[blykins]

From an engine builder's standpoint, the Coyote is a neat little engine. The variable valve timing allows you to sorta have the best of both worlds....advanced cam timing for tooling around at low rpms....and retarded cam timing to help out with higher rpms. Decent horsepower from a very small displacement. Efficiency.

The Modular engines are all "neat". Factory blocks that can withstand horsepower levels approaching 1000hp, bulletproof bottom ends with some engines having forged cranks, H-beam rods, forged pistons, etc., from the factory.

However, there are two drawbacks...

1. Horsepower. Even with a 5.0 Coyote, horsepower levels are way below what you would see with a stroked Windsor, a healthy FE, or a 385 series big block.

2. Authenticity. The Modular stuff is about as far as you can get (in V8 form anyway) from the powerplant of an original car.

In a car that's already set up for a Mod motor, such as a Mustang, Ford GT, etc., it's kind of a no-brainer. However, for the amount of money that you have to pay for 1. a complete Coyote engine 2. all the junk that needs to go with it to control it 3. engine bay modifications to make it fit 4. an engine that's only making ~450hp (if you want more horsepower with a supercharger, that's more $$$$).....I don't see the benefits of it anywhere for a Cobra.

All Windsors, FE's, etc., can be built with EFI options. These days, if you want a 600hp naturally aspirated big block that will start on the first crank in 30 degree weather and will warm themselves up, then you can have that.

Personally, I'd rather have a stinky, rowdy engine for a Cobra....and if the customer so desired to have a little more refined stinkiness, then EFI is certainly a route to take.

[mvnaz]

Appreciate all the input. This will be a tuff call for me personally.

I love the original look and loppy sound of tradional blocks, no doubt that can't be replaced with the newer engines. However, I am not a mechanic so the reliability and new tech that comes with the Coyote option is very appealing.

I understand more HP & Tqe can be gained with the old school blocks naturally but at the same time, 420RWHP and 375RWTQ isn't to bad for a car that should tip the scales at 2300lbs.

I plan to track the car as well for typical track-day fun (not racing). I would think a lighter smoother engine with higher RPM would be lots of fun, as well as giving the Cobra better handling characteristics to toss around the track, no? Not sure how well the old school blocks would handle that type of use (or abuse) without having to wrench on them often...(Fair statement?)

Here's an ad I found with spec's, vid's, etc. This is what got me thinking in the first place. Looks and sounds pretty damn good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Repli...item4600a7d3c5