Coyote vs LS: The key differences and swap implications
Ford's Coyote uses dual-overhead cams (DOHC) while GM's LS uses traditional cam-in-block pushrods, making the Coyote wider by about six inches; LS engines span multiple generations (LS1–LS9) with 5.3–7.0L displacements, while Coyotes cover roughly 4.95–5.2L across four generations. In crate form, a 5.0L Gen 4 Mustang crate makes 480hp/415lb-ft; the LS3 delivers about 430hp/425lb-ft, and the high-end LS9 reaches 638hp/604lb-ft; the top Coyote variant (supercharged 5.2L from Mustang GTD) is capable of about 815hp and 664lb-ft.