Unless you live under a rock, Ford’s reputation is indisputable.
The brand’s thousands of car models have been running in every corner of the globe, lauded by millions as among the highest quality.
And Crown Vic is no exception – despite being discontinued by Ford to give room for more modern products.
Owners of old Crown Vic are so amazed by its capability that they would rather rework the engine for further usage than throw it away.
How to do so, though? A Crown Vic Coyote swap is the answer! Keep scrolling to learn our take on the matter.
What Is A Crown Vic Coyote Swap?
Simple: it means installing a Coyote engine into a Ford Crown Vic. Doing so yields a more powerful (greater HP) and modifiable engine for better performance.
What’s so special about Coyote engines that drivers are willing to take that risk, though?
Introduced by Ford in 2010, Coyote is a V8s modular motor with a displacement of 5.0L. Seems quite small at first, doesn’t it?
But in fact, this beast can generate a whopping horsepower of 412 to 460 HP, using cam torque and Ti-VCT (Twins Independent Variable Camshafts Timing).
Its fourth-generation motors will be released in Mustang 2024, further highlighting Coyote’s undeniable role in Ford’s history.
These engines are living proof of Ford’s dedication to producing the best, most robust donor vehicles for both regular streets and competitive races.
What Are Things to Consider When Performing A Crown Vic Coyote Swap?
Motor Mounts
Coyote’s modular design allows ample room for minute customizations in every part – including motor mounts, the most accessible sourcing components.
You only need to purchase whatever set that can work with modular engines.
Of course, depending on specific car bodies, certain cuts might be required to accommodate the new setups.
Oil Systems
Those aiming for Crown Vic swaps can never complete the process smoothly without brand-new oil pans.
Most Vic models (especially super-old ones) use front-sump plans, while Coyote often goes with rear-sump ones that fail to clear up old chassis.
As a result, they demand nonstock, shorter adapters or filters that can ensure proper fit.
Take measurements carefully before any installation; otherwise, you may have to handle bothersome, time-consuming repairs later!
Transmission
We do not say using stock transmission is out of the question; nevertheless, it’s not an optimal choice, especially for unupgraded models like Crown Covic.
How so? The current transmission must suffice for greater horsepower capacity – which stock versions severely lack.
For illustration, 1st-generation Coyote engines can generate 412 HP (minimum), while some of the highest-performing Vics can only handle 239.
And that’s not all; you must also ask yourself whether you prefer an automatic or manual transmission.
While manual ones are insanely popular, our ultimate choice still goes to automatic, which can bolt up spectacularly to Coyote crate engines.
Control Packs
Regardless of the car body and engine used for the swap, control packs must be included – recommended by numerous experts for improved racing and performance.
While other engine swaps are paired with more complex, rarer pack setups with heavy scavenging, Coyote’s control arms are thankfully easier to buy, purchase, and install.
Still, certain add-ons should not be overlooked, such as:
- New relocation brackets to mount gas pedals (since the pack’s current brackets might be ill-fitted)
- Relocated MAFs and factory gauges in the airbox to warrant a higher success rate.
Cooling Systems
From our observation, Ford Crown Vic often places the coolant cap pretty low in its system. That’s where the problem ensures: Coyote swaps require the caps to be at their highest point! What to do, then?
Aside from heater’s return hoses and spliced supply, seasoned drivers also make certain tweaks to their supply tanks or remote-mounted surge.
Mechanical fans might take more space than necessary, so switching them to electric fans is another great tactic.
Other Switchable Parts
Oil systems? Checked. Cooling systems and motors? Also checked. What about the other parts?
Crown Vic drivers may:
- Trade bell housing pieces for racing-oriented ones.
- Replace current exhausts with new H or X pipes.
- Update power steering and AC with aftermarket products and electric power steering
Swapping options are indeed endless. Take as much time as possible to assess which one you want and how you should get it.
What If The Engine Stalls Under Deceleration?
Some drivers complain about engine-stall issues immediately after (or even during) strong deceleration. Technicians propose two possible workarounds for such dilemmas:
Adapting the Speed-Dial units
Crown Vic’s retrofit units DO provide full support for VSS (vehicle speed sensors, used during deceleration to let the PCM detect car movements).
Sadly, no compatible dash harness is included, which frustrates drivers to no end.
Fortunately, one tried-and-true solution is to adapt its current Speed-Dial units. A few adjustments will turn them into competent hardware patches that can interface with VSS.
Downloading JMS Chip & Performance software
Another viable choice is custom software downloads from JMS Chips & Performances – an authorized custom tuner and SCT distributor tailored for Crown Vics (or any car model, really) that install SCT tuning programs.
It troubleshoots stalling conditions in seconds without assistance from any VSS or piggyback devices.
What If You Must Move The O2 Sensors?
Ford Crown Vic engine harnesses often supply O2 sensors (wide-band) for stock engine mounts.
But let’s say your Coyote swap threads do not squeeze into this old chassis, demanding changed relative sensor positions to accommodate new exhausts.
In that case, replace each sensor to allow samples from all four bank cylinders. There’s no need to uninstall them entirely; moving their positions a few inches is enough.
If four-cylinder banks are too much for the headers, at least ensure the sensors can sample 1 cylinder for each bank.
According to Ford, cylinders #4 (Bank 1) and #7 (Bank 2) have the most optimal fuel/air ratio, followed closely by #3 and #8.
Most importantly, never touch or alter the wire lengths of these sensors; Ford frowns upon this tactic, claiming such drastic changes can degrade the sensor function.
How Much Will A Coyote Engine Swap Cost?
Assuming your motors in Crown Vic aren’t the most well-stocked ones in the world, we are afraid you must prepare quite a sum to complete these Coyote swaps.
Unlike LS- or GM-series engines – far cheaper and more affordable – you will be winding with a Coyote for sure.
Apart from the upfront costs, drivers may need certain fabrication chops, adjustments, and new accessories to foster optimal fit between the engine and car.
Let’s break down our estimated budget for Crown Vic engine swap at a typical custom driveshaft shop:
- The engine itself: at least 7000$
- Headers: 700$
- Accessory drive items: 1000$
- Transmission: 2000$ (Ford, especially Ford Ranger models, are notorious for common transmission issues)
- Oil pan/ oil filter: 400$
- Bellhousing: 700$
- Front suspension and K-member: 900$
- Crossmember: 250$
Sure, not every item is compulsory – depending on specific models and engines.
Nevertheless, even just one or two options from the checklist can be quite a pain for tight-budget customers. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Conclusion on Crown Victoria Engine Swap
Draft a detailed, inclusive plan that considers all odds and ends, and your Crown Vic Coyote swap should transpire smoothly without noticeable problems
The only headache-inducing issue here is the cost. Do not try out a Coyote swap Crown Vic if your financial status could be put at risk because of these performance upgrades!