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LS vs Coyote: size, weight and swap cost
The LS is the easier and cheaper swap: it's 6 in narrower than a Coyote (24 in vs 30 in), roughly 115–185 lb lighter dressed, and a new LS crate costs about half what a new Coyote does. The Coyote's edge is stock power per liter and a bolt-in fit where a Ford Modular V8 used to be.
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How they compare:
| LS (e.g., LS1/LS3) | 5.3 LS (truck) | Ford 5.0 Coyote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 28 in | not verified (truck intake is taller; measure yours) | 27 in |
| Length | 29.5 in | 30 in | 28.5 in |
| Width | 24 in | 24 in | 30 in (DOHC heads) |
| Weight (dressed) | 415–460 lb (aluminum) | 440–460 lb | 575–600 lb |
| Stock power | LS1 305–350+ hp, LS3 430–480+ hp | 290–310+ hp | 412–480+ hp |
| New crate engine | 475 hp 5.3 LS crate: "a touch over $5k" | same | Ford Performance Gen 3 Coyote M-6007-M50C: $10,224.99 (90racing) |
| Supply | Millions made; last production versions 2017 | Most plentiful LS | Aluminum only; Mustang GT and F-150 since 2011; still in production (Gen 4) |
Swap parts (current listings):
- Mounts: LS mounts run about $125–300 by chassis (PSI, ICT, UMI). The ICT Coyote universal billet mount kit is $270.
- Headers: Coyote swap long-tubes for 1965–77 Fords are about $740–950 (Doug's Headers). LS swap headers are similar per chassis (e.g., A-body long-tubes about $400–1,100).
Takeaways: the Coyote is extra wide because of its DOHC valvetrain, so it's harder to fit in older Fords, while it bolts right in where a Modular V8 was. It's aluminum-only and loves to rev. The LS wins on compact size, weight, junkyard price and aftermarket support. The Coyote wins on stock power per liter and Ford-brand fit. Budget roughly twice as much for a new Coyote crate as a new 5.3 LS crate.
