Ford Coyote vs. GM LS: The Ultimate Engine Showdown
▼ Summary
– The primary design difference between the Ford Coyote and GM LS engines is their valve train, with the LS using a cam-in-block pushrod design and the Coyote using dual overhead camshafts.
– For engine swaps, the most significant practical difference is size, as the Ford Coyote engine is about six inches wider than the GM LS engine due to its DOHC valve covers.
– The GM LS engine family spans multiple generations and includes a wide range of displacements, from 5.3 to 7.0 liters.
– LS engines have straightforward alphanumeric names like LS1, LS2, and LS3, among others.
– The Ford Coyote engine family, though younger, has four generations and six variations with displacements from 4.95 to 5.2 liters, and includes named variants like Predator and Dark Horse.
For those seeking a powerful and modern V8 alternative to the ubiquitous GM LS swap, the Ford Coyote engine presents a compelling and technologically advanced option. Both engines are available in naturally aspirated and supercharged configurations, offering serious performance straight from the factory. However, the fundamental engineering philosophies that separate them are profound, with the most significant distinction lying in their valve train architecture. This core design difference has major implications for everything from physical dimensions to power delivery and tuning potential.
The GM LS engine utilizes a classic cam-in-block, pushrod-operated overhead-valve design. This layout is a hallmark of Chevrolet’s small-block lineage, celebrated for its compact size, simplicity, and massive aftermarket support. In contrast, the Ford Coyote employs a sophisticated dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC) setup to actuate its valves. This modern approach allows for greater control over valve timing and lift, typically enabling higher engine speeds and more efficient breathing. From a practical installation standpoint, this design choice makes the Coyote notably larger. The engine’s width, due to those broad valve covers housing the twin cams, is roughly six inches greater than a standard LS block, which can be a critical factor in tight engine bays.
The LS family represents a vast and versatile engine series spanning multiple generations. It encompasses a wide range of displacements, including popular sizes like 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2, and the legendary 7.0 liters. These engines are often identified by straightforward alphanumeric codes such as LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, and the supercharged LS9 and LSA. Their long production run and interchangeability have made them the default choice for countless project builds.
Although a newer design, the Coyote family has quickly developed its own complex lineage. There are four primary generations and several distinct performance variants, with displacements ranging from 4.95 to 5.2 liters. Ford has bestowed its Coyote-derived engines with evocative names that hint at their character, including Roadrunner, Voodoo, Aluminator, Predator, and Dark Horse. Each variant offers unique features, from flat-plane crankshafts to enhanced cooling systems, catering to different performance niches within the Ford ecosystem.
(Source: jalopnik)
