Ford Performance Introduces the Coyote Aluminator Crate Engine

Ford Performance recently introduced the Coyote Aluminator Crate Engine. This Gen 4 version of 5.0L 32-valve DOHC V8 features low compression forged pistons and H-beam connecting rods designed specifically to meet the challenges imposed by forced induction.

This short-block also boasts a factory 10-quart oil pan fitted with billet steel oil pump gears and Ford Performance colder heat range spark plugs.

High Compression Pistons

Starting off the Aluminator build process involves starting with a brand-new Gen-3 5.0-liter Coyote crate engine from Ford. Once assembled, this block is sent off to Performance Assembly Solutions in Livonia, Michigan where it will be transformed into high performance engine. PAS works closely with Ford to understand factory assembly procedures and standards, helping ensure that every engine they construct adheres to this rigorous standard while standing up against both street driving demands and racetrack racing conditions.

One of the main modifications made to the Coyote engine for Aluminator was using high compression pistons with larger domes than stock flat top pistons in order to increase cylinder pressure, increasing low-rpm torque and horsepower at both ends of rev range. When coupled with appropriate cams, high compression pistons create a powerful engine capable of performing well at both low and high rpm levels.

For an increased compression ratio, JE Pistons developed a dished, high-compression version of their 2618 aluminum alloy piston with thinner skirt coating that reduced piston-to-wall clearance to levels closer to that found on cast, original-equipment pistons. To do so, they employed Perfect Skirt coating technology which uses patented process to bond itself onto the piston skirt; designed not to wear off during its lifespan as was done with previous lubrication technologies.

This new piston design contributes to increased fuel efficiency. A dished piston can absorb more combustion gases while simultaneously decreasing squish clearance, or space between piston and cylinder wall, enabling more compression ratio for modern direct injection engines.

Dished pistons also facilitate the use of high-octane pump gas by reducing chances of false knock sensor activation when running on lower octane fuel, something particularly beneficial in modern engines with four sensor knock control.

Manley H-Beam Connecting Rods

If you want to take your Coyote 5.0L performance to the next level, selecting high-quality connecting rods will be crucial. There are numerous components involved with their design that need to fit seamlessly with your goals and lifestyle.

I-beams and H-beams differ dramatically in design, and each can offer specific advantages depending on what kind of engine is running them. I-beams tend to work better for naturally aspirated applications while H-beams may provide additional boosted horsepower benefits.

As for connecting rods for your Coyote engine, there are numerous choices available from Manley that should meet all your needs. From their standard H-beam, Pro Series I-beam and Turbo Tuff series; each set offers different features tailored specifically to you and your engine’s performance requirements.

Manley Steel H-Beam Rods are an excellent solution for applications requiring both high horsepower and torque, such as race cars or boats. Crafted from 4340 alloy steel with a compact uniform grain structure for increased strength, these rods undergo full machine, heat treating, stress relieving, shot peening and magnafluxing processes before being finished with final hones in both ends and bronze alloy bushings on wrist pins – in addition to precision-sized wrist pin journals and weight matching within 1.5 grams for optimal performance.

Manley H-beam rods are manufactured at their Lakewood, New Jersey facility to exacting quality standards and tolerances that mirror those found on their flagship Sportsmaster and Pro Series I-beam rods. Big and small end bores are final honed to an accuracy of +/-.0002″, critical bend and twist attributes are maintained within tolerance, and every detail is scrutinized by Manley’s inspection department for quality.

Manley H-Tuff series rods were developed to fill a void between standard H-beam and Pro Series I-beam rods, featuring compact uniform grain structures of 4340 steel for optimal strength and smooth machining operations. Big and small ends are fully machined, while wrist pins include bronze alloy bushings. ARP 2000 rod bolts complete these rods.

Four Valve Per Cylinder Heads

Addition of additional valves to the combustion chamber helps increase power by providing more air and fuel into it, as well as expelling exhaust gases more effectively. A four-valve head also permits higher engine speeds compared to two valves found in 2-valve heads.

Large valves allow more air and fuel to be moved through them; however, this comes at a price. Larger valves need to travel further before reaching their seat (where combustion takes place), reducing overall engine rpm as they reach combustion. Furthermore, due to their larger weight these types of valves cause valve float at high rpm which limits top-end performance.

Four-valve head designs incorporate smaller intake and exhaust valves that are easier to control, creating similar breathing as two-valve designs but enabling higher engine speeds. This helps maximize the Coyote’s high compression ratio by enabling it to operate in an extended rpm range without suffering valve float.

The Aluminator features four-valve heads designed to produce maximum airflow for engine operation. Furthermore, each head includes a roller finger follower which helps decrease friction and enhance efficiency for an enhanced flow pattern.

When coupled with an appropriately-sized valve train and compression ratio, the Aluminator’s four-valve head design produces impressive numbers. When coupled with high rpm low pressure pistons equipped with Manley H-beam connecting rods and ARP 2000 bolts for high compression pistons and Manley H-beam connecting rods as well as ARP 2000 bolts a monster powerplant is created.

One who has performed a modular DOHC swap on either their GT, 96-02 snake or late model Mustang will know that choosing from among all of the modular head castings available can be daunting. Ford Performance has developed the Aluminator as a factory-style Coyote crate engine designed to eliminate this uncertainty and make assembly a much simpler process at their engine facility in Livonia Michigan by technicians that understand Mustang production methods and standards; premium aftermarket components like Manley H-beam rods, Mahle forged pistons and billet oil pump gears ensure durability for forced induction forces – finally providing what serious Mustang enthusiasts have been searching for: this crate engine!

Billet Oil Pump Gears

Ford Performance Coyote Aluminator Crate Engine (p/n M-6007-A50NAD) offers Mustang GT owners looking for something extra their engine. Equipped with upgraded components designed to make sure it can handle forced induction – such as low compression forged pistons and Manley H-beam connecting rods with ARP 2000 bolts – as well as a Ford Racing intake manifold and set of aftermarket cams, this package makes an excellent upgrade option.

Livernois Motorsports has come up with an effective solution, providing billet oil pump gears made of heat-treated chromoly that are much stronger replacements for factory gears, offering much higher levels of oil pressure for protecting the motor from damage and bearing more stress than their powdered metal counterparts. Their lifetime warranties provide further peace of mind.

These new aluminum gears are stronger than their plastic counterparts and feature hard anodized coating for areas that see wear most frequently, like idler gear bore and pump driven gears. Furthermore, they weigh less and provide superior durability compared to what was included with your OEM oil pump.

Another part that was upgraded from its factory configuration was the oil pressure tensioner, now made of aluminum instead of steel and featuring a continuous hydraulic plunger-style design for effortless tension release on chain tensioning without disassembling it. This upgrade provides extra insurance against an oil pump failure which could potentially cause major engine damage.

The Aluminator comes equipped with a 9.5:1 compression ratio to help ensure it can handle high amounts of boost, so if you plan on running many power adders it would be wise to get that model. However, keep in mind that higher compression ratios tend to cost more when tuning, so if you want a great tune it is worth spending extra money on an oil pump and oil pressure tensioner.