What Modern Engine Options Work Best in a Classic F100?
Dropping a modern engine into an old Ford isn't just a "plug-and-play" scenario. You need the right Powerplant to handle the job. In our St. George, Utah shop, we regularly get asked which engine swap is the best choice for a high-end F100 build. Here are the top three modern engine swaps we recommend, along with exactly what it takes to make them work.
The Ford 5.0L Coyote V8: The Purist's Restomod
For the "Ford in a Ford" crowd, the modern 5.0L Coyote V8 is the undisputed king.
The Pros: Straight out of a modern Mustang or F-150, a Gen 3 Coyote will give you 460+ horsepower right out of the box with flawless fuel injection.
The Cons: The Coyote is a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) engine, making it incredibly wide. It will absolutely not fit between the narrow factory frame rails and steering box of an original F100.
The Fix: To run a Coyote, you have to completely re-engineer the front end. Upgrading to an aftermarket chassis is mandatory to make room for the massive cylinder heads.
Builder's Note: When you are pushing that much horsepower, standard hardware won't cut it. Secure that massive engine bay with our American-made Billet Locking Hood Prop, designed specifically for 1955-1956 F100 forward-tilt hoods.
The GM LS Platform: The Practical Powerhouse
Yes, it makes the Ford purists angry, but the LS swap is the most popular engine conversion in the world because it simply works.
The Pros: Unlike the massive Coyote, the LS is a classic pushrod engine. It is highly compact, meaning it tucks beautifully into the narrow F100 engine bay without needing to completely re-engineer the entire front end.
The Cons: You will have to listen to old guys at gas stations tell you that you ruined a good Ford by putting a Chevy motor in it.
The Fix: Ignore them, press your Billet Gas and Brake Pedals to the floor, and leave them in the dust. (Check out our full collection of CNC-machined hardware to finish out your interior).
The Ford 7.3L Godzilla: The Modern Monster
If you want to keep it Ford, but don't want the headache of trying to fit a super-wide Coyote between the fenders, Ford's new 7.3L Godzilla crate engine is the ultimate modern solution.
The Pros: Because the cam is in the block (like an LS), the Godzilla is significantly narrower than the Coyote. It gives you big-block power with modern fuel-injected reliability.
The Cons: Because it is a relatively new engine platform, the aftermarket support for swap brackets and oil pans is smaller and more expensive.
Choosing the engine is only half the battle. Making it fit and perform requires elite-level fabrication. Ready to turn your classic truck into a modern machine? Browse our premium custom car parts or reach out through our contact page to discuss your next custom build.
Which of these three engines are you leaning toward for your current project, and do you need any help mapping out the chassis requirements?