--- title: "F-100 Engine Swaps: LS vs Coyote vs Godzilla Compared | fordf100s.com" description: "Compare F-100 LS, Coyote, and Godzilla swaps: verified Ford crate-engine weights, packaging, controls, transmission choices, and complete project costs." canonical_url: "https://www.fordf100s.com/parts/engine-swap-comparison/" last_updated: "2026-09-16" --- 1. [ Home ](/) 2. / [ Parts ](/parts/) 3. / F-100 Engine Swaps: LS vs Coyote vs Godzilla Compared Parts Reference · engine # F-100 Engine Swaps: LS vs Coyote vs Godzilla Compared Compare F-100 LS, Coyote, and Godzilla swaps: verified Ford crate-engine weights, packaging, controls, transmission choices, and complete project costs. fordf100s.com · Updated September 16, 2026 Job Card Project Overview Applies To [Gen 1 · 1948–52](/generations/1948-1952/)[Gen 2 · 1953–56](/generations/1953-1956/)[Gen 3 · 1957–60](/generations/1957-1960/)[Gen 4 · 1961–66](/generations/1961-1966/)[Gen 5 · 1967–72](/generations/1967-1972/)[Gen 6 · 1973–79](/generations/1973-1979/)[Gen 7 · 1980–83](/generations/1980-1983/) Sources & Editorial ReviewSource reviewed Reviewed by the [FordF100s.com editorial team](/about/#editorial-standards) on September 16, 2026. Added a part-number-specific Ford crate-engine weight comparison and clarified its limits. General swap planning is editorial guidance, not measured chassis fitment or a durability study. References used 1. [M-6007-73B: 7.3L 2024 Super Duty crate engine](https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-73B) — Ford Performance Parts · Manufacturer documentation 2. [M-6007-M50D: Gen 4 5.0L Mustang crate engine with flywheel](https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-M50D) — Ford Performance Parts · Manufacturer documentation Found a conflict in factory literature or have a better source? See our [corrections process](/about/#corrections). ## LS vs. Coyote vs. Godzilla for an F-100 An LS-family, Coyote 5.0, or Godzilla 7.3 can anchor a custom F-100 build, but none is a universal fit or automatic best choice. The correct comparison starts with the **exact truck, donor, transmission, intended use, fabrication plan, and legal path**. This page compares the three concepts. Use the [engine compatibility guide](/parts/engine-compatibility/) to decide whether a named combination is supportable, then follow the [engine-swap installation workflow](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/) after the complete system is defined. ## Comparison at a Glance | Decision area | GM LS family | Ford Coyote 5.0 | Ford Godzilla 7.3 | | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Basic architecture | Pushrod V8 family with many generations and displacements | Wide DOHC V8 family with generation-specific controls | Large-displacement Ford pushrod V8 | | Brand strategy | Cross-brand custom build | Modern Ford-in-Ford build | Modern Ford-in-Ford build | | Primary packaging question | Oil pan, accessory drive, steering, and crossmember for the exact chassis | Cam-cover width, steering, booster, exhaust, oil pan, and accessory clearance | Height, oil pan, front-axle load, accessory, hood, and exhaust clearance | | Control-system question | Exact ECU, harness, pedal, calibration, and transmission generation | Exact engine generation, control pack, pedal, fuel system, and transmission | Exact donor or crate configuration, controller, pedal, fuel system, and transmission | | Transmission strategy | Usually planned around a compatible GM-pattern unit or documented adapter | Must match the Coyote generation, controller, flywheel or converter, and calibration | Must match the exact bellhousing, controller, flywheel or converter, and torque requirements | | Evidence needed | Chassis-specific documented build or kit | Generation-, transmission-, and chassis-specific documentation | Chassis-, oil-pan-, transmission-, and controller-specific documentation | The table describes planning tendencies, not guaranteed fitment. ## 7.3 Godzilla vs 5.0 Coyote Weight For two specific Ford crate assemblies, Ford lists **580 pounds for the M-6007-73B Godzilla** and **453 pounds for the M-6007-M50D Gen 4 Coyote**. The difference between those published figures is **127 pounds**. This is a comparison of listed assemblies, not a measured change in an F-100’s front-axle load. | Published specification | Godzilla M-6007-73B | Coyote M-6007-M50D | | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Source application | 2024 Super Duty 7.3L | 2024 Mustang GT 5.0L | | Engine weight | 580 lb | 453 lb, without front accessory drive components | | Rated output | 430 hp at 5,500 rpm | 480 hp at 7,150 rpm (premium fuel) | | Rated torque | 485 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm | 415 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm (premium fuel) | | Block and layout | Iron block, cam-in-block OHV with variable cam timing | Aluminum block, DOHC with independent variable cam timing | | Fuel injection | Port | Direct and port | Sources: [Ford M-6007-73B](https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-73B) and [Ford M-6007-M50D](https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6007-M50D), checked September 16, 2026\. These figures do not describe every donor year, earlier Coyote generation, or modified engine. Ford lists a flexplate with the Godzilla and a dual-mass flywheel with this Coyote. The Coyote figure explicitly excludes the front accessory drive; Ford lists the Godzilla accessory kit separately. Reconcile accessories, exhaust, fluids, clutch or converter, and transmission before estimating an installed difference. Shipping-package weights and crate dimensions are not engine weights or engine-bay dimensions. For chassis planning, obtain the finished truck’s axle weights and the suspension supplier’s recommendations. Engine placement and the rest of the powertrain affect axle load. A narrower engine can still require more attention to hood clearance, pan depth, springs, and service access. ## Godzilla vs Coyote Reliability The cited specification sheets do not provide comparable failure rates or an F-100 durability test. They cannot establish that either swap will be more reliable. Pushrod construction and fewer camshafts alone are not reliability measurements; the Godzilla also has variable cam timing. For a used donor, compare documented maintenance, compression or leak-down findings where appropriate, oil condition, cooling-system condition, and diagnostic results. For a crate engine, read the warranty and permitted application. For either, include correct calibration, fuel delivery, cooling, wiring protection, and service access in the build. A poor installation can undermine a healthy engine. ## GM LS-Family Swap “LS” covers multiple engine generations, displacements, block materials, accessory layouts, oil pans, and control systems. A mount advertised for one LS combination does not prove that the oil pan, steering, exhaust, transmission, or accessories will clear. ### Reasons to Consider It - You are comfortable with a cross-brand build. - A complete, documented donor and transmission are available. - A chassis-specific installation has already established the oil-pan, steering, exhaust, and accessory solution. - Local emissions and registration rules permit the planned configuration. ### Questions to Resolve 1. Which exact engine, model year, accessory drive, ECU, and calibration? 2. Which exact transmission and controller? 3. Which pan and pickup clear the truck’s crossmember or full front-axle travel? 4. How will mounts, exhaust, steering, fuel, gauges, cooling, and driveshafts be integrated? 5. Does the cross-brand donor create a compliance problem in the truck’s jurisdiction? Do not assume a stock truck pan fails—or clears—every F-100\. The answer changes across seven chassis generations and between 2WD and 4WD. ## Ford Coyote 5.0 Swap The Coyote supports a modern Ford-in-Ford build, but “Coyote” is not one engine and controller package. Engine generations, manual and automatic strategies, fuel requirements, accessory drives, and control packs differ. ### Reasons to Consider It - Keeping a Ford engine is an important build requirement. - The intended use benefits from a modern naturally aspirated engine and electronic controls. - A documented package matches the exact engine generation and transmission. - The chassis has a verified solution for DOHC width, steering, booster, exhaust, and oil-pan clearance. ### Questions to Resolve 1. Which Coyote generation and donor or crate configuration? 2. Which manual or automatic transmission, and which controller supports it? 3. Does the exact control system require a particular fuel layout, pedal, sensors, or supporting hardware? 4. Will the cam covers, exhaust, oil pan, accessory drive, fan, and brake booster clear? 5. How will OBD access, power distribution, gauges, calibration, and emissions equipment be retained? See the [Coyote swap guide](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/) for Coyote-specific planning, but confirm any current product or control-package details before ordering. ## Ford Godzilla 7.3 Swap The Godzilla offers a modern Ford pushrod layout with large displacement. Its narrower upper architecture compared with a DOHC engine does not make the whole installation compact: height, mass, oil-pan depth, accessories, exhaust, transmission size, and front-axle load remain major design inputs. ### Reasons to Consider It - The build prioritizes a modern Ford pushrod engine. - Low-speed torque and truck-oriented use matter more than selecting the smallest package. - The chassis and suspension can support the verified installed mass. - A documented oil-pan, mount, transmission, controller, and hood-clearance strategy exists. ### Questions to Resolve 1. Which exact donor or crate configuration and controller? 2. Which transmission, bellhousing, converter or clutch, and calibration? 3. Will the oil pan clear the crossmember, steering, and axle travel? 4. Will the intake, accessories, and air path clear the hood and radiator? 5. What changes are required for front springs, brakes, cooling, exhaust, and driveline? Treat universal “fits every generation” or “no firewall work” language as unverified until the exact chassis and installed package are measured. ## Choose by Build Goal | Build goal | Better question to ask | | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Preserve factory character | Would a factory engine or factory-family adaptation meet the goal with less fabrication? | | Modern Ford drivability | Which Coyote generation or Ford pushrod package has the most complete documented controls and chassis solution? | | Cross-brand custom build | Is the LS donor complete, legally usable, and documented for the exact F-100 chassis? | | Towing or low-speed work | Which package provides the required torque curve while keeping cooling, brakes, axle ratio, tires, and chassis loads within the design? | | Daily driving | Which combination has the best diagnostic support, service access, parts documentation, gearing, cooling, and legal status? | | Show or custom fabrication | Which engine supports the intended design without sacrificing steering, braking, serviceability, or documentation? | The engine with the highest advertised output is not automatically the best truck powertrain. ## Transmission Comparison Do not compare transmissions by the number of gears alone. For each engine option, verify: - block and bellhousing pattern; - engine balance, flywheel or flexplate, converter or clutch, starter, and input shaft; - transmission torque and vehicle-load capacity; - electronic controller and calibration; - tunnel, crossmember, shifter, cooler, and service clearance; - output yoke, driveshaft length, joint angles, and transfer-case strategy; - axle ratio and tire diameter. A mechanically bolted connection is only one part of compatibility. ## Compare Complete Project Cost Avoid fixed swap-price ranges unless they come from current, itemized quotes for the exact combination. | Cost category | Compare for every option | | --------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Powertrain | Engine, inspection or rebuild, accessories, transmission, clutch or converter | | Installation | Mounts, oil pan, crossmember, fabrication, tunnel, and service access | | Controls | ECU, harness, pedal, controller, calibration, OBD, and power distribution | | Vehicle systems | Fuel, cooling, exhaust, steering, brakes, gauges, air conditioning | | Driveline | Transfer case, driveshafts, joints, axle, ratio, and tires | | Compliance | Inspection, testing, emissions equipment, documentation | | Ownership | Filters, belts, diagnostics, service access, replacement parts | | Contingency | Rust, donor damage, incompatible parts, tuning, and rework | Record the quote date and whether labor, freight, taxes, fluids, calibration, and inspection work are included. ## Decision Worksheet Complete one row for each candidate: | Field | LS candidate | Coyote candidate | Godzilla candidate | | ----------------------------- | ------------ | ---------------- | ------------------ | | Exact engine and year | | | | | Exact transmission | | | | | Truck year and 2WD/4WD | | | | | Documented chassis evidence | | | | | Oil-pan and steering solution | | | | | Controller and calibration | | | | | Fuel and cooling plan | | | | | Brake, axle, and tire plan | | | | | Legal or inspection path | | | | | Dated itemized estimate | | | | If a candidate cannot fill every row, it is not ready to win the comparison. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is an LS, Coyote, or Godzilla best for an F-100? There is no universal winner. The best option is the exact combination with verified chassis fitment, compatible controls and transmission, adequate cooling and brakes, legal road use, service access, and a complete budget for the intended truck. ### How much heavier is a 7.3 Godzilla than a 5.0 Coyote? Ford lists 580 pounds for the M-6007-73B Godzilla and 453 pounds for the M-6007-M50D Gen 4 Coyote, a 127-pound difference in published assembly weights. Equipment differs, so this is not a universal installed-weight difference for every donor or F-100. ### Which option is easiest to install? The easiest option is the one with the strongest documentation for the exact F-100 year, 2WD or 4WD chassis, engine generation, transmission, steering, and oil pan. Aftermarket popularity alone does not establish an easy installation. ### Which option is cheapest? Compare dated, itemized totals rather than engine purchase price. Mounts, transmission, controls, fuel, cooling, exhaust, driveline, chassis work, labor, tuning, and compliance can outweigh the cost of the engine. ### Does a Coyote fit better than a Godzilla? They create different packaging problems. The Coyote is wide at the cam covers; the Godzilla requires careful height, oil-pan, installed-mass, accessory, and hood checks. Measure the exact package in the exact chassis. ### Will an LS fit any F-100 generation? An LS-family engine can be installed in documented custom builds, but no single mount, pan, steering, exhaust, or transmission rule applies to every F-100 generation and drivetrain. ### What should I compare before choosing a transmission? Compare bellhousing, balance, flywheel or flexplate, clutch or converter, starter, input and output, controls, torque capacity, tunnel, crossmember, cooler, driveshafts, gearing, and tire diameter. On this page - [LS vs. Coyote vs. Godzilla for an F-100](#ls-vs-coyote-vs-godzilla-for-an-f-100) - [Comparison at a Glance](#comparison-at-a-glance) - [7.3 Godzilla vs 5.0 Coyote Weight](#73-godzilla-vs-50-coyote-weight) - [Godzilla vs Coyote Reliability](#godzilla-vs-coyote-reliability) - [GM LS-Family Swap](#gm-ls-family-swap) - [Reasons to Consider It](#reasons-to-consider-it) - [Questions to Resolve](#questions-to-resolve) - [Ford Coyote 5.0 Swap](#ford-coyote-50-swap) - [Reasons to Consider It](#reasons-to-consider-it-1) - [Questions to Resolve](#questions-to-resolve-1) - [Ford Godzilla 7.3 Swap](#ford-godzilla-73-swap) - [Reasons to Consider It](#reasons-to-consider-it-2) - [Questions to Resolve](#questions-to-resolve-2) - [Choose by Build Goal](#choose-by-build-goal) - [Transmission Comparison](#transmission-comparison) - [Compare Complete Project Cost](#compare-complete-project-cost) - [Decision Worksheet](#decision-worksheet) On this page - [LS vs. Coyote vs. Godzilla for an F-100](#ls-vs-coyote-vs-godzilla-for-an-f-100) - [Comparison at a Glance](#comparison-at-a-glance) - [7.3 Godzilla vs 5.0 Coyote Weight](#73-godzilla-vs-50-coyote-weight) - [Godzilla vs Coyote Reliability](#godzilla-vs-coyote-reliability) - [GM LS-Family Swap](#gm-ls-family-swap) - [Reasons to Consider It](#reasons-to-consider-it) - [Questions to Resolve](#questions-to-resolve) - [Ford Coyote 5.0 Swap](#ford-coyote-50-swap) - [Reasons to Consider It](#reasons-to-consider-it-1) - [Questions to Resolve](#questions-to-resolve-1) - [Ford Godzilla 7.3 Swap](#ford-godzilla-73-swap) - [Reasons to Consider It](#reasons-to-consider-it-2) - [Questions to Resolve](#questions-to-resolve-2) - [Choose by Build Goal](#choose-by-build-goal) - [Transmission Comparison](#transmission-comparison) - [Compare Complete Project Cost](#compare-complete-project-cost) - [Decision Worksheet](#decision-worksheet) VIN Decoder Decode supported F-100 VIN formats, or use the 1961-1983 data plate decoder for source-backed paint, trim, axle, and transmission codes. [Decode a VIN → ](/vin-decoder/) [1961-1983 Data Plate Decoder → ](/data-plate-decoder/) ## Keep Exploring [RestorationCoyote 5.0 Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap a Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 into your F-100 with this complete guide to engine sourcing, swap kits, transmissions, fuel, and wiring.](/restoration/coyote-swap-guide/)[Restoration7.3L Godzilla Swap Guide for Ford F-100 TrucksSwap Ford's 7.3L Godzilla V8 into your F-100 for 430+ hp with pushrod simplicity. Covers engine sourcing, swap kits, wiring, and transmissions.](/restoration/godzilla-swap-guide/)[RestorationHow to Plan an F-100 Engine SwapPlan an F-100 engine swap from measurements and mock-up through fabrication, wiring, first start, road testing, inspection, and complete build documentation.](/restoration/engine-swap-guide/)[PartsFord F-100 Engine Compatibility GuidePlan a Ford F-100 engine swap by truck year, drivetrain, engine family, transmission, oil pan, steering, wiring, cooling, brakes, and emissions requirements.](/parts/engine-compatibility/)[PartsAll Parts ReferencesEngines, transmissions, axles, and more](/parts/)[ToolVIN DecoderDecode supported Ford F100 VIN formats](/vin-decoder/)