Loading

What engines can you put in a Ford F-150?

The Ford F-150 is one of the most popular and versatile pickup trucks on the market, offering a wide range of engine options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for power, efficiency, or a balance of both, the F-150 has an engine that can meet your requirements.


Engine Options for the Ford F-150


The Ford F-150 is available with several engine options, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. Here are the main engines you can choose from:



  • 3.3L V6 Engine: This base engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency, delivering 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.

  • 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine: This turbocharged engine offers impressive power and efficiency, generating 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.

  • 5.0L V8 Engine: The classic V8 option delivers 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, providing a powerful and robust performance.

  • 3.5L EcoBoost V6 Engine: This high-output turbocharged engine is the most powerful option, producing 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.li>
  • 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel Engine: For those seeking maximum fuel efficiency, the diesel engine option delivers 250 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque.


Each of these engines is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive power delivery. The choice of engine will depend on your specific needs, such as towing capacity, fuel efficiency, or performance requirements.


Choosing the Right Engine for Your Needs


When selecting an engine for your Ford F-150, it's important to consider your driving needs and preferences. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, the 3.0L Power Stroke diesel or the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 might be the best options. For those who need maximum power and towing capacity, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 or the 5.0L V8 would be the better choices. The 3.3L V6 engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency for everyday driving.


Ultimately, the engine you choose will depend on your specific requirements and the type of driving you'll be doing with your Ford F-150. Carefully consider your needs and test drive different engine options to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Can you put a Mustang engine in an F-150?


Yes, you can put a Mustang engine in an F-150, but it requires modification as the engines are not identical, even when sharing the same base name like "Coyote". Key differences include the intake manifold, camshafts, and exhaust manifolds, and you will need to address wiring harness integration and transmission compatibility to ensure proper function.
 
This video shows an example of a Mustang engine swap into an F-150: 58sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Dec 15, 2018
Key differences and compatibility issues 
This video discusses the differences between Mustang and F-150 Coyote engines: 58sAlejandro FloresYouTube · Aug 31, 2017

  • Intake and Exhaust: F-150 engines have different intake manifolds designed for more low-end torque, and they use cast-iron exhaust manifolds instead of the Mustang's stainless-steel headers. 
  • Internal Components: While the blocks are often the same, internal components like camshafts, oil pans, and oil pumps can differ, requiring swapping components from the F-150 to the Mustang engine. 
  • Wiring and Electronics: You will need to modify or replace the wiring harness and ensure the correct engine control unit (ECU) and tuning are used. Different model years have different requirements, especially regarding the firing order between F-150 and Mustang engines, which affects the coils and injectors. 
  • Transmission: The transmission will need to be compatible with the new engine's bellhousing pattern and electronic controls. Adjustments to shift linkage and wiring are often necessary. 

What to do for a successful swap
  • For a 2018-2023 swap: It's more straightforward, but you still need to swap to the F-150's camshafts and use the F-150's front cover to avoid compatibility issues with the alternator and oil filter adapter. 
  • For older models (e.g., 4.6L): You will likely need to swap the Mustang engine's intake manifold and potentially other parts to make it compatible with your F-150's chassis and exhaust system. 
  • For modern 5.0L Coyote engines: You will need to use Ford Performance control packs or have the engine modified to run with the F-150's computer. 
  • For older 5.0L engines (pre-Coyote): A complete swap is significantly more involved. You will likely need to swap almost all performance-related parts, such as the pistons, camshafts, and heads, to get a true performance Mustang engine. 
  • If the engine is from a newer truck: You can often swap a newer truck engine into a newer truck of a similar generation with fewer modifications. 



Can you upgrade F-150 engine performance?


In this section, you'll find an abundance of cold air intakes for 2021-2025 F150 5.0Ls that add horsepower, increase torque, and improve throttle response so that you can push your truck to handle any application or challenge.



What's the biggest engine you can get in a Ford F-150?


5.2-liter Supercharged V-8 engine
As you can see, when you opt for the 5.2-liter Supercharged V-8 engine, you'll achieve the max horsepower and torque for your full-size truck. Keep in mind that the 5.2-liter Supercharged V-8 engine is exclusively available in the Ford Raptor R package.



What engine options for F-150?


The Ford F-150 offers six engine options for the 2025 model year, including a standard 2.7L EcoBoost V6, a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8, a standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6, a 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6, a High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (for Raptor), and a 5.2L Supercharged V8 (for Raptor R). These engines cater to a range of needs, from fuel efficiency and standard work to high-level power and off-road performance.
 
Standard and performance engines

  • 2.7L EcoBoost V6: The standard engine on some trims, it produces 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. 
  • 5.0L Ti-VCT V8: A powerful V8 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. 
  • 3.5L EcoBoost V6: A step up in power from the 2.7L, this engine generates 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, and can achieve up to 13,500 lbs of towing capacity. 
  • 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V6: Exclusive to the Raptor, this engine provides 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. 
  • 5.2L Supercharged V8: Found in the Raptor R, this engine is a powerhouse, delivering a massive 720 horsepower. 

Hybrid option
  • 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6: This option offers a combination of efficiency and power, producing 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. It also includes a Pro Power Onboard generator for use as an onboard power source. 

This video discusses the reliability of Ford F-150 engines: 57sTCcustomsYouTube · Jun 17, 2025


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.