What kind of oil does a 5.0 coyote take?
Most 5.0 Coyote engines use synthetic 5W-20 oil as the standard, but the exact specification can vary by year, model, and usage. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the precise recommendation.
In this report, we explore how Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 handles oil requirements, why certain viscosities appear, and how you can confirm the right oil for your specific car. The goal is to help owners maintain engine health, protect warranty coverage, and optimize performance across different driving conditions.
Common oil viscosities used with the 5.0 Coyote
Ford generally aligns the 5.0 Coyote with synthetic oils, but the exact viscosity you need can depend on the model year, trim, and climate. The following guide covers the typical options you may encounter.
Common viscosities
- 5W-20 synthetic — standard for most daily-driving 5.0 Coyote applications.
- 5W-30 — sometimes specified in warmer climates or for certain model years or configurations.
- 5W-50 — used in some high-performance or track-oriented scenarios; always verify applicability for your particular vehicle.
Note: The correct oil specification should be confirmed from the owner’s manual or under-hood labels. Variations exist by year, trim, and market, so rely on official documentation for your exact car.
How to verify the exact specification for your car
Because the 5.0 Coyote spans multiple generations and trims, the precise viscosity and spec can vary. Use these steps to confirm the right oil for your vehicle.
Steps to confirm your engine oil specification
- Consult the owner's manual for the exact viscosity and any Ford-specific oil specification requirements.
- Check the oil filler cap on the engine; some caps include viscosity recommendations.
- Inspect the under-hood label near the engine for maintenance details and oil specification.
- Visit Ford's official website or your vehicle's online portal for model-year-specific guidance.
- Ask a Ford dealer or certified technician if you have unusual driving conditions such as heavy towing, extreme heat, or frequent track use.
Following official guidance ensures warranty coverage and engine protection, especially on older or heavily used vehicles.
Summary
The 5.0 Coyote typically calls for synthetic 5W-20 for standard daily use, with the option of other viscosities such as 5W-30 or 5W-50 depending on climate, model year, and usage. Always verify with the owner’s manual or dealer guidance, and choose a high-quality synthetic oil that meets Ford's specifications. Regular oil changes are essential for longevity and performance.
How many quarts of oil does a coyote take?
The oil capacity for a Coyote engine depends on the vehicle and generation: 8 quarts for 2015-2017 Mustang GTs, 10 quarts for 2018+ Mustang GTs, and ~8.8 quarts for 2011-2017 F-150s. Always check your owner's manual or the dipstick for the most accurate capacity for your specific vehicle.
Mustang GT
- Gen 2 (2015-2017): 8.0 quarts
- Gen 3 (2018-2023): 10.0 quarts
- Gen 4 (2024+): 10.0 quarts
F-150
- 2011-2017: Approximately 8.8 quarts
- 2018+: 8.8 quarts
- 2020+: 7.75 quarts
How many quarts of oil are in a 5.0 coyote?
Up oh one other thing I should probably mention you're going to need an oil drain pan. Again make sure it's large enough to hold about 8 quart of oil. So let's go ahead and get.
What oil is recommended for 5.0 coyotes?
DI30 Oil Change Kit for Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote (2018-2022) w/ 10 Qt Oil Capacity.
What is the difference between 5W20 and 5W50?
5W-20 is a thinner oil that provides better fuel efficiency and faster cold-start lubrication, ideal for modern engines with tight tolerances. In contrast, 5W-50 is a much thicker oil that provides superior protection for high-performance or older engines under high heat and stress, such as during track use or towing. The primary difference is that the "50" in 5W-50 maintains a higher viscosity at operating temperature, offering a stronger protective film than 5W-20, which has a lower viscosity at operating temperature (8.78.78.7 cSt vs. 18−2018 minus 2018−20 cSt at 100∘100 raised to the composed with power100∘C).
This video explains the difference between 5W-20 and 5W-50 engine oils and the effects of each: 1mRed5ohYouTube · Apr 10, 2025
| Feature | 5W-20 | 5W-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Application | Modern, everyday gasoline engines | High-performance, older, or heavy-duty engines |
| Operating Temperature | Flows more easily, especially at cold starts | Thicker, providing a stronger protective film at high temperatures |
| Fuel Efficiency | Better fuel economy due to lower friction | May reduce fuel efficiency |
| Engine Protection | Sufficient for normal driving conditions | Offers better protection under high heat and stress (e.g., racing) |
| Cold Start Performance | Quicker circulation immediately after ignition | Still flows well in the cold, but circulation is slightly slower than 5W-20 |
| Viscosity at 100∘100 raised to the composed with power100∘C | ~$8.7$ cSt | ~$18-20$ cSt |
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Important Note: Always use the oil viscosity recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Using a different viscosity oil than recommended can lead to insufficient lubrication or engine damage.
