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LS swap vs Coyote swap Cost

jba6555

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2007
Messages
89
I know there is a certain stigma against LS swapping a Bronco. I am not even all that sure I would consider doing it. But last night, as I was trying to fall asleep, I was wondering what the average cost to swap an LS into a Bronco is compared to the average cost to swap a Coyote into a Bronco. It was an intriguing enough question for me to wake up and ask you guys.
 

dhendriksen

Jr. Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
128
The Coyote includes a lot of complexities around electrical, computer, etc… A new (you can get takeoffs) Coyote setup is $30k+. Lots more options for LS.

That said, I wouldn’t do either. I’m just finishing up my restoration and left the stock 302. Even left the carb on it. I didn’t want a restomod though - just a restored one.
 

ared77

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Bronco Guru
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Apr 21, 2013
Messages
2,909
Those that know me know I'm "Keep a Ford in a Ford"

But I appreciate the question. If there is a good answer I'd be curious and part of the reason would be to get aftermarket active in bringing that difference down. And from what little I know about this I believe I'm right in saying the cost is coming down all the time.
 

ared77

Contributor
Bronco Guru
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Apr 21, 2013
Messages
2,909
"@Yeller has your answer."

Well half of it at least.

If the average cost to LS swap is $5500, what's the average Coyote swap cost ?
 

1969

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2022
Messages
674
The nice thing about the LS engines imo is fuel injection is incredibly easy. You can buy a nice standalone system for pretty cheap. A lot cheaper than a Coyote that’s for sure.
 

ntsqd

heratic car camper
Joined
Jan 30, 2005
Messages
3,431
Loc.
Upper SoKA
The 5.3L & 4L65E going in my Wagon project cost me $2700 delivered. I've another couple hundred in flashing the PCM to remove the nanny and body functions, but that includes the guy tuning it once running so that the shift points are correct, etc. I'll have some more money in getting the trans configured with a 4WD output, but that's on me as I could have gotten a 4WD version for my source had I not switched what the combo is going in. Origianlly it was going in my '73 SBSS Chevy C10, but the TBI 350 in the Wagon runs so good that I'm going to move it to the '73 instead.

Nothing wrong with the stock engine management on an LS engine IF you're not going to lean on it hard. For a stock or nearly stock engine I highly doubt that anything aftermarket will be as good. I'll guess that GM put 1000's of man-hours into testing and tuning that system. That is not something easily duplicated at home with an aftermarket ECM/PCM.

If you're going to boost it, NOx it, or seriously modify it's internals, then I doubt that the OEM PCM is the ideal tool.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,279
LS is the low buck option. For install and the final value in the end.
I'll argue that a boring stock 302 will have more value than a junkyard swapped LS, even if the LS runs better.
 

fordguy

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Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 23, 2005
Messages
5,668
The 5.3L & 4L65E going in my Wagon project cost me $2700 delivered. I've another couple hundred in flashing the PCM to remove the nanny and body functions, but that includes the guy tuning it once running so that the shift points are correct, etc. I'll have some more money in getting the trans configured with a 4WD output, but that's on me as I could have gotten a 4WD version for my source had I not switched what the combo is going in. Origianlly it was going in my '73 SBSS Chevy C10, but the TBI 350 in the Wagon runs so good that I'm going to move it to the '73 instead.

Nothing wrong with the stock engine management on an LS engine IF you're not going to lean on it hard. For a stock or nearly stock engine I highly doubt that anything aftermarket will be as good. I'll guess that GM put 1000's of man-hours into testing and tuning that system. That is not something easily duplicated at home with an aftermarket ECM/PCM.

If you're going to boost it, NOx it, or seriously modify it's internals, then I doubt that the OEM PCM is the ideal tool.
I will take my explorer/4r70w with factory EFI with harness by Garry all day every day over an LS. If I had a Chevy I would do LS. Putting the 5.0 explorer in is the best over all swap, all
Things considered. Now if I carb the 5.0, the price comes way down. We just finished one with a C4 for under 3k. But you do you, don’t have a problem with LS just not in blue oval stuff. I am not ranting, just stating what I think. Don’t want y’all to think over excited about it lol. You heard of the heartbeat, I am all about hoof beat.
 

powers4680

Full Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2010
Messages
315
The funny thing is people complain about the ls swap but the new bronco has basically a gm transmission in it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ared77

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Apr 21, 2013
Messages
2,909
Doesn't matter. "basically a gm transmission" isn't a GM part...and even if it was if Ford put it in that's fine.

If you are a "car collector" who has multiple brands that's ok and I can see why you wouldn't mind mixing engines, etc. But I'm a Ford guy and can't tell you the number of times when I've walked up to some car/truck at a show and seen a Chevy engine in it and I just keep walking.
 

Scoop

Contributor
Have Bronco, Will Travel
Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
10,729
Loc.
Cuchara, CO
The funny thing is people complain about the ls swap but the new bronco has basically a gm transmission in it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jointly developed by GM and Ford. I'm going to tell my B-I-L his new Caddy Blackwing has a Ford transmission!
 

OX1

Bronco Guru
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
3,464
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