The Guide to the Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote Supercharger. We published a guide about basic bolt-on upgrades for the Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote engine a year ago. These simple modifications can boost the 5.0L V8’s power to around 440-500whp while keeping it naturally aspirated. That’s a lot of power for a NA engine. However, there will always be those who want to push things even further. This is where supercharger kits for the Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote come into play.
There is a supercharger for everyone, whether you want 500-600whp or 1,000+whp. However, there is a lot that goes into selecting the best kit for your needs and budget. We discuss the best 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits, power gains, supporting mods, engine limits, costs, and more in this guide.
5.0 Coyote Engines from Generations 1, 2, and 3.
In our Mustang bolt-on mod guide, we go over the various generations in greater detail. We discussed many of the differences between the 5.0 Coyote engines in that article. We’ll go over some of this information again, but not as thoroughly. The point is, the link is a good resource for more information.
In any case, the Coyote generations are crucial when it comes to supercharging. Not only are the later generations more powerful, but they are also internally stronger. That’s not to say any of the 5.0 Coyote engines are bad, but don’t expect the same performance from a gen 1 or gen 3 engine.
The supercharger fitment for the first, second, and third generation 5.0 Coyote engines differs. As a result, we’ll divide this article into sections based on engine generation. In each section, we’ll go over specific supporting mods, power gains, and engine limits in greater detail.
Prior to Installing A Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote Supercharger
The following sections will go over generalities. Specifics will be provided in the gen 1, gen 2, and gen 3 sections. Anyway, before purchasing a 5.0 Coyote supercharger kit, it’s critical to understand the following:
- Goals
- Budget
- Risks
- CARB / Emissions Compliant
It’s basic stuff that differs from person to person. Are you aiming for 500whp or more? What is your budget for the entire setup, from beginning to end? What are the dangers of engine malfunctions or failures? All of this is critical before embarking on such an expensive upgrade. You don’t want to spend your entire budget on a kit only to have your engine blow up in a few months.
Coyote SC Goals: 5.0
Once you’ve determined your objectives, you can begin budgeting and pricing accordingly. It’s just important to know whether you want a 500-600whp setup, an 800+whp build, or something in between. You shouldn’t get too many superchargers for your power requirements. On the other hand, you don’t want to push the supercharger to its absolute maximum on high boost.
Know your objectives and leave some wiggle room, but don’t go overboard. Consider your 5.0 Coyote Mustang GT’s long-term objectives as well. You may only want to push 600whp for the time being, but eventually want to run 700+whp or have plenty of headroom to turn things up for events or races. Instead of starting over, it may make sense in this case to go with a more capable 5.0 Coyote supercharger.
Budget / Costs of Supercharging
Again, more specific pricing and cost details can be found in the meat of this article below. Looking at things broadly, the higher your goals, the more expensive things will become. The price difference between a 600hp SC kit and a 1,000hp kit could be as little as a few thousand dollars. However, 600hp won’t require too many supporting mods outside of a full kit.
Begin shooting for higher power, and you may require other costly upgrades. This can include a custom engine and transmission, wheels and tires, brakes, suspension, cooling mods, axles, and other components. The list can go on and on depending on how far you want to go and what you intend to use the Mustang GT for.
The point is, don’t be misled by the price difference between 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits. Building a usable 1,000 horsepower car is significantly more expensive than building a modest 600hp setup. For a dependable and usable setup, the difference can easily exceed $15,000.
The Dangers of 5.0 Coyote Supercharger Modifications
This topic varies depending on which generation of 5.0L V8 Coyote engine we’re discussing. They’re all stout engines, but there are important changes that affect the “safe” limits of each engine. Nonetheless, with proper setup and fueling, all of these engines should be safe in the 600-700whp range. It’s possible that 750-800whp are long-term safe numbers for later-generation engines.
More specifics will be provided throughout this article. However, there are a few things to consider. All else being equal, the higher the risk, the more power you throw at the 5.0 Coyote. When you start pushing the limits, it’s critical to have good fueling, such as E85, proper supporting mods, and a well-tuned car.
Limits on stock engines, transmissions, and other components are also never a perfect science. On an excellent setup that isn’t pushing the ragged edge, things can break down. Other times, engines can last for years on the verge of failure. A good setup reduces the likelihood of things going wrong, but there are no guarantees. Understand that the further you push the 5.0 Coyote, the more likely catastrophic and costly failures or issues will occur.
Emissions from SC Kits and CARB Compliance
Here’s a quick discussion. Many of the superchargers we talk about are CARB legal in all 50 states. However, not all superchargers meet these requirements. Furthermore, other Mustang GT-supporting modifications such as headers, exhaust systems, and so on may be illegal.
With all of the recent crackdowns on aftermarket modifications and emissions regulations, it’s something to think about. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’ve invested $10,000+ in your 5.0 Coyote only to be slapped with a large fine, have to remove parts, or whatever the case may be.
Modifications to the 2011-2014 Mustang GT Supercharger
With the fundamentals out of the way, it’s time to get into the fun stuff. This section applies to the S197 Mustang GT’s first-generation engines. What are the best supercharger kits, engine limits, and supporting mods for first-generation 5.0 Coyote V8 engines? All of this, as well as Mustang GT SC kit power gains, costs, and more, will be covered.
Engine Limits for the Gen 1 5.0 Coyote
The original 5.0 Coyote engines in the 2011-2014 Mustang GT typically produce 600-650whp. Remember what we talked about in the 5.0 Coyote engine limits and risks section above. This is not an exact science. Some will retain more power, while others may surrender before 650whp. When pushing well beyond 600whp, there are two major concerns:
- Pistons
- Gears for oil pumps
Internally, pistons are one of the 5.0 Coyote gen 1 engine’s weak points. Then there are the oil pump gears, which should be upgraded at 550-600whp. If you’re using stock oil pump gears, avoid driving past redline or bouncing off the rev limiter. Problems usually occur at the high end of the RPM range.
Anyway, with a good setup and E85, you might be able to safely exceed 650whp. On pump gas, the high 500s or low 600s are ideal. Above this level of power, it’s a good idea to replace the pistons and pump gears at the very least. Because labor accounts for a significant portion of the cost, it makes sense to perform rods, bearings, and other basic maintenance while the engine is open.
Modifications for the S197 Mustang GT
Supporting mods isn’t always a simple topic. Much of this is determined by your specific power objectives. If 550-600whp is your goal, you should be fine with a complete supercharger kit. Keep in mind that basic bolt-ons such as headers, exhaust, intake, and manifolds make the job of the engine and superchargers much easier. It is critical to maximize air flow into the engine while minimizing back pressure.
- Basic bolt-ons (headers, exhaust, and/or intake)
- Excellent music
- SC kit in its entirety (fueling upgrades, intercooler, etc)
- Oil pump gears (550-600whp and up)
- Engine built (600-650+whp)
- Axles, DS loops, and other features (600+whp drag builds with slicks)
- AT and clutch upgrades (varies quite a bit)
We could go on and on with the list, including things like brakes, suspension, and so on for the high-powered builds. Anyway, the top three are the fundamentals for almost any 5.0 Coyote supercharger build. You’ll need some add-ons to help with airflow into and out of the engine. A good song is always a good idea. The rest of the essentials, such as fueling upgrades, intercoolers, and so on, will be included in a complete SC kit. This is all good for anyone aiming for 500-600whp.
If you want to go further with a safe and reliable Mustang GT then costs can add up quickly. Oil pump gears are an excellent upgrade for any 5.0 Coyote equipped with forced induction. The main issues arise around 550-600+whp, especially at high RPMs. A built motor, on the other hand, will ensure a reliable setup with 650-1,000+whp depending on how far you build it out. Axles, driveshaft loops, and a variety of other potential upgrades may be required for high power drag builds on slicks and sticky tracks.
Best 5.0 Coyote Supercharger Kits for the First Generation
Hopefully, the information above serves as a good starting point for determining which power goals best suit your needs and budget. Once you know what you’re looking for it’s time to consider Ford Mustang GT 5.0 supercharger kits. We’ve compiled a list of what we believe to be the best options on the market. There are numerous fantastic options, so this is by no means an exhaustive list.
1) Roush 5.0 Coyote Superchargers (500-600whp)
Price: $6,760 – 8,008
ROUSH is a well-known Ford Mustang supercharging company. They make some high-quality kits that include Eaton superchargers and TVS technology. There are phase 1, 2, and 3 kits available for the first generation 5.0 Coyote. They all come with a fantastic three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. A rough breakdown by “phase” appears to be as follows:
- 575hp (475-500whp) Phase 1 Kit
- Phase 2: 625hp (525-550whp)
- 675hp (575-600whp) Phase 3 Kit
These are complete kits that include all of the necessary mods to circumvent the stated power. To achieve the best results, you’ll need an exhaust, headers, E85 fueling, and custom tuning. Anyway, Roush 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits aren’t the most capable on the market. They are, however, a good value for those looking for “modest” results.
2) Whipple SC Kits for the Mustang GT S197 (550-850+whp)
Price: ~$7,345 – 10,000+
5.0L Whipple 3.8L Supercharger Mustang GT
Whipple offers a plethora of supercharger kits for the 5.0 Coyote Ford Mustang. Stage 1, 2, and 3 kits are available for both their 3.0L and 3.8L superchargers. All of these options are available from Lethal Performance for the 2011-2014 GT. The 3.8L superchargers, on the other hand, are not complete kits. However, Beef Cake Racing sells complete kits for the 3.8L supercharger.
If you don’t have a built engine and don’t intend to build one, the Whipple 3.0L superchargers are your best bet. Depending on the stage, these will produce between 550 and 700whp. We were unable to locate specific results or data on the larger 3.8L superchargers. However, with the right setup and good fueling, they should be able to push the 5.0 Coyote well beyond 800-850whp. We do know that they have made over 1,000whp on the third generation engines.
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3) Kenne Bell Gen 1 Supercharger Kit (600-1,000+whp)
Price: $7,099 – $8,749+
When it comes to Kenne Bell 5.0 Coyote superchargers, things start to get out of hand. Their smallest supercharger starts at 2.8L and can produce 600+ horsepower. Then, for the 2011-2014 S197 Mustang GT, Kenne Bell offers 3.2L, 3.6L, 4.2L, 4.7L, and 4.9L superchargers. Exact results are determined by pulleys, fueling, and other factors. Their larger superchargers, on the other hand, can produce well over 1,000whp.
You probably won’t want to go above the 2.8L or 3.2L Mammoth superchargers on the stock engine. They can both produce well over 600whp when using E85. Larger Kenne Bell 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits should be reserved for engines that have been built. Of course, you can get the more capable superchargers and run lower boost until the engine is built. If you want a capable supercharger, look no further than Kenne Bell.
5.0 Coyote 2nd Gen Supercharging
With the first-generation 5.0 Coyote out of the way, it’s time to move on to the more capable second-generation engine. Among the changes for 2015-2017 models were larger intake and exhaust valves, revised cams, stronger rods, and a new intake manifold. This also applies to the Mustang GT S550 generation.
All of Ford’s updates were great for helping the Gen 2 5.0 Coyote make more power. Internal upgrades and headwork make this engine stronger and more fluid. That being said, let’s get started and talk about 2015-2017 S550 Mustang GT supercharger kits, engine limits, and more.
Engine Capacity 2015-2017 Mustang GT
2nd gen Coyote engines are typically “safe” in the 650-700whp range. Again, this isn’t an exact science, and exact limits can vary. At these power levels, there is no guarantee on the 5.0 Coyote. Above 600-650whp, oil pump gears and pistons are still major concerns. Address the oil pump gears in relation to this power.
E85 fueling is excellent for producing more power while maintaining safety. If you want to push 650+whp in the long run, it’s highly recommended that you use at least some E85. If you’re pushing 700+whp, 100% E85 is a good idea. If you want a dependable 5.0 Coyote with more power, you should consider building the engine.
Modifications for the S550 5.0 Coyote Gen 2
Supporting mods for the 2nd generation engine will resemble those for the 1st generation Coyote. As a result, we’ll move through this section at a faster pace. Consider the following modifications for 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits:
- Basic add-ons (exhaust, headers, intake)
- Excellent composition.
- SC kit in its entirety (fueling mods, intercooler, throttle body, etc)
- Gears for oil pumps (600+whp)
- Engine built (650-700+whp)
- Axles, driveshafts, and other components (600+whp drag builds)
- Transmission upgrades and MT clutches
Exhaust, headers, and intake bolt-ons make life easier on the engine and supercharger. The goal is to improve engine efficiency by controlling airflow in and out of the engine. Again, you’ll want a complete supercharger kit that includes fueling upgrades, an intercooler, a throttle body, and other components. If you get a standard 5.0 Coyote supercharger, you’ll need to get all of this separately.
Consider oil pump gears at 600+whp, but even before that, it’s not a bad idea. If you intend to exceed 650-700whp, a built engine is recommended. Even at 700+whp, the axles, driveshaft, and other drivetrain components should be fine. However, if you plan on launching the S550 Mustang GT hard, you might want to consider some upgrades.
Best Supercharger Kits for the Mustang GT
If you haven’t already noticed, much of this article is the same for each generation. Due to differences in fitment, parts, and engine design, a few numbers must be updated. As a result, many of these Ford 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits are similar to those shown above. They simply installed the 2nd generation engine in S550 models from 2015 to 2017. Of course, due to engine updates, all of the numbers and specifics are slightly different.
After that, let’s get into some of the best S550 2nd gen 5.0 Coyote SC kits. As with the gen 1 engine, this is not an exhaustive list, and there are other high-quality options that we simply don’t have room to discuss.
1) Roush SC 5.0 2nd Gen Kits (550-650whp)
Price: $7,436 – 8,164
This is essentially the same kit that is available for the 2011-2014 gen 1 engines. The same Roush/Ford Performance TVS R2300 supercharger is used. Phase 1 kits produce approximately 670hp at the crank, or 550-600whp. When upgraded to phase 2, numbers in the 600-650whp range are reasonable.
We discovered some results for the phase 2 Roush supercharger in the 600-620whp range. On 93 octane, this was with only an active exhaust, intake, and the SC kit. With additional modifications such as headers and E85, 675+whp is possible.
It’s not the most capable 5.0 Coyote supercharger, but it’s a great option if you want “modest” numbers. Keep in mind that 650-700whp is a good long-term limit for the engine. With the right modifications, this phase 2 kit is capable of pushing the S550 Mustang GT close to that range.
2) Whipple 5.0 Coyote Supercharger Kits (600-900+whp)
Price: $7,995 – $10,000+
The options for the gen 2 Coyote 5.0 are the same as those for all Coyote engines. The 3.0L supercharger and the 3.8L Whipple both have multiple stages. Expect results in the 600-700whp range with the smaller Whipple supercharger for the 5.0 Coyote. With the right pulley, tune, and fueling, an additional 50+whp is very likely.
If you’re looking for even more power then the Whipple 3.8 is the option for you. If you really want to push these kits to their limits, you’ll have to go into built motor territory. On pump fuels, expect power in the 700-800whp range, with plenty more possible on E85. For good reason, Whipple is a popular choice for Ford Mustang GT superchargers. They have a kit for everyone to meet 600-900+whp goals, with a plethora of options.
3) Paxton SC Mustang GT 5.0L V8 Kits (650-800+whp)
Price: ~$7,500 – $9,000+
For good reason, we’re including another brand of 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits. Not only is the Paxton SC a good choice, but it also shows that there are plenty of other good options that we haven’t covered. With the right options and fueling, the Paxton kits can produce up to and beyond 1,000hp (800+whp). If you’re not building the Ford 5.0 V8 engine, keep pulleys and other options to a minimum.
Lower power configurations can easily push the Mustang GT to 600+whp on pump gas and 650-700whp on E85. It’s a pretty standard price for a complete kit starting around $7,500 – if not about $300-500 less than the norm.
4) Kenne Bell 5.0 Coyote Mustang Superchargers (650-1,200+whp)
Price: $7,099 – $8,799+
Kenne Bell is back with their massively powerful supercharger kits. These guys have nearly 50 years of experience in the industry and know what they’re doing. This is supported by the incredible performance of the 5.0 Coyote Kenne Bell superchargers. These kits can be found on 7 second Cobra Jets, 1200+whp builds, and 213mph mile events.
To summarize, Kenne Bell is an excellent choice for the most capable 5.0 Coyote setups. With no other modifications, their smallest 2.8L kits can produce over 600whp on 93 pump gas. When E85 and bolt-ons are added, 700+whp is possible. The larger 3.2L, 3.6L, 4.2L, 4.7L, and 4.9L superchargers are also available. With over 1,200whp possible, the results are insane.
Kenne Bell’s offerings are difficult to beat for the price. But be cautious. Even their smallest 2.8L and 3.2L supercharger kits can push the limits of the 5.0 Coyote engine. Anything larger should be reserved for those with custom engines and extensive mods.
Upgrades for the 2018+ Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote SC
Last but not least, there’s the 2018+ S550 Mustang GT. We really like the updates to the Ford gen 3 Coyote 5.0L engine. One change is a larger bore, which raises engine displacement from 4.95 to 5.035 liters. It’s not much bigger, but the wider cylinder bore allows for larger valves, as well as an improved head, valves, and cams. The 5.0 Coyote also gets a 7,500 RPM redline, a higher compression ratio of 12.0:1, and direct injection.
All of these changes contribute to increased power potential with 5.0 Coyote supercharger upgrades. The larger bore, improved head and valves, and higher rev-limit are the main advantages. It contributes to more top-end power. There’s also a 10-speed automatic, the 10R80. It can have issues, but it’s an excellent transmission for holding solid power and keeping you right in the heart of the power band.
In essence, the Coyote of Generation 3 is the most capable engine here. Let’s get started with some background information before moving on to the best 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits.
Engine Limits for the S550 Mustang 3rd Generation 5.0
apologies for the delay. We’ve seen numerous examples of these engines producing 900-1,100whp on unopened motors. This is, however, a nearly brand-new 2018+ engine. There’s a big difference between making 1,000whp on a new engine for a short time and making that kind of power over time as these engines age.
Some may argue that our engine limits are too conservative, while others argue that they are too aggressive. That’s because some blow up at low power while others run for years at high power. That is why science will never be perfect. However, with a good setup and E85 fueling, we feel pretty comfortable up to about 750whp.
The first two issues are similar to those of the other Mustang GT Coyote engines. Oil pump gears are a weakness above 600whp, especially because this engine revs out higher. The pistons are typically the first internal weakness. When you open up the engine, it’s a good idea to take out the rods, bearings, studs, and so on because those are the next things to go. If you want 850+whp, the block can become an issue, and sleeving is a good idea.
Upgrades for the 2018+ 5.0 Coyote
Here’s a quick rundown of the Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote engine’s supporting mods:
- Basic add-ons (exhaust, headers, intake)
- Excellent composition.
- SC kit in its entirety (fueling mods, intercooler, throttle body, etc)
- Gears for oil pumps (600+whp)
- Engine built (700-750whp+)
- Axles, driveshafts, and other components (700+whp drag builds)
- Transmission upgrades and MT clutches
Essentially the same as previous generation engines, but with higher limits on a few components. The 10R80 is a significant upgrade for fans of automatic transmissions. So far, they’ve demonstrated solid power, but only time will tell how they hold up in the long run. It’s a fantastic transmission that can make some insanely fast passes.
Otherwise, begin with the fundamental bolt-ons to assist the engine and supercharger. With headers, exhaust, and intake modifications, you can efficiently move air in and out of your vehicle. A quality tune is always important, and if you want to push 700+whp, we recommend quality fueling like E85 or race gas. Then there’s the complete 5.0 Coyote supercharger kit with the other necessary mods like fueling, intercoolers, throttle bodes, and the rest. If you don’t go with a full package, you’ll have to source some items on your own.
Address oil pump gears above 600whp or exercise extreme caution when operating at high RPMs and bouncing the engine off the rev-limiter. Next up are rotating assembly upgrades to ensure a consistent 700-750whp for many years to come. Drag racers should upgrade their drivetrain components. If you’re only going to the track for a couple of passes here and there, you should be fine on less sticky tires.
Best Third Generation 5.0 Coyote Superchargers
The higher 12.0:1 compression ratio of the latest 5.0 Coyote engine is notable. On pump gas, the engine still produces plenty of power. It is, however, a little more octane hungry than previous generations. Simply put, E85 and race gas will produce greater gains. Anyway, let’s get started on some 2018+ S550 Mustang GT superchargers.
Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are plenty of awesome kits for the 5.0 Coyote. These are just a few of our favorites; there are many more that we simply don’t have room to discuss.
1) GT Whipple SC Upgrade Kits for 2018+ (700-1,000+whp)
Price: $7,650 – $10,000+
Whipple superchargers for the gen 3 Mustang GT 5.0 engine are essentially the same as those used in previous generations. There are several stages available for the 3.0L and 3.8L SC kits. Even without headers and other bolt-ons, the base 3.0L phase 1 kit will produce 650+whp on 93 octane. With a few upgrades and E85, we’re talking about 700-725whp on the base power kit. On pump gas, Phase 2 can produce 725-750whp and 800whp with proper fueling and tuning.
Whipple also offers a 3.8L supercharger for the Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote. These kits are primarily for guys who want to push massive power with custom engines and a lot of other work. A good setup can easily outperform 1,000whp. A Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote with a Whipple supercharger hits the high sevens at 170 mph in the video below.
2) Roush 5.0 Coyote Gen 3 Superchargers (600-725+whp)
Price: $7,904 – 8,019
Again, Roush has options for those looking for a dependable, high-quality, and affordable setup. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 Roush 5.0 Coyote supercharger kits produce 700hp and 750hp, respectively. They give crank numbers, but they’re only rough estimates of power. On pump fuel, the S550 Mustang GT should produce 625-675whp. With the right setup, E85 can easily produce 700+whp and even 750+whp.
Some people have expressed concerns about the efficiency of this supercharger kit. It’s a good choice for 600-700whp goals, but if you need more, we recommend Whipple or another more capable kit. The Roush 5.0 superchargers will produce more than 700 horsepower, but there are better options for keeping temperatures low, producing the same power with less boost, and so on. Regardless, Roush remains a viable option for those seeking modest power.
3) Mustang GT 5.0 VMP Odin SC Kit (750-1,000whp+)
Price: $8,750
Another excellent option for the Mustang GT S550 is the 5.0 Coyote VMP Odin. VMP collaborated with Magnuson Superchargers to develop this kit, which features the Eaton TVS 2.65L. On pump gas, this kit can produce up to 750-800whp with moderate pulleys. There’s a lot more on the table with all of the extra add-ons, tuning, and E85 fueling.
VMP Odin superchargers with 1,000+whp are a possibility. With E85 and proper tuning, 900+whp is easily achievable. This is an outstanding kit, which is also available for other 5.0 Coyote engines. We included this option to highlight yet another fantastic 5.0 Coyote supercharger.
Summary of Ford Mustang GT Supercharger Upgrade
This was a lengthy article that covered every variation of the 5.0 Coyote engine found in the S197 and S550 Mustang GT. We could delve even deeper into specifics such as fueling modifications, throttle bodies, and so much more. This article simply does not have enough space to cover everything from beginning to end. However, we’ll have tons of new content for the Mustang GT and 5.0L V8 engine in the near future.
Returning to the summary. The 5.0 Coyote is a fantastic engine that produces respectable power both out of the box and with simple NA bolt-on mods. Ford also made some great engine updates over the years to increase power and performance. Those looking to push things even further should consider 5.0 Coyote supercharger upgrades. There is a setup for nearly every power goal and budget.
With the right supercharger, tuning, and fueling, all generations of the 5.0 Coyote are capable of producing 1,000+whp. These are expensive builds that go far beyond the engine’s safe long-term limits. Most are probably looking for “modest” options that produce 550-750whp. With so many options available, it’s not difficult to achieve these figures.
Supercharger kits for the S197 and S550 Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote are available from Roush, Whipple, Kenne Bell, VMP, and Paxton. However, there are many more high-quality kits available. A large purchase like this does not happen overnight, so take your time and do some additional research. At the very least, we know that a supercharger can take the Mustang GT to completely new levels of performance.
