Engine Purchase

[eamici]

Hi. A brief history: I'm at the point where I need to purchase an engine/trans. For a number of reasons, this project has taken way more time than expected. I contacted FF to confirm what package I needed to buy given my original preferences when purchased a couple years ago. I'm pretty sure my kit was configured to accept a Coyote 5.0L with the TKO600 trans.

When I contacted FF last week to confirm and ask for a reliable source to do the purchase, the response I got was to contact Ford Performance and that it "Looked like" I needed a 5 speed Tremec Trans. I know they've had some personnel changes and am not confident I'm getting accurate info.

After contacting Ford Performance they asked several questions that exceeded my level of expertise. For example they asked:
a) Aluminum or cast Iron block?
b) Internal or external Balance?
c)What cam style?

About six months ago I spoke to David Brigham at FF who told me they could supply a new Gen 3 Coyote with TKO600 for $16,750. David has since left FF and am now speaking to another individual. This gentleman sent me the Coyote Installation manual. I'm not clear how that is going to resolve
my questions.

So basically, I'm totally confused as to what to buy and where. Looking for some insight/clarifications through the forum.
Thanks

[Gordon Levy]

Call Mike Forte and he will set you up with what you need

[eamici]

Who is Mike with FF?

[phileas_fogg]

No; Mike Forte owns Forte's Parts Connection: https://fortesparts.com. Mike knows these cars inside & out, and he's a certified Ford & Tremec dealer. Also, his customer support is OUTSTANDING (lots of stories on this forum about folks calling at all times of day & getting the help they need). I always call Mike before emailing him; it's great hearing that Boston accent again, plus he's a hoot!


John

[Papa]

If you purchased your kit with the Coyote as your planned engine, there should be some Coyote-specific parts in the kit like the control pack mounting bracket, different clutch switch, etc.

[edwardb]

I don't understand the questions you received from Ford Performance. If you made it clear to them you were shopping for a Coyote, those questions don't apply. They sell several versions of the Coyote. Probably the one you'd want (and you reference later) is the stock Gen 3 version. It's an aluminum block, internally balanced, and comes with four cams configured for the engine. But those are moot points. None of that is variable. You wouldn't buy from Ford Performance directly anyway. They only sell through their dealer network.

Agree Mike Forte is a source. Actually, any Ford Performance dealer can sell it to you. The Gen 3 Coyote + 5-speed TKX (no longer TKO, it's discontinued) is a common and excellent combination for these cars. Don't overthink it. All the chassis kits are configured the same regardless of engine. The only difference is external things like engine mounts (the ones on the engine, not the ones on the frame), headers, driveshaft type and length, etc.

And if you're planning a Gen 3 Coyote, get the control pack on order now. They're backordered and could be months before you're able to get one. Get in line.

[JeffP]

I have my coyote order in with Mike, like everyone else said his customer service is amazing.

[rsw81]

Another vote to work with Mike Forte. He's amazing and hilarious. I've had the luxury of meeting Mike in person as I live about 10 minutes from his shop and it's worth the trip in for anyone who lives even an hour or two from his shop. Dude's a hoot and a wealth of knowledge.

[klawrence]

Agreed , drove up to his shop to pick my Coyote up(purchased my coyote,T-56,IRS center from Mike)...very nice to talk to and knowledgeable about the FF cars.

[CraigS]

One time I called Mike and had a nice 10 min chat and figured out what I needed to order. Then I asked if he could take the order or should I do it on his website. He says normally I would take your order but, while we have been talking I've been standing in the grocery store picking up a birthday cake for my daughter. Party starts in an hour, so if you could call back tomorrow morning that would be great. Yep he is a great guy. The other advantage he has is his knowledge of what will work in an FFR. You can get everything he sells from other sources, but he will let you know what works best in our cars. And since his prices are extremely competitive, usually lower, you get his expertise for free.

[CaptB]

Can't say enough about Mike Forte, he's very patient dealing with individuals who are not mechanics building these cars.

[Tbev]

Another vote for Mike Forte. I'm picking up my Coyote today. Ordered it in June and it took this long to get the control pack. Great guy to deal with and amazing customer service.

[Papa t]

Another vote for Mike. My coyote engine is arriving today.

[RBachman]

Like others have mentioned here, Call Mike Forte'. You can thank us later.

[cfriedman67]

Mike is the best. Delivered my coyote to my garage!

[GTBradley]

I don't remember the specifics of the FFR frame requirements I selected when ordering, but I do remember deciding on the Coyote early on. However, I believe you still have some other options with that frame setup. If you're not an engine guy the selection process basically comes down to, how do you want it to look and drive? If you want the engine bay to look the part of an old school Cobra you might consider BluePrint Engines (https://blueprintengines.com/collections/ford-crate-engines). If you want a modern, high-tech power plant, and don't mind that it looks modern, the Coyote is the way to go and you won't be sorry you went with Mike at Forte's Parts connection (https://fortesparts.com/product/5-0l-460hp-gen-3-coyote-engine-package/). FYI, I believe Mike can source BP Engine packages too.

[Kmcallahan]

I vote for Mike also, if you want old school look you can also get a custom engine from Mike. I got the 351w 427ci with Sniper FI. It runs great l. I have it mated to the new TKX 600. Mike and his staff are great to work with.

Callahan

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Did not get my Coyote/TKO from Mike but have sourced a number of other things from him. If you have light or no experience I would recommend Mike 100% as the best choice to work with. He has the knowledge to fill in the newbie blanks & very gracious to work with.

[mburger]

…..FYI, I believe Mike can source BP Engine packages too.

I bought my BluePrint 347 through Mike as well as my Pro-Flo 4 which his shop assembled, videoed the dyno run and shipped complete. Mike was able to match Summit’s price as well.

[Al_C]

Just a note about the comment "I pretty sure my kit was configured to accept..." My sense is that you still have your original Factory Five paperwork (you'll need that eventually to get your car titled) and it should specify what your motor mounts are set for. As Papa indicated, you should also have coyote-specific parts in your inventory if that's what you specified at order time. If I'm not mistaken, the coyote mounts are the same as those for a small block, so you could possibly have some options. In any event, you can put me down in the "go with Mike Forte" column as well. Good luck with the engine purchase!

[AC Bill]

I have to agree with Al_C. Figure out first, what your kit configuration is designed for, before ordering anything. Nothing worse than being at the point where you expect something to slide right in, and discovering you have the wrong tranny, for instance.

So does Mike Forte still send out $100 to anyone who recommends him on a thread?


Just kidding of course..lol:p

[Bob-STL]

One time I called Mike and had a nice 10 min chat and figured out what I needed to order. Then I asked if he could take the order or should I do it on his website. He says normally I would take your order but, while we have been talking I've been standing in the grocery store picking up a birthday cake for my daughter. ......

I got him in the grocery store too! However he patiently answered all my dumb questions.

My 331 from him is running strong at 18,500 miles.

[caesarmascetti]

Call Mike Forte