Coyote Engine and Transmission Package Comparison - UPDATE 2/25/2026

[Papa]

I'm ready to order my engine and transmission for my Coupe build. My plan was to order the FFR package that they sell through their AT division. The issue I'm having is that FFR won't return my phone calls or respond to my on-line or e-mail requests, which leaves me concerned about ordering from them while they continue sorting out their internal issues.

So, I started looking at what Mike Forte is offering, and the packages are fairly similar except for a few areas:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=225850&d=1771693936

The FFR package includes fuel system components that I don't need. The Forte package lacks some items I would like to have included, such as a hydraulic throw-out bearing, Moroso oil pan, and assembly, which I'm sure a call to Mike and more $$ will solve. I'm looking for opinions on what others have done and what your overall experience was either way.

[PNWTim]

Dave - I can't really speak to the value of F5 v. Forte but I do have a couple of comments that you might find relevant. I chose not to opt for a complete kit approach as I wanted to take advantage of my military discount (which I believe you have as well) and I ordered everything from the tail of the transmission to the nose of the engine from Summit Racing. There are a couple of threads that call out everything one needs and they are very specific. I would think both of the packages above should have many of the same items since there are limited options for fitment (Moroso oil pan, alternator and starter). Another item I would point out is neither of these list the Tilton hydraulic throw out bearing which I prefer compared to an external. Good luck with your decision.

[Papa]

Thanks, Tim. I am looking for the easy button on the engine and transmission. I'm sure I could source everything and put it together myself but really don't want to do that unless it is a last resort. I have a note on the Tilton TOB to ask Mike about that. I did swap out my clutch MC for the larger 13/16 version already.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I know from conversations with Mike that he is not a fan of the hydraulic TOB. You’ll need to have a conversation with him…set aside some time (IYKYK ;))

Jeff

[Papa]

I know from conversations with Mike that he is not a fan of the hydraulic TOB. You’ll need to have a conversation with him…set aside some time (IYKYK ;))

Jeff

Good to know, Jeff. Thank you for the heads-up.

Dave

[Sharris2]

In 2022 when I built my MK4, I used Mike for my coyote gen 3 and tkx package. Your right , I sent some time on the phone with him re the internal throughout bearing; but in the end I won and got the tilton 6100 and am happy with it.
For my coupe build I've ordered the engine package from factoryfive-at.com I believe it's a better price.The only thing I'm worried about is the throughout bearing as they are using the McCloud bearing and I've read some posts about failure with it!

[edwardb]

All that nice work with your build and you don't want to put the engine/trans together? :rolleyes: Seriously, it's not hard and actually kind of fun IMO. My Gen 2 and Gen 3 Coyote's came from a Ford Performance dealer. The LS3 in my truck build was from Summit. Had it two days after clicking the order button. Most sources will give you free shipping. Doubt either Factory Five or Forte are offering that. That could be a significant price. The Aluminator 5.2XS in my Mk5 build under way now came from Forte. I wasn't the original buyer. Bought it still in the giant all-in-one crate from a gentleman in Texas as I've mentioned in my build thread. Couldn't find any fault in the assembly work Forte did. Although I did change the power steering and hydraulic clutch. I did note that Forte provided a generic mini-starter. Not the much more expensive Ford Performance one. I'm using it and expect it will be fine. Yes, he will try to talk you out of the internal TOB. He just happens to sell the alternative. Hmmm... I understand FF installs the McLeod TOB which has managed to get some negative reviews on there. Highly recommend holding out for the Tilton. Super happy with mine. May have mentioned that a few times.

[Ejzajac]

I used Mike for my MK5 with a Coyote Gen 3/TKX turn-key package. I ordered it last October and he found a couple of handfuls of Gen 3s that Ford allocated to him at previous pricing. Mike is pretty old school with communications, incredibly knowledgeable outfitting kits to individual needs and VERY opinionated, especially on TOB and PS systems with tensioners. It didn't matter to me, but build-out and delivery were slowed down by supply issues, staff injuries, and several big snow storms. In addition, Mike is willing to ship to a freight depot rather than a residential delivery for additional savings. A near-by local depot and truck/trailer made that an easy decision. I pick up Monday and will let you know more.

Ed Z

[LSX]

I don’t know the comparison for Mike forte since I went through FF-AT. But I can tell you it’s a very well built and put together assembly. On top of all that is listed that’s included and completed you will also need the coyote installation package through them as well. If you go that route I included everything that’s included with that. I haven’t installed mine yet but in my opinion for a turn key brand new coyote it’s worth it.

225866225867

Also I agree communication is horrible. Hopefully that improves soon. When I got my coyote installation package the parts breakdown wasn’t included. I found the one I included in the forum and highlight what I received so I knew what I still needed.

[Papa]

I don’t know the comparison for Mike forte since I went through FF-AT. But I can tell you it’s a very well built and put together assembly. On top of all that is listed that’s included and completed you will also need the coyote installation package through them as well. If you go that route I included everything that’s included with that. I haven’t installed mine yet but in my opinion for a turn key brand new coyote it’s worth it.

225866225867

Also I agree communication is horrible. Hopefully that improves soon. When I got my coyote installation package the parts breakdown wasn’t included. I found the one I included in the forum and highlight what I received so I knew what I still needed.

Thanks for the insight. The inventory sheets you attached are actually my sheets! I did order the Coyote install kit with my Coupe order, so that is covered.

[cfriedman67]

I purchased two coyotes through Mike. Yes, it a few more dollars in price but if there is ever a problem he always picks up the phone or calls back ASAP. Customer service when needed is worth a couple of bucks in my opinion.

[LSX]

Thanks for the insight. The inventory sheets you attached are actually my sheets! I did order the Coyote install kit with my Coupe order, so that is covered.

Haha. Nice! Well thank you for helping me out then!! Communication wise if you are having issues with them then I might go with Mike then.

[JTG]

Dave,

I purchased a Gen 3 Coyote and a T56 through Forte and it was a fantastic experience. That being said we are local so we went to his shop once to discuss options and place the order, and then a second time to go pick everything up. As others have said he is very old school and very chatty (so many stories!), but he was also really great with both of my kids. And yes, he will take a little convincing to include a hydraulic TOB but ultimately he wants a satisfied customer.

I don't think you can really go wrong with either option. Good luck!

[Papa]

Update:

I sent an e-mail directly to Dave V. at FFR a couple of days ago. They were shut down earlier this week due to getting 30" of snow but I received a reply from Dave V. today and my order is in for the Factory Five AT Coyote and TKX package. Now I just need my bank to complete the wire transfer and contact Cunningham to set up shipping.

Dave

[nuhale]

Why not T56? Just curious

[Papa]

Why not T56? Just curious

Primarily because FFR doesn't offer it as part of their package. I ordered my kit with the FFR AT engine package as part of my build plan.

Dave

[Blitzboy54]

I know this is the exact opposite of what you are doing but if I do another build with a Coyote, having learned what I learned through this latest build, is this. I will 100% before I order the kit purchase an F150 Coyote core. Somewhere in the $2-$3k range. Rip it down to the crank and build my own back up from scratch into a GT. My assumption was that rebuilding a Coyote would be super complicated compared to an SBF. I have learned that is not true.

I can then customize it the way I want and the cost would be 50% of a crate engine. I know that's not for everyone and honestly it wasn't for me until recently.

Love your coupe build Dave. Been enjoying following along and will be pestering you soon as I am going with a Dakota Digital setup on the truck. I will definitely have some questions.

[Tooth]

Barely know the guy, had a very odd experience, but still respect him.

Went to Mikes place. Amazing place, seemed like a great guy. Spent ALLOT of time talking to me, showing me around his entire facility. Was ready to place my order before I walked in the door. This was during covid, (As I remember it.) he told me he had to order a control pack, but I only needed a $100 deposit. I offered more as I brought allot of cash expecting to just put down a deposit, but he brought me out back to show me racks of coyote motors and transmissions and (as I remember it) told me this is why he only required a $100 deposit. Got a call a few months later and he was asking why he had a $100 deposit from me. Left there knowing the guys life story, and a couple months later he had no recollection. When I told him he advised me that he takes a "big deposit" when someone orders a motor and there was no way he could honor the prices he quoted me because everything went up because of covid. He sent an updated invoice that was considerably higher. I was pissed, but figured maybe it was my misunderstanding. Fortunately FFR had a motor that someone backed out of. So, purchased from FFR. And, as far as I know it I still have a $100 credit at Fortes.

Seems like a good guy otherwise, and lots of people on here go gaga over him. So, maybe it's me.

[edwardb]

I know this is the exact opposite of what you are doing but if I do another build with a Coyote, having learned what I learned through this latest build, is this. I will 100% before I order the kit purchase an F150 Coyote core. Somewhere in the $2-$3k range. Rip it down to the crank and build my own back up from scratch into a GT. My assumption was that rebuilding a Coyote would be super complicated compared to an SBF. I have learned that is not true.

I can then customize it the way I want and the cost would be 50% of a crate engine. I know that's not for everyone and honestly it wasn't for me until recently.

Love your coupe build Dave. Been enjoying following along and will be pestering you soon as I am going with a Dakota Digital setup on the truck. I will definitely have some questions.

I'm far from an expert on the subject since I've only done Mustang version Coyote crate motors. But this video got my attention a while back. Ford has made major changes on the F150 Gen 4 Coyote. With the older versions starting to go away, the Gen 4 is going to be in play. May not be quite as practical to modify as it was before.


https://youtu.be/3EfUlDEM2GI