engine choices - research question

[edwardb]

Thank you. I am going to show my ignorance here. Can you tell me what the "coyote dbw" is and also "sbf"? I am seriously starting with minimal knowledge base!

Also reading through your build thread and others it seems the coyote build is more complicated. How would you rate the complexity vs using a small block? I am somewhat intimidated by that aspect as well. The coyote definitely meets my desired end results but I am concerned about getting there! ha

Having done both, I agree the Coyote adds some complexity. If you're comparing to a carb'd engine, definitely the wiring and overall installation of the carb'd engine is simpler. But then there's the matter of getting the carb'd engine properly tuned, which isn't always simple. I've had good luck with both of my carb'd builds and they run great. But some don't have the same experience. If you're going to add EFI to an engine vs. a carb, then the gap gets a little narrower and there still can be tuning challenges. The Coyote is already engineered and (in theory) once installed should just go. I believe that's a pretty typical experience. I would say one of the biggest challenges right now is most of the Coyote installations have been the 2011-2014 version, and that's also what the Factory Five instructions show. My build is with the 2015-2016 version, plus this whole Coyote thing is new to me, so I've been learning as I go. There are a few other 2015 builds going on as well. I expect this will smooth out a bit with more experience and hopefully updated instructions. I talk about this a lot in my build thread. I don't rate the added Coyote wiring any more difficult than any of the other wiring required for one of these builds. Just adds more. Also I made a quite a few changes to the stock wiring in my build which is completely optional. Hope that helps.

The dbw is drive by wire. There is no throttle cable. An electronic signal is sent from the pedal to the throttle on the engine. Most of your newer cars are dbw.

Sbf. Is small block Ford. Most likely meaning a 302 or 351 based motor.

Yep, that's what they are all right. Sorry for the acronyms. The DBW signal goes to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module, or sometimes called ECM, Engine Control Module) and it determines the proper throttle position and sends the command to the throttle plate. Completely eliminates the need for a throttle cable or linkage. Kind of cool.