The Heart of Modern Power: Inside the Ford Gen 4X 5.0L Coyote V8
There’s a moment in every HighLine Classics build when the vintage shell and the modern heart meet. It’s the instant a classic Bronco—once a piece of history—becomes something more: a living legend, ready to write new adventures. That moment begins when we drop in the Ford Gen 4X 5.0L Coyote V8.
This isn’t just an engine. It’s the soul of modern American performance, reborn for a timeless 4x4. With the Gen 4X Coyote under the hood, your Bronco roars to life with strength, precision, and reliability the original designers could only dream about. At HighLine Classics, we don’t just restore—we transform, blending iconic style with a heartbeat built for today’s roads and tomorrow’s trails.
The Soul of American Performance
The Ford Gen 4X 5.0L Coyote V8 is a Ford Performance masterpiece, purpose-built to bring modern muscle to a timeless Bronco. Rated at 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, with a high 12:1 compression ratio, this crate engine transforms every turn of the key into an unforgettable driving experience.
460 Horsepower – Smooth, instant acceleration for confident freeway merges and exhilarating mountain climbs.
420 lb-ft of Torque – Broad, usable power for off-road crawling, trail runs, and spirited passing.
12:1 Compression – Optimized for premium fuel, delivering clean throttle response and exceptional efficiency.
At its core, the Gen 4X 5.0L Coyote features port fuel injection twin independent variable camshaft timing — a pairing that delivers precise fuel delivery and adaptable power across the entire rev range. A single throttle body keeps the engine bay clean while improving serviceability for classic Bronco owners who value accessibility as much as performance.
Engineered with advanced features like engine mount bosses for secure fitment, a driver side exhaust flange that utilizes 5.2L geometry for improved flow, and compatibility with manual transmission flywheels and bell housing mount patterns, the Gen 4X was designed to integrate seamlessly into a HighLine build. Even its front accessory drive components and alternator kit are tailored for both form and function, ensuring every detail works in harmony.
This is the 4X 5.0L Coyote at its finest — a modern powerplant that respects vintage simplicity while delivering strength, precision, and reliability worthy of the Bronco name.
Engineering Excellence Meets Classic Character
The Ford Gen 4X 5.0L Coyote V8 is brawn and brilliance in aluminum and steel. Its aluminum cylinder block and heads reduce weight for nimble steering and better handling while resisting corrosion for decades. Inside, thick main bearing bulkheads and a plasma transferred arc spray cylinder coating deliver exceptional strength and heat resistance, ensuring your Bronco’s heart beats strong mile after mile.
The Gen 4X features port fuel injection twin independent variable camshaft timing—an advanced system that adjusts to maximize power and efficiency across the rev range. That means your Bronco feels just as alive crawling over boulders as it does merging onto the interstate.
From engine mount bosses designed for secure fitment, to the driver side exhaust flange that utilizes 5.2L geometry for optimal flow, every element is engineered for performance. Pair it with our manual transmission flywheel or a new automatic, and the bell housing mount pattern ensures seamless integration.
Even the front accessory drive components and alternator kit are carefully selected to keep the engine bay clean and functional—true to the Bronco’s classic aesthetic.
The HighLine Classics Difference
Plenty of shops can drop a Coyote into a Bronco. But at HighLine Classics, we don’t just install—we integrate. Every swap we perform is part of a complete, in-house build, with every component—from cooling to exhaust—selected and tuned to work in harmony.
100% In-House Craftsmanship – From fabrication to final polish, every step is done under our roof by specialists who know early Broncos inside and out.
All-New Components – No salvaged or refurbished parts. Your Bronco gets a brand-new engine, transmission, wiring, and drivetrain.
Personalized Service – You work directly with Josh Dougherty, our founder, through every phase of the build.
Customer Spotlight
"I wanted the power of a modern truck without losing the look and feel of my ’74 Bronco. HighLine nailed it. The Gen 4X pulls strong, idles smooth, and just feels right—like it was always meant to be there." – HighLine Owner, California
We honor Ford’s engineering by ensuring every install looks factory-perfect and runs better than new. It’s not just a swap—it’s a reimagining of what your Bronco can be.
FAQs
How does the Gen 4X differ from earlier Coyote engines?
It features higher compression, refined cam timing, and improved cooling compared to earlier generations, giving it better efficiency, smoother power delivery, and increased durability in a Bronco application.
What’s the horsepower and torque in a HighLine Bronco build?
In our classic Bronco setups, the Gen 4X delivers its full 460 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque, tuned for optimal performance with modern transmissions and gearing.
Which transmissions are compatible?
We typically pair the Gen 4X with new 10-Speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions, ensuring perfect integration for both on-road and off-road use.
Is the Gen 4X reliable for daily driving?
Absolutely. With modern fuel injection, robust materials, and precision assembly, this engine is as reliable for daily use as it is thrilling for weekend adventures.
How capable is it off-road?
The torque curve and throttle response make it excellent for crawling, climbing, and trail exploration—while still delivering highway comfort.
Your Legacy Awaits at HighLine Classics
Your Bronco’s next chapter begins with the turn of a key. A Gen 4X Coyote V8 is a statement—a bridge between eras, a piece of automotive history made ready for the next 50 years. It’s a drive you can hand down like a family heirloom.
This is an investment in automotive immortality: the timeless beauty of a classic Bronco, powered by the heart of modern performance. Let HighLine Classics turn your classic into a legend you’ll love to drive every single day.