[blykins]

From an engine builder's standpoint, the Coyote is a neat little engine. The variable valve timing allows you to sorta have the best of both worlds....advanced cam timing for tooling around at low rpms....and retarded cam timing to help out with higher rpms. Decent horsepower from a very small displacement. Efficiency.

The Modular engines are all "neat". Factory blocks that can withstand horsepower levels approaching 1000hp, bulletproof bottom ends with some engines having forged cranks, H-beam rods, forged pistons, etc., from the factory.

However, there are two drawbacks...

1. Horsepower. Even with a 5.0 Coyote, horsepower levels are way below what you would see with a stroked Windsor, a healthy FE, or a 385 series big block.

2. Authenticity. The Modular stuff is about as far as you can get (in V8 form anyway) from the powerplant of an original car.

In a car that's already set up for a Mod motor, such as a Mustang, Ford GT, etc., it's kind of a no-brainer. However, for the amount of money that you have to pay for 1. a complete Coyote engine 2. all the junk that needs to go with it to control it 3. engine bay modifications to make it fit 4. an engine that's only making ~450hp (if you want more horsepower with a supercharger, that's more $$$$).....I don't see the benefits of it anywhere for a Cobra.

All Windsors, FE's, etc., can be built with EFI options. These days, if you want a 600hp naturally aspirated big block that will start on the first crank in 30 degree weather and will warm themselves up, then you can have that.

Personally, I'd rather have a stinky, rowdy engine for a Cobra....and if the customer so desired to have a little more refined stinkiness, then EFI is certainly a route to take.