Pulling a Coyote engine is not your average garage task. It takes more than just a cherry picker and a free afternoon. Whether you’re pulling the engine from a wrecked Mustang or prepping it for a custom swap, the importance of the right equipment cannot be overstated.
One piece of hardware often overlooked—but absolutely essential—is the Coyote Engine Lift Plate. Without it, you’re not just making the job harder; you're putting your entire project and personal safety at risk.
The Complexity of Coyote Engine Swaps
Coyote engines are powerful and compact, but that comes at a cost—tight tolerances, top-mounted intake manifolds, and limited attachment points.
If you’ve ever worked on one, you already know:
- They're heavier than they look.
- Lifting points aren’t as obvious as on older V8s.
- Damaging anything during removal could set your build back days or even weeks.
These engines don’t offer the same flexibility when it comes to hooking up a chain or sling. That’s where a specialized Coyote Lift Plate comes into play.
What Is a Lift Plate and Why Should You Care?
A lift plate is a steel bracket that bolts directly onto the intake manifold or heads of an engine, giving you a solid and balanced point to lift from.
With Coyotes, a standard universal plate won’t work. You need something built for the engine’s layout. A Coyote-specific plate aligns with the manifold bolt pattern and supports the engine at its center of gravity.
Without it, you’re forced to get “creative” with hooks and chains—putting stress on parts that were never designed to take that load.
5 Reasons Not to Pull a Coyote Without the Proper Lift Plate
1. You Could Damage the Intake or Valve Covers
Using improvised lifting points often results in scratched or cracked valve covers, broken sensors, or a warped intake. A proper lift plate bolts directly where it should, with no risk of damage to surrounding components.
2. Engine Balance is a Big Deal
Lifting from an uneven point causes the engine to tilt awkwardly—sometimes dangerously. You don’t want it swinging or rotating as you guide it out of the engine bay. A lift plate centers the load and keeps the engine stable during the entire process.
3. You’ll Waste Time Trying to Make Something Else Work
Some DIYers try to fabricate their own brackets or use a sling. But by the time you modify something to “sort of” fit, you could have just used the right tool. The Coyote engine lift plate saves you hours of trial and error.
4. You Might Miss Something Important
A proper lift plate gives you better visibility and clearance. That’s especially useful in tight engine bays where one wrong move can snap a sensor, crush a line, or gouge a firewall. With better control, you make fewer mistakes.
5. You’re Risking Your Safety
Engines are heavy, and lifting one from an unstable point can be dangerous. If a chain slips or a bracket bends, that’s 500 lbs of iron and aluminum heading straight down. The right plate ensures your engine—and your limbs—stay exactly where they should.
How the Right Coyote Lift Plate Makes the Job Easier
Engine lifts can go wrong in a hundred little ways. The proper lift plate eliminates most of them. Here’s how:
- Exact Fit: Designed specifically for the Coyote manifold bolt pattern.
- Center of Gravity: Keeps the engine level as you lift.
- Multiple Bolt Locations: Lets you remove or install the engine with accessories still attached.
- Powder Coated or Zinc-Plated Options: Prevent rust and ensure long-term reliability.
Some lift plates even allow for tilting adjustments, so you can angle the engine just right during reinstallation.
What to Look for in a Coyote Engine Lift Plate
Before buying, check for these features:
- Compatibility: Not all Coyotes are identical. Make sure the plate fits your generation (Gen 1, 2, 3, etc.).
- Build Quality: Look for heavy-gauge steel, strong welds, and durable finishes.
- Ease of Use: Some plates are easier to bolt up without removing the intake, saving extra steps.
- Proven Design: Choose a plate with positive reviews from actual builders and mechanics.
It’s a small investment for something that can make or break your engine pull.
Don’t Trust Your Engine to Straps and Hope
A lot of DIY builders are tempted to rig something up—chains, slings, engine levelers from the local parts store. And sure, you might get lucky once or twice. But why gamble when the tool you need is affordable, easy to use, and purpose-built?
Pulling a Coyote engine without the right lift plate is like trying to install a camshaft with a hammer. Could you? Maybe. Should you? Absolutely not.
Where the Coyote Engine Lift Plate Fits in Your Workflow
Here’s a step-by-step snapshot of when and how to use a Coyote-specific lift plate:
1. Disconnect battery and remove the necessary components (radiator, accessories, etc.).
2. Unbolt the intake manifold if required—or bolt directly onto it if your plate design allows.
3. Install the lift plate using high-strength bolts.
4. Hook up your hoist to the plate’s lift point or eyelet.
5. Test the lift angle slowly before pulling fully out of the engine bay.
6. Guide the engine out with confidence and control.
You’ll notice right away how much smoother things go when you’re not fighting gravity and balance every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Coyote swaps and engine rebuilds are big jobs. They deserve serious tools. A Coyote Lift Plate is one of the smallest but most critical investments you can make.
It protects your engine, your time, your budget—and your safety.
If you’re planning a pull anytime soon, make sure a quality lift plate is part of your setup from the beginning. You’ll thank yourself later when the engine comes out clean, stable, and damage-free.
Need the right tool before your next engine pull? We’ve got you covered.
EngineLiftPlates offers American-made, shop-tested lift plates specifically designed for Coyote engines.
We’ve helped thousands of builders, mechanics, and racers take their engines out safely and efficiently—with gear that’s built to last.
Don’t risk your engine or your safety. Visit EngineLiftPlates and get the plate your Coyote deserves.