The Curious Reason Behind Different Firing Orders for the Same V8

Car companies share components between models and even other brands all the time. While built with different drivers in mind, configurations of the Ford Mustang and F-150 are both powered by the automaker’s 5.0L Coyote V8 engine. So, when AutoEsoterica’s Craig Cole read that the Coyote had different cylinder firing orders depending on the model, he was certain he had uncovered a typo in the manufacturer’s specs. Check out the video here.

In fact, it’s no typo. The V8 in the Mustang fires in a 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2 sequence, but 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 is the firing order when the same engine is under the hood of an F-150. If you’re going to share engines, why not share the firing order too?

To learn why a manufacturer would be so particular about a small detail, Cole turned to automotive expert Jim Hall. And, lest you think it’s all about that burbling V8 rumble, guess again.

For a deep dive on cylinder firing order, how engines are numbered, and why it matters, check out AutoEsoterica on YouTube.

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