The 2024 Ford Mustang GT we have here uses the latest generation 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine which got some significant tweaks for this year, and here is mated to Ford’s rev-matching 6-speed manual transmission and is optioned with the active valve exhaust system.
As such the engine offers up 486 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque on premium unleaded fuel. If you skip the active valve exhaust system, horsepower is slightly less at 480 with 415 pound-feet of torque. With a 12.0:1 compression ratio, dual variable cam timing and a 7,500 rpm redline, engine needs to be wound out to really get to the power. You have to keep it cooking.
One of the major changes for 2024 is the dual-intake system that features two separate air-filter boxes that feed into two separate large bore throttle bodies. This effectively opens up the airways and once the engine is fed, fuel is provided via both port and direct fuel-injection.
Following the airflow, the intake charge starts behind the grille and comes into the air-filter boxes – we can only show one at a time. From there it travels past a mass-airflow sensor, through a big-bore tube and into the throttle body and into a the intake manifold. Charge motion control valves inside the manifold manage the speed of airflow depending on RPM and engine load to maximize volumetric efficiency.
Of note the plastic engine cover hides most of the fuel system and is indeed removable, but the strut tower cross brace has to be removed to do so. Looking at the valve covers you can see all eight coil-packs for the spark plugs. Exhaust manifolds are well hidden down underneath.
Servicing the 5.0-liter Mustang is pretty straight forward with most all items within plain sight and easy access. The coolant reservoir is at the driver side of the engine compartment just ahead of the strut tower. Brake fluid is checked and topped off at the driver side rear of the engine compartment, the reservoir sitting atop a new electronically controlled brake pump unit.
The main fuse box is found on the passenger side back toward the firewall and is easily opened for access to the fuses. There you will also find a positive power post for jumping. The 12-volt battery resides just to the rear of it but is hidden underneath a plastic cover. Ford knows Mustang owners like to show their cars, the cover cleans things up nicely.
Up front at the passenger side is the blue cap for the windshield washer fluid near one of the air-filter boxes. Both filters can be easily accessed and changed out by popping a couple of tabs.
Checking oil is done on the passenger side of the engine with a cap clearly visible at the front and top of the valve cover. The yellow handled dipstick for checking oil is at the passenger side. The oil filter must be accessed from below.
Around the engine compartment there are a few details notable such as the factory strut brace which is painted, not as decorated as we’ve seen on other feature models. There are also cross braces that reach between the firewall and towers – the drive side most visible. The hood on our GT features an air extractor vent which is fully functional as you can see right through it.
At the front of the engine, the accessory serpentine belt drives the AC compressor, water pump and the alternator. Turning around and looking forward you can see the electric cooling fan. Always keep your hands clear as these can turn on even if the vehicle has been turned off.
