Ford’s Big Block Engine
The big block engine produced by Ford was the 460 (385-series or Lima designation), which was arguably the best of its breed. This engine was produced in copious numbers for use in full-size passenger cars, motor homes, factory muscle cars, and hard-working trucks, making it the workhorse of its day.
The Ford 460 was known for being the most prodigious power producer of its time due to its displacement. However, newer small-block engines like the Ford Coyote, Dodge Hemi, and GM LS now produce more power per cubic inch and per unit of mass, making them the current favorite for modification in high-performance vehicles.
The 460 cubic inch eight-cylinder motor debuted in 1968 and found itself powering cars, trucks, and commercial equipment all the way to the end of the 1990s during its three-decade run. It was known for its ability to churn out mountains of torque even when hobbled by ’70s-era emissions equipment. By the time of the age of electronic fuel injection, the 460 had found a comfortable niche in Ford’s family of pickups, alongside a healthy interest from the aftermarket as a crate motor.
The Ford 460 was Ford’s most popular, longest-lasting big block V8 engine, and it was known for its ability to provide brisk acceleration for big, heavy, full-sized cars.
In summary, the Ford 460 (385-series or Lima designation) was Ford’s big block engine, known for its prodigious power production and its longevity in powering a wide range of vehicles and equipment.
If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
Contents
- Is a Ford 352 a good motor?
- What big block engines did Ford make?
- What was Ford’s best big block?
- Did Ford make a 427 cubic inch engine?
- When did Ford stop using the 460 engine?
- Did Ford make a 302 big block?
- Is a Ford 427 a big block?
- Is a 352 Ford engine a big block?
- Did Ford make a 351 big block?
- Is a Ford 390 a big block?
Is a Ford 352 a good motor?
The 352, as Stan Hanks notes, is an FE (Ford Edsel) design and is a great engine. I have owned several FE engines including 2 of the 352 and 5 in the 390cid. They are resilient torque producers with good reliability. I would happily own others in this series.
What big block engines did Ford make?
The Ford 385 engine family (also code-named “Lima”) is a series of big-block V8 engines designed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The family derives its name from the 3.85-inch (98 mm) crankshaft stroke of the 460 cubic-inch V8 introduced in 1968.
What was Ford’s best big block?
Ford’s most popular, longest-lasting big block V8 engine lived an incredibly varied life. The 460 cubic inch eight-cylinder motor debuted all the way back in 1968 but found itself powering cars, trucks, and commercial equipment all the way to the end of the 1990s during its three decade run.
Did Ford make a 427 cubic inch engine?
In 1966, the 427 cubic inch Ford GT40 Mk II dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, with a one-two-three result.
When did Ford stop using the 460 engine?
Ford 460 V8 Through the Years
The engine would stay a staple of the Thunderbird until 1976. It also saw its final year in the Mercury Cougar in 1976, though other Mercury vehicles continued to use the 460 until 1978. That, however, marks the end of the use of the 460 in standard passenger vehicles.
Did Ford make a 302 big block?
With an unfinished bore size of 4.120″ , Ford Performance BOSS 302 Big Bore blocks will support engine sizes up to 363 cubic inches. The Ford Performance BOSS block capability has been proven around the world, both on the track and on the street.
Is a Ford 427 a big block?
Despite this, the massive racing success of the 427, the technical acumen of the Cammer, and the FE engine’s presence powering the GT40, the Cobra, and the Thunderbolt have guaranteed its place in American big block engine history.
Is a 352 Ford engine a big block?
Yes it is, although the typical Ford produced ~5-5.8l units were small blocks the FE 360 is actually a standard FE 390 (6.4l) big block engine block using a destroked crank from the 352.
Did Ford make a 351 big block?
The 351 M and Cleveland are considered small block engines. The FE which included the 352, 360, 390, 427, 428 , in modified form the 427 side oiler, and 427 SOHC were definitely big block engines.
Is a Ford 390 a big block?
The 390 is an “FE” series engine. I have owned and rebuilt a couple of FE big blocks, including a 390. The FE series included engines such as the 332, 352, 361, 390, 427 and 428.