How much horsepower can you get out of a 352 Ford engine?
The short answer is that a stock 352 Ford engine generally produces about 200–270 horsepower, depending on year and configuration. With modern upgrades and careful tuning, a well-built naturally aspirated 352 can reach roughly 300–350 horsepower, and with forced induction (turbo or supercharger) power levels can exceed 500 horsepower, often reaching into the 600–800+ horsepower range on purpose-built builds.
The 352 is part of Ford’s FE family, a big-block V8 that saw use in cars and trucks across the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Power figures vary widely because Ford’s era used different rating standards (gross vs. net) and equipment levels (2-barrel versus 4-barrel carbs, compression ratios, exhaust, emissions controls). The following sections lay out typical stock ranges and practical upgrade paths to maximize horsepower while noting reliability considerations.
Understanding the 352 FE engine and its horsepower range
The Ford 352 is one of the smaller displacement members of the FE family, sharing architecture with higher-displacement FE engines like the 390 and 427. In factory form, horsepower depended on carburetion, compression, and the specific model application (passenger car, light truck, or performance-oriented package). Because engine ratings from the era were often listed under different standards than modern net ratings, exact figures can vary from source to source.
Stock horsepower by configuration
The following bullets provide a general guide to what the 352 FE could produce in typical factory setups. These figures are approximate and year-dependent; exact horsepower will vary by model, year, and whether the engine carried economy, tow, or performance equipment.
- 2-barrel carbureted 352: roughly 200–210 horsepower
- 4-barrel carbureted 352: roughly 230–270 horsepower
- Higher-compression/performance-oriented 4V variants: around 270–290 horsepower (these were less common and highly dependent on specific package and year)
Note: Horsepower figures from the era were often published as gross ratings rather than the net, which means modern restorations or rebuilds may show different numbers once tuned for current fuel, emissions, and accessories.
What you can achieve with modern upgrades and tuning
If you’re rebuilding a 352 or building a performance clone, modern parts and tuning can unlock substantially more power than the original factory numbers. The main levers are compression, cylinder head flow, intake and exhaust, cam timing, and fuel delivery. The typical pathways are NA improvements, head work, and then forced induction for the high end of power goals.
- Natural aspiration with modern parts: a well-chosen cam, improved intake, better exhaust, and a higher compression ratio can push NA output into the 300–350 horsepower range, depending on head flow and tuning.
- Advanced head work and intake upgrades: ported or aftermarket heads and a performance intake can add 60–120 horsepower over a stock 4V setup, potentially landing some builds in the 360–420 horsepower range (NA).
- Forced induction (turbo or supercharger): with a robust bottom end, forged internals, upgraded fuel and cooling, power levels can exceed 500 horsepower and commonly reach the 600–800+ horsepower range in purpose-built configurations.
Important: Achieving high horsepower on a 352 requires addressing the bottom end strength, oiling, cooling, fuel delivery, and ignition systems. The FE family has its own quirks when upgrading heads and manifolds, so consulting with a builder experienced in Ford FE engines is advisable.
Bottom-line strategies for reliability and performance
For owners aiming to maximize horsepower without sacrificing reliability, these practical steps are worth considering. They balance performance gains with the realities of using a vintage engine in modern contexts.
- Assess engine condition before power additions: verify ring seal, bearing wear, and crank/rod integrity.
- Plan a robust bottom end: forged pistons, upgraded rods, proper oiling provisions, and a suitable rotating assembly for higher RPM and torque.
- Match heads and cam to your goals: use flow-tested parts and a cam that suits your intended RPM range.
- Upgrade fuel and ignition: consider modern carburation or EFI approaches and a reliable ignition system to support higher power levels.
Power numbers will vary with fuel quality, altitude, emissions equipment, and other variables tied to vintage engine design. Work with a knowledgeable builder to tailor the setup to your goals and intended use.
Summary
The Ford 352 engine, part of the FE family, typically delivered about 200–270 horsepower in stock form. With modern upgrades, you can commonly reach 300–350 horsepower naturally aspirated, and with a purpose-built forced-induction setup, 600–800+ horsepower is achievable. Reliability and durability hinge on strengthening the bottom end, upgrading fuel delivery and cooling, and selecting compatible heads and cams aligned with your horsepower goals.
Is the Ford 352 engine any good?
Yes, the Ford 352 is generally considered a good, reliable, and strong engine, especially as a member of the versatile Ford FE family. It is a durable and capable engine that can be modified for high performance, with many parts interchangeable with other FE engines like the 390.
Strengths of the 352 engine
- Reliable and durable: The 352 is known for being a resilient engine with good longevity, capable of handling heavy-duty work.
- Strong torque: As a member of the FE series, it is a good torque producer, making it suitable for trucks and other applications that require pulling power.
- Versatile platform: It's part of the FE engine family, meaning it can accept parts and upgrades from other FE engines, allowing for extensive modifications to increase horsepower.
- High-performance potential: With the right modifications, such as a four-barrel carburetor, headers, and a different camshaft, the 352 can be built to produce over 300 horsepower.
- Historical performance: The 352 was originally offered in performance applications like police interceptors, and a high-performance version was available with a solid lifter camshaft and higher compression, notes Wikipedia.
Potential considerations
- Weight: The 352 is a heavy engine, weighing around 650-680 pounds, which can be a factor in some builds, says Facebook.
- Fuel efficiency: Like many large, older V8 engines, it is not known for its fuel efficiency.
- Identification: In some cases, identifying a 352 can be difficult because the block casting number is often stamped on other FE engines as well, explains Red Power Magazine.
Can you bore a 352 to a 390?
Main difference in block is bore. The 352 block can easily be bored to a 390. Only . 050.
How much horsepower does a 1965 Ford 352 have?
250 @ 4400 RPM
Displacement: 352 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 9.3:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
How much HP can you get out of a 352?
Just rebuild the 352 and enjoy the hp you have. Your HP goal is pretty high without a lot more inches. Your 352 may bore out to 4.05 (360 & 390) after a sonic cylinder wall thickness check, but a stroker kit ($2,000) will probably be necessary for over 425 HP.
