How much horsepower did a 1952 Ford flathead V8 have?
In stock form, the 1952 Ford flathead V8 delivered about 110 horsepower from its 239 cubic inch engine, with variations depending on compression and carburetion.
Overview of the 1952 Ford Flathead V8
The 1952 Ford flathead V8 was the backbone of Ford passenger cars that year, powering models in the Mainline, Customline, and DeLuxe lines. It was the ongoing evolution of Ford’s iconic flathead design, refined for reliability and everyday performance in the early postwar era. The engine displacement remained 239 cubic inches (3.9 liters).
Key specifications for the 1952 model year are summarized below:
- Displacement: 239 cubic inches (3.9 liters)
- Power: about 110 horsepower (SAE gross)
- Torque: commonly around 170 lb-ft (approximate)
- Carburetion: typically a single carburetor configuration, with some two-barrel variants
- Applications: used in Ford passenger cars, including popular trim levels of the era
These specifications reflect the typical factory setup for the 1952 model year, noting that exact figures could vary by specific model, compression ratio, and carburetion arrangement.
Context: How horsepower was rated in 1952
During the early 1950s, horsepower ratings were usually published as SAE gross horsepower, which measured engine output at the crank without accessories such as the alternator, mufflers, or cooling fans. This often produced higher numbers than net ratings used in later decades. Therefore, the 110 horsepower figure for the 1952 Ford flathead V8 represents the engine’s published output in gross terms, rather than the real-world power delivered at the wheels with typical accessories installed.
Variations and historical notes
Within the 1952 model year, there could be minor variations due to changes in compression ratio, carburetion, and factory tuning. Some observers note that certain setups or markets might reflect slightly different output figures, but the broadly cited figure for the 239 cu in flathead V8 remains around 110 horsepower in stock form. The engine played a central role in Ford’s lineup until more modern overhead-cam designs began to replace the flathead in the mid-1950s.
Summary
The 1952 Ford flathead V8 produced approximately 110 horsepower in its stock configuration, drawn from a 239 cubic inch engine. This figure reflects the era’s SAE gross rating and automotive design priorities of reliability and low-end torque for daily driving, rather than the higher-performance tuning seen in later decades.
In the broader context, the flathead V8 is a landmark engine in automotive history—a workhorse of the 1940s and 1950s that helped Ford deliver practical, affordable horsepower to a broad audience. Its legacy persists among vintage car enthusiasts and collectors today.
How much horsepower did the 1940 Ford Flathead V8 have?
about 85 horsepower
Displacement: In 1940, Ford's flathead V8 offered a 221 cubic inch (3.6L) displacement, producing about 85 horsepower. This balance of power and durability made it a popular choice for everyday drivers and racers alike.
How much horsepower does a flathead Ford V8 have?
Ford flathead V8 horsepower varied significantly depending on the engine year and displacement, ranging from a low of 60 hp for the early V8-60 model to 154 hp for the final, larger displacement version in trucks and Lincolns. Stock passenger car engines from 1932 produced 65 hp, which increased to 110 hp by 1953 in 239 cubic-inch versions.
You can watch this video to learn about the different horsepower versions of the Ford flathead V8: 45sQuick Speed ShopYouTube · Mar 23, 2022
Horsepower by model and year
- 1932-1936 (221 cubic inches): Started at 65 hp and was later updated to 85 hp by 1934.
- 60 hp: 1937-1940 (V8-60, 136 cubic inches):.
- 95 hp: 1939-1940 (Mercury, 239 cubic inches):.
- 85 hp: 1940 (221 cubic inches):.
- 110 hp: 1953 (239 cubic inches):.
- 125 hp: 1953 (255 cubic inches, Mercury/police car):.
- 1948-1951 (337 cubic inches): Ranged from 145 hp in trucks to a high of 154 hp in the 1951 Lincoln.
Note on modifications
- While stock horsepower figures are useful, the flathead V8 is famously popular in hot-rodding due to its ease of modification. With performance upgrades, significantly higher horsepower figures can be achieved.
This video demonstrates the engine build process and how horsepower can be increased: 59sThe Horsepower MonsterYouTube · Feb 20, 2021
What was the top speed of a 1952 Ford?
1952 Ford 8N sets land speed record of 96.3185 mph.
How much horsepower did a 1952 Ford flathead have?
110 horsepower
Collectively all 239 engines are referred to as "100 horse" engines, although the horsepower was increased in 1952 to 110 horsepower in cars and 106 horsepower in trucks.
