How much horsepower did the Ford 352 have?
The Ford 352 horsepower isn’t a single fixed figure; it varied by variant and year. As part of Ford’s FE family produced in the early to mid-1960s, the 352 could produce roughly 200–210 hp in base two-barrel form and about 260–290 hp with a four-barrel setup, with some higher-output configurations approaching the low 300s depending on compression, cam, and exhaust.
The Ford 352 and how horsepower varied
The 352 cubic-inch V8 was part of Ford’s FE engine lineup, which spanned production roughly from 1962 to 1966 in most mainstream applications. Horsepower figures shifted over the years due to changes in carburetion, compression ratios, ignition, and emissions-era tuning. For everyday cars, the two-barrel versions tended to hover around the 200–210 hp range, while the four-barrel variants typically produced more, in the neighborhood of 260–290 hp. There were also higher-output, performance-oriented configurations within the FE family that could reach into the low 300s under SAE gross ratings used at the time. Exact numbers depend on year, model, and how the engine was equipped.
Key 352 variants and their typical power ranges
- Two-barrel (2V) FE 352: commonly around 205–210 horsepower (gross) in early 1960s implementations.
- Four-barrel (4V) FE 352: typically about 260–290 horsepower (gross), depending on year, compression, and exhaust setup.
- Higher-output configurations: some four-barrel or performance-oriented builds could reach into the low 300s horsepower under the SAE gross ratings of the era; exact figures vary by build and year.
Across these variants, the most reliable takeaway is that the 352’s horsepower varied with configuration and rating standards. To know the precise figure for a specific engine, identify the engine code and consult the original documentation for that build.
How to verify the horsepower on a specific Ford 352
Because horsepower ratings evolved and differed between SAE gross and SAE net measurements, confirming the exact figure for a given 352 requires checking official sources tied to that exact engine. Here are practical steps to verify:
- Find the engine identification code stamped on the engine block (usually near the timing cover or oil filter) and note the code.
- Consult Ford’s service manuals or credible reference sources for the engine code to determine the intended horsepower for that variant and year.
- Review the vehicle’s original build sheet or window sticker to capture the factory rating as installed at the factory.
- Consider the measurement standard used (SAE gross vs. net) because ratings changed with emissions-era reforms and documentation.
- Inspect the carburetor, cam, compression ratio, and exhaust setup, since these influence actual horsepower in practice.
Following these steps will help you determine the exact horsepower for a particular Ford 352 engine in a specific car or restoration project.
Summary
The Ford 352’s horsepower is not a single value but a range that reflects its place in the FE engine family. In typical configurations, two-barrel 352s produced around 200–210 hp, while four-barrel versions delivered roughly 260–290 hp, with some high-output builds reaching the low 300s. To pin down the exact horsepower for a given engine, identify the engine code, consult period documentation, and note whether the rating is SAE gross or net.
