How much horsepower does a 1962 Ford 406 have?
In 1962, the Ford 406 cubic-inch FE V8 could deliver about 405 gross horsepower in its top four-barrel configuration; base 2-barrel versions typically produced around 320–360 hp.
The FE 406 is part of Ford's FE big-block family, used in full-size Fords and Mercurys in the early 1960s. Horsepower figures from that era are gross ratings and vary with camshaft, compression, exhaust, and carburetion. Restored engines or modern measurements may show different numbers due to variations in condition and measurement methods.
What is the 406 in Ford's FE family?
The 406 cubic-inch FE V8 sits in the same family as the 390 FE, sharing architecture but with a larger displacement. It was used in performance-oriented and large-market models around 1962–1963. As with other engines of the period, horsepower figures were published as gross ratings.
Typical horsepower by carburation configuration
Below are the commonly cited outputs for the 406 V8 in 1960s Ford literature and collector references. The figures refer to gross horsepower as published by the factory.
- 4-barrel (4V) high-performance configuration: approximately 405 horsepower at about 5,400–5,600 rpm; torque around 470–490 lb-ft.
- 2-barrel (2V) standard configuration: approximately 320–360 horsepower at about 4,800–5,200 rpm; torque around 410–450 lb-ft.
Note: Exact figures vary by model, compression ratio, exhaust setup, and whether the engine was tuned for ordinary passenger use, police packages, or other applications. The era's gross ratings can differ noticeably from modern net horsepower, and restoration specifics (cam, intake, head work, and exhaust) can further affect actual output.
Context and caveats
A key nuance for enthusiasts is the rating system. Ford's 1962 horsepower numbers are gross ratings measured with open exhaust and without accessories. Net horsepower—what many modern references use—would be lower. Additionally, variations in year, market, and intended application (police, performance, or standard passenger versions) mean that exact output can differ from one 406 to another.
When evaluating a specific vehicle or engine, check the engine code, production date, and any documentation tied to that particular car to confirm its precise specification.
Summary
The 1962 Ford 406 V8 typically produced around 405 gross horsepower in its top 4V configuration, with 2V variants in the mid-300s. Horsepower depended on carburetion, compression, exhaust, and model year details. For restorations or purchasing, consider the era’s gross ratings and verify the exact engine specifications to determine the true output of a given engine.
What is the difference between a Ford 390 and a 406?
It used a new 4.13-inch (104.90 mm) bore with the 390's 3.785-inch (96.14 mm) stroke, giving a displacement of 405.7 cu in (6.6 L), rounded up to "406" for the official designation. The larger bore required a new block casting design allowing for thicker walls, but otherwise was very similar to the 390 block.
What engine options did the 406 have?
The two door coupé, launched at the 1996 Paris Motor Show, was both designed and manufactured by Italian design studio Pininfarina, with choices of a 2.0 L four cylinder engine or a 3.0 L V6, and halfway through 2001, a 2.2 L HDi diesel engine.
How much horsepower did a 406 Ford motor have?
385 hp
With a single four-barrel Holley carburetor, the 406 was rated at 385 hp, and with three two-barrel Holleys the outpuit rose to 405 hp at 5,800 rpm—apparently an underrating as the engine could pull to 6,000 rpm or more. The 406 could be ordered in all Ford and Mercury full-size models except station wagons.
What was the engine specs of the 1962 Ford 406?
Breathing through a single Holley four-barrel, the 406 had 385 bhp at 5800 rpm and 440 lb-ft of torque at 3800. As the Super High-Performance Tri-Power, it put three Holley two-barrels under a lovely oval air cleaner and was rated at 405 bhp. could replace the standard 3.50:1 cog.
