How much horsepower does a 1968 Torino have?
In short, a 1968 Torino’s horsepower ranged from about 135 horsepower in base form to roughly 335 horsepower in the top-performance Cobra Jet option, depending on engine and trim.
Engine options and horsepower
The 1968 Torino offered a broad spread of engines, from economical inline-sixes to high-performance V8s. The figures below reflect typical factory ratings from that model year, noting that Ford used gross horsepower ratings at the time, which differ from modern net ratings.
The Ford Torino's engine lineup included several options:
- 200 cubic inch inline-six: roughly 135–145 hp
- 250 cubic inch inline-six: around 150–165 hp
- 289 cubic inch V8 (2V/4V variants): about 210 hp with a two-barrel carburetor; higher-output four-barrel versions could approach 230 hp
- 302 cubic inch V8 (5.0 L): roughly 210–230 hp depending on carburetion
- 390 cubic inch V8: about 325 hp
- 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet (CJ) V8 with Ram Air: about 335 hp
These options illustrate the broad range available, from a modest daily-driver to a factory-backed performance machine.
Notable performance variants
For enthusiasts chasing top-end speed, two engines defined 1968 Torino performance:
- 390-based configurations in mid- to high-performance versions, commonly around 325 hp
- 428 Cobra Jet (CJ) with Ram Air in the Torino Cobra, rated at about 335 hp (gross)
Additionally, the Cobra Jet package significantly boosted acceleration and top speed for the 1968 Torino Cobra models.
Summary
In sum, the 1968 Torino offered a horsepower spectrum from the low hundreds on base six-cylinder models to the mid-300s on the highest-performance V8s. If you’re restoring or authenticating a classic, identify the specific engine code and verify whether the rating is gross (as was common in 1968) or net, since that affects real-world performance.
Closing takeaway
For collectors and enthusiasts, the key detail is that the 1968 Torino’s horsepower depended almost entirely on the chosen engine and configuration, with the most iconic high-performance option being the 428 CJ in the Torino Cobra package.
How much horsepower does a 1968 Ford 428 have?
335 horsepower
Output was around 410 horsepower, but Ford rated it at 335 horsepower in an effort to calm insurance agents and con dragstrip rules-makers. The 428 CJ was offered in Mustang fastbacks and coupes (and in Ford Torino and Mercury Cougar and Cyclone models) with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic.
How much horsepower does a 1968 Ford Thunderbird have?
The 1968 Thunderbird saw the introduction of the new 385 series big-block "Thunder Jet" 4V (4-barrel carburetor) 429 cu in (7.0 L) V8 engines. Like many Ford engines of the time, they were conservatively rated at 360 hp (268 kW) (SAE gross).
How much horsepower does a 1968 Ford 390 have?
The horsepower of a 1968 Ford 390 V8 engine varies depending on the specific model and carburetor, with common ratings including 325 hp for the four-barrel version in vehicles like the Mustang GT, and 265 hp for the two-barrel version. Some higher-performance variations could produce 335 hp, though this was more common in other years or models.
You can watch this video to see a 1968 Mustang with a 390 engine: 59sREVan EvanYouTube · Nov 9, 2024
- 325 hp: This rating typically applied to the four-barrel carburetor version (often designated as the "S-code" engine), found in performance models like the Mustang GT, says CJ Pony Parts.
- 265 hp: This was the rating for the two-barrel carburetor version of the 390 engine, which was a less powerful option, notes HOT ROD Network and Over-Drive Magazine.
- 335 hp: While less common for the 1968 model year, some sources list this as a potential rating for certain high-performance applications.
How much horsepower does a 1968 327 have?
The query likely refers to a 1968 car with a Chevrolet 327-cubic-inch V8 engine, which was offered in a wide range of horsepower options, from a base 210 hp to a high-performance 375 hp version. For example, a base 1968 Camaro with a 327 engine had 210 horsepower, while a standard 1968 Corvette came with a 300-hp 327 V8.
You can watch this video to see a 1968 Corvette with a 350 horsepower 327 engine: 45sChris GersmanYouTube · Apr 12, 2023
- Horsepower range: The 327 engine in 1968 vehicles was available in various states of tune, from a lower-output version producing 210 hp to higher-performance variants reaching up to 375 hp.
- 1968 Camaro: A base 1968 Camaro with a 327 engine had 210 hp.
- 1968 Corvette: A standard 1968 Corvette came with a 300-hp 327 V8.
- High-performance versions: High-performance versions of the 327 could produce significantly more power. For example, a fuel-injected 327 was rated at 375 hp.
- Other vehicles: The 327 was also used in other vehicles like the Holden HK Monaro GTS327 in Australia, which used a 327 engine adapted from GMH for its muscle car.
