How much horsepower does a 1972 429 have?
In 1972, the horsepower of the 429 cubic inch V8 varied significantly by model and rating method. The most potent Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet versions delivered around 360–375 horsepower in SAE gross terms, while the standard 4V and 2V configurations were lower, roughly 270–300 horsepower depending on carburation and emission controls.
The question touches on a family of engines rather than a single specification. Ford offered multiple 429 options in 1972, with performance figures that depend on whether the rating is SAE gross (common for brochures at the time) or SAE net (used in later years). High-performance variants were typically used in performance-oriented applications, while the baseline 429 served more everyday power needs. Reading the exact figure for a specific car requires checking the vehicle’s data plates or original Ford documentation for that exact build.
Variants and their horsepower ranges
Note: The following figures refer to SAE gross horsepower as listed in 1972-era brochures. Net horsepower, which became more common later, would be notably lower.
- 429 4V Cobra Jet (CJ) — Approximately 360–370 horsepower (SAE gross) with around 450 lb-ft of torque.
- 429 4V Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) — Approximately 375 horsepower (SAE gross) with torque near 480 lb-ft.
- 429 2V (two-barrel) — Approximately 270–300 horsepower (SAE gross) with torque around 440 lb-ft.
These figures illustrate the broad spread within the 1972 429 lineup. The CJ and SCJ variants were designed for higher performance, while the 2V version aimed at more standard use. Always verify the exact rating method used on a given engine or brochure for precise numbers.
In summary, a 1972 429 could range from about 270 horsepower in the base two-barrel configuration up to around 375 horsepower in the top-tier Cobra Jet/Super Cobra Jet variants, with the specific figure depending on the exact model, carburetion, and whether the rating is SAE gross or net.
Summary
The 1972 Ford 429 offered a spectrum of horsepower: roughly 360–370 hp for the Cobra Jet, about 375 hp for the Super Cobra Jet, and around 270–300 hp for the 2V baseline. The exact number hinges on the specific variant and the rating method used in its documentation. For accuracy on a particular car, reference the engine code, build sheet, or original Ford brochures from that year.
How much horsepower does a 1971 Ford 429 have?
370 horsepower
The 1971 Ford Mustang, particularly the 429 C-Code convertible, was a significant model in the muscle car era. The C-Code engine, a 429 cubic inch big-block V8, offered 370 horsepower. Only 42 of these 429 C-Code convertibles were produced, making them very rare and highly sought-after by collectors.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford 429 have?
The horsepower of a 1970 Ford 429 varied depending on the specific version of the engine. The Boss 429 was officially rated at 375 hp but was estimated to produce over 500 hp in reality. The Cobra Jet version produced 370 hp, and the Super Cobra Jet produced 375 hp, though actual output was significantly higher for all versions than the official ratings.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1970 Ford Torino with a 429 Cobra Jet engine: 58sHemmingsYouTube · Oct 17, 2023
- Boss 429: Officially rated at 375 hp, but its real-world output was closer to 500 hp, which was a conservative rating.
- Cobra Jet: Rated at 370 hp.
- Super Cobra Jet: Rated at 375 hp.
- Standard 429: The standard 429 engine produced approximately 320-360 hp.
- Underrated performance: Ford, like other manufacturers, underrated the horsepower of these engines to appeal to insurance companies.
- High performance: Despite the lower official ratings, the 429 engines were known for their high performance, with the Boss 429 being the most powerful street-legal production engine.
How much HP can a 429 make?
Horsepower: Horsepower ratings varied across different models and years. The standard 429 engine produced around 320-360 horsepower, while high-performance versions like the Cobra Jet could reach up to 370 horsepower, and the Super Cobra Jet up to 375 horsepower.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Ford Ltd 429 have?
This car has a 429-cubic-inch V8 engine, rated at 205 hp in 1972. This was down from 360 in 1971, due in part to the drop in compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 8.5:1 but also because of the government-mandated change from gross to net horsepower ratings.
