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How much horsepower does a 1976 Ford 390 have?

The 1976 Ford 390 engine was a powerful and iconic powerplant that graced many of Ford's classic models during the 1960s and 1970s. But just how much horsepower did this engine produce? Let's dive into the details and uncover the true capabilities of this legendary Ford engine.


The Ford 390: A Powerful Engine


The Ford 390 engine was a large-displacement V8 that was produced from 1961 to 1976. It was known for its impressive power output and was a popular choice for many of Ford's full-size and muscle car models, including the Mustang, Thunderbird, and Galaxie. The 1976 version of the Ford 390 engine produced a respectable 210 horsepower.


Horsepower Specifications


The 1976 Ford 390 engine had the following horsepower specifications:



  • Displacement: 390 cubic inches (6.4 liters)

  • Horsepower: 210 hp @ 4,200 rpm

  • Torque: 375 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm


These numbers may not seem as impressive by today's standards, but in the mid-1970s, the Ford 390 was considered a powerful and capable engine. It provided ample power for the large, heavy vehicles it was often found in, such as the Ford Galaxie and Thunderbird.


Factors Influencing Horsepower


The horsepower output of the 1976 Ford 390 engine was influenced by several factors, including the engine's displacement, compression ratio, and the design of the cylinder heads and intake system. Additionally, changes in emissions regulations and the use of catalytic converters during this era had an impact on the engine's power output.


Despite the relatively modest horsepower numbers, the Ford 390 engine was known for its robust construction, reliability, and torque output, making it a popular choice for both performance and towing applications.

What years did Ford use the 390 engine?


The 390, the most common FE engine, was introduced in 1961 and produced through 1971 for passenger cars and through 1976 for pickup trucks.



How much HP can a 390 block handle?


We've proven to our readers you can get 400 to 500 hp and comparable torque from the 390 without selling off the farm and with stock castings.



How much did a 1976 Thunderbird cost new?


This dash layout would remain through the 1976 model year. Base price was US$5,293 ($38,554 in 2023 dollars) and a total of 57,814 cars were built for this model year.



How many HP does a Ford 390 have?


The 390 cu in (6.4 L) 2v is rated at 265 bhp (197.6 kW) at 4,100 rpm, while the 4v version was rated at 320 bhp (238.6 kW) at 4,100 rpm in certain applications. Certain 1967 and 1968 Mustangs had 390 4v engines rated at 335 horsepower (250 kW), as did some Fairlane GTs and S code Mercury Cougars.



How much horsepower can you get out of a Ford 390 engine?


With the single-plane intake and the big tube headers, the torque peak moved higher in the rpm band by about 1,500 rpm, and the engine peaked at 518 lb-ft and 551 hp. The addition of a roller cam and valvetrain would get this engine into the 575-600hp range, making it a very potent package.



What year did Ford stop making the 390?


The 390, the most common FE engine, was introduced in 1961 and produced through 1971 for passenger cars and through 1976 for pickup trucks.



How much horsepower can a 428 make?


Testing 4-2-8… How Much Horsepower Does the Ford 428 Cobra Jet Really Make?

RPMTorque (lb-ft)HP
4,000444.8338.8
4,100440.9344.2
4,200436.6349.2
4,300431.8353.5



How much horsepower does a 1976 Ford Thunderbird have?


The base engine in the 1976 Ford Thunderbird was the 460 CID V8 offering 202 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 352 foot-pounds of torque at 1,600 RPM. It was backed by a SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic with a 2.75:1 rear axle ratio.



What can you stroke a 390 to?


We're taking the 390's 3.780-inch stroke and stretching it to 4.125 inches for a whopping 0.345-inch increase. Torque grows because we're giving the 390 mechanical advantage coupled with greater cylinder volume, which makes the Eagle stroker kit an excellent value considering what is gained for the money.



What is the rarest Ford Thunderbird?


1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged
The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.