How much horsepower does a 1978 Ford Ranchero have?
In brief, the 1978 Ranchero's horsepower varied by engine. The base 302 cubic-inch V8 delivered roughly 140–160 horsepower on the factory SAE net scale, while the 4-barrel 302 and larger V8s could produce around 180–210 horsepower, depending on configuration and emissions equipment.
Engine options and horsepower
Ford offered several V8 choices for the Ranchero in 1978; here are the main configurations and their approximate horsepower ranges as specified by the factory at the time. Numbers reflect net horsepower, which accounts for emissions controls then in place.
- 302 cu in V8 (5.0 L) with 2-barrel carburetor: roughly 140–150 horsepower
- 302 cu in V8 (5.0 L) with 4-barrel carburetor: roughly 165–180 horsepower
- 351 Windsor V8: roughly 180–210 horsepower
- 400 cu in V8 (6.6 L): roughly 180–210 horsepower
Note: Actual horsepower varies by model grade, exhaust, camshaft, and emissions equipment. These figures reflect factory ratings at the time and may differ from today's engine condition or modifications.
Additional context on ratings
During the late 1970s, horsepower ratings were mainly net horsepower, which generally ran lower than the earlier gross ratings due to stricter testing standards and emissions controls. This context helps explain the modest numbers despite the Ranchero's size and weight for pulling and daily driving needs.
Summary
For a 1978 Ranchero, the horsepower range spans from about 140–150 hp in the base 302 2-barrel to roughly 180–210 hp with the larger or more advanced 4-barrel V8 options. Engine choice, carburetion, and the vehicle's condition all influence actual performance.
