How much horsepower does a 1979 Ford Ranchero have?
Horsepower in the 1979 Ranchero varied by engine choice: base six-cylinder models typically delivered about 110–125 horsepower, while the available V8 options ranged roughly from 150 to 180 horsepower depending on displacement and carburetion.
Engine options and power output
The Ranchero’s power came from several engines Ford offered that year. The following outlines the major options and their typical horsepower ratings when the car left the showroom, noting that emissions controls and carburetion setup affected final figures.
- Inline-six engine — roughly 110–125 hp. A more economical choice with modest performance compared with V8 powerplants.
- 302-cubic-inch V8 with a two-barrel carburetor — about 150–160 hp. Common on base or mid-range configurations.
- 302-cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor — roughly 165–180 hp. Higher-performance version within the same displacement range.
- 351-cubic-inch Windsor V8 — typically around 170–180 hp, depending on emissions equipment and configuration.
Concluding note: actual figures could vary by state emissions equipment and whether the engine was tuned for federal or California specifications. The era’s rating methods (gross vs. net) also influenced published horsepower numbers, so exact figures for a specific Ranchero could differ slightly from brochure figures.
Why horsepower numbers vary and how to verify
In the late 1970s, horsepower ratings were affected by emissions controls and the shift from gross to net horsepower in some publications. If you’re restoring or authenticating a 1979 Ranchero, check the engine code on the block, consult the original sales brochure, and review the vehicle’s VIN for the correct factory option package.
Summary
In short, a 1979 Ford Ranchero offered a range of horsepower depending on the engine: roughly 110–125 hp from the inline-six, and about 150–180 hp from the V8 options (302 and 351 Windsor variants). Exact numbers vary by carburetion, emissions setup, and whether the rating is gross or net. For precision on a specific vehicle, reference its engine code, brochure, and build sheet.
How much horsepower does a 1979 302 have?
around 140 horsepower
5.0L V8 (302 CID): A step up in terms of power, the 302 V8 offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making around 140 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque.
How much horsepower does a 1979 Ford Ranchero GT have?
As the carmakers continued to struggle with emissions regulations, for '79 there were just two available engines, a 302 CID V8 and a 351 CID V8, and a single transmission, a three-speed automatic. Both engines sported dinky two-barrel carbs and were rated at less than 150 hp.
How much is a 79 Ford Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,925 for a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500? The highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500 at auction over the last three years was $26,250.
How much horsepower does a 1979 Ford 460 have?
The 1979 Ford 460 engine produced between 200 and 239 horsepower, with the exact number varying depending on the application. This was the result of a combination of factors, including the shift to lower compression ratios for emissions compliance and the use of the newer "SAE net" horsepower rating system, compared to earlier, higher gross horsepower figures.
You can watch this video to learn more about the history and specs of the Ford 460 engine: 54sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Oct 23, 2024
Power output and ratings
- SAE net horsepower: The 1979 engine's power fell within the 200–239 hp range, according to the modern SAE net rating, which measured horsepower in a more realistic, production-vehicle configuration.
- Historical comparison: Earlier versions of the 460 engine, from the late 1960s and early 1970s, produced higher gross horsepower figures (around 365 hp), but this was before the switch to the SAE net rating and before emissions controls significantly lowered compression ratios.
This video discusses building a budget 460 engine for performance: 55sPOWERNATIONYouTube · Jun 12, 2019
Contributing factors to power output
- Emissions controls: Stringent federal mandates required changes to the engine to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which led to a lower compression ratio.
- Lower compression ratio: The compression ratio dropped from the earlier 10.5:1 to around 8.0:1 or 8.5:1, a major reason for the power reduction.
- Engine accessories: The addition of more engine and exhaust accessories for emissions control also contributed to the lower output.
