How much horsepower does a Ford 352 have?

The short answer is that there isn’t a single fixed horsepower figure for the Ford 352 V8—the number varied widely by year, model, and configuration. Most versions produced roughly 200 to 360 horsepower over their production span, with common passenger-car variants typically landing in the 260–300 hp range depending on carburetion and compression. The exact rating for a specific engine depends on its original specifications and how horsepower was measured at the time.

What is the Ford 352?

The Ford 352 is a displacement figure for an engine in Ford’s FE family, a big-block V8 lineage used in a range of cars and trucks from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s. The “352” designation refers to a 5.8-liter engine size produced in multiple iterations with different carburetion, compression, and tuning. Because Ford published horsepower ratings that evolved over time—and because several versions existed—the 352 does not have a single, universal horsepower number.

Horsepower across configurations

To understand what the 352 could produce, it helps to look at the typical ranges by configuration. The following overview covers common versions found in Ford passenger cars and light trucks of the era.

• Low- to mid-performance setups (often with two-barrel carburetors or lower compression): roughly 200–250 horsepower, depending on year and rating method.


• Standard four-barrel, higher-compression versions used in many mid‑1960s cars: roughly 260–300 horsepower.


• Higher-performance or specially tuned variants (less common in everyday models, sometimes rated with different standards): up to about 330–360 horsepower in certain configurations and model years.

Notes: horsepower figures from this era were often published using gross ratings or early SAE measurements, which can differ from modern net horsepower numbers. The exact figure for a given engine depends on the model, year, carburation, cam specs, compression ratio, and whether the rating is gross or net.

Why the numbers vary

Several factors determine the published horsepower for a Ford 352: the type of carburetion (two-barrel versus four-barrel), compression ratio, camshaft profile, exhaust system, and whether the rating reflects older gross horsepowers or later net figures. Additionally, the 352 appeared in multiple Ford platforms, meaning even engines with the same displacement could have different outputs based on the intended market (pony cars, full-size sedans, or light trucks).

How to verify the exact horsepower for a specific engine

For an individual Ford 352, the most reliable way to confirm horsepower is to identify the exact engine code and the vehicle’s build sheet or factory documents. Options include:

• Checking the engine block stamp or stamping on the intake manifold for the correct “352” variant and year.


• Consulting the original sales or build sheet, window sticker, or Ford's dealer catalogs for the specific model/year.


• Cross-referencing with maintenance manuals or service bulletins that list compression ratios and carburetor configurations for that variant.

In practice, collectors and restorers often rely on a combination of serial numbers, engine codes, and historical reference materials to pinpoint the exact horsepower rating for a given 352-equipped Ford.

Summary

The Ford 352’s horsepower is not a single fixed number but a range that reflects its era, configuration, and measurement method. Typical passenger-car versions generally sit in the 260–300 hp band, with lower-powered variants around 200–250 hp and a minority of higher-output configurations reaching roughly 330–360 hp. To determine the precise horsepower for a specific engine, identify the exact model year, carburetion, compression, and whether the rating is a gross or net figure, and consult the vehicle’s original documentation or engine code.

How much horsepower does a 1965 Ford 352 have?

250 @ 4400 RPM
Displacement: 352 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches. Compression ratio: 9.3:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.

How to tell a 390 from a 352?

You can tell a 352 from a 390 by measuring the crankshaft stroke through a spark plug hole; a 352 has a 3.503.503.50 inch stroke, while a 390 has a 3.7843.7843.784 inch stroke. You can also look for a "352" casting mark on the front of the block, although many 390s also have this mark. 
How to measure the stroke

1. Remove one spark plug from the cylinder head. 
2. Insert a wooden dowel or a similar straight rod into the cylinder until it rests on the piston top. 
3. Mark the dowel at the highest point where it meets the spark plug opening. 
4. Manually turn the crankshaft to bring the piston all the way down to its lowest point. 
5. Mark the dowel again at the same spark plug opening. 
6. Measure the distance between the two marks on the dowel. 
   • If the distance is approximately 3.503.503.50 inches, it's a 352. 
   • If the distance is approximately 3.7843.7843.784 inches, it's a 390. 

Other methods

• Casting marks: Many Ford FE engine blocks have "352" cast on the front, regardless of the actual displacement, so this is not a reliable indicator on its own. 
• Valve cover stickers: Some original engines may have a valve cover sticker indicating the correct displacement. 
• Crankshaft number: The crankshaft itself has a unique part number. A 390 crankshaft will have a different number from a 352 crankshaft due to the difference in stroke, but you will need to remove the oil pan to check this. This method is best if you are already taking the engine apart, note. 

What Ford engine to stay away from?

Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating. 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates 

• 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures. 
• 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues. 
• 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks. 

This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines

• 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage. 
• 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks. 
• 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures. 
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans. 

You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025

Was the Ford 352 a good engine?

Yes, the Ford 352 was generally considered a good and reliable engine, known for producing strong torque. While it was a durable workhorse, it wasn't as high-performance as some other engines in the Ford FE series like the 390 or 427, but it was a solid and resilient choice for its era.
 
Strengths

• Torque: The 352 was a torquey engine, making it excellent for pulling and everyday driving. 
• Reliability: Owners consistently describe it as a durable and resilient engine, with many examples still running after decades. 
• Durability: It was a well-built engine that could handle hard work, and was considered a step up from the 360 by some enthusiasts. 

Limitations

• Weight: As part of the larger FE series, the 352 is a heavy engine.
• Fuel efficiency: It's not known for its fuel economy compared to modern engines. 

Performance variations

• Base model: The standard 352 engine (1961-1966) came with a 2-barrel carburetor and produced around 220-250 horsepower. 
• High-performance model: A high-performance version was available in 1960 with a 4-barrel carburetor, an aluminum intake, and a solid lifter camshaft, producing up to 360 horsepower. 

Aftermarket support

• Although it's an older engine, the 352 benefits from the extensive aftermarket support for the Ford FE engine series, with many parts still available for modification and repair.