How much HP does a 390 Ford Big Block have?
The Ford 390 Big Block's factory horsepower varied by year and configuration, but most stock 390s produced roughly 300–360 horsepower. Regular four-barrel engines were typically around 300–335 hp, while higher-output variants such as police/interceptor or performance-tuned versions could push toward the mid‑330s to around 360 hp.
What is the 390 Ford Big Block?
The 390 refers to the displacement (approximately 390 cubic inches) in Ford's FE family of big-block V8 engines. Debuting in 1961, the 390 FE was used across Ford, Mercury, and some other models. Horsepower ratings varied by year, market emissions rules, and whether the engine carried performance packages or a sport-tuned 4-barrel setup.
Representative horsepower by configuration
Below are representative factory horsepower figures for common 390 FE configurations. Note that numbers refer to the era's gross ratings and may differ from net figures used in later documentation or in modern restorations.
- 1961–1962 390 FE with a 4-barrel carburetor: about 300 hp (gross).
- 1963–1965 390 FE with a 4-barrel: roughly 330–335 hp (gross).
- 1967–1968 390 FE in higher‑performance applications (GT/Interceptor): about 335–360 hp (gross).
Exact figures depend on the trim, exhaust, cam profiles, and whether the vehicle carried performance packages. Clear documentation for a specific chassis (build sheet or VIN decode) confirms the original rating.
Notes on horsepower measurements
Modern restorations and references often cite net horsepower or updated measurements, which are typically lower than the original gross figures due to different testing standards and emission controls. The era's ratings also varied by market and reporting method.
Summary
The Ford 390 Big Block offered a range of horsepower tuned for its era. In standard configurations, you could expect roughly 300–335 hp, while higher-performance and police-interceptor variants could push toward 360 hp. When evaluating a specific engine, consult the original build sheets or factory documentation to confirm the exact figure for that year and model.
