Is the Ford 360 a good engine?
The Ford 360 engine, part of the Ford FE (Ford-Edsel) family, has been a topic of discussion among car enthusiasts and mechanics for decades. Known for its durability and simplicity, the Ford 360 was primarily used in trucks during the late 1960s and 1970s. But is it a good engine? Let’s dive into its features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you decide.
Overview of the Ford 360 Engine
The Ford 360 was introduced in 1968 as a workhorse engine designed for Ford's F-series trucks. It is a V8 engine with a displacement of 360 cubic inches, making it a part of the FE engine family, which also includes the popular 390 and 428 engines. While it shares many components with its FE siblings, the 360 was specifically tuned for torque rather than high horsepower, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Strengths of the Ford 360 Engine
The Ford 360 has several qualities that make it a reliable choice for truck owners and enthusiasts:
- Durability: The 360 was built to last, with a robust cast-iron block and heads that can withstand heavy use.
- Torque Output: Designed for trucks, the engine delivers strong low-end torque, making it suitable for towing and hauling.
- Ease of Maintenance: The simplicity of the engine design makes it relatively easy to repair and maintain, even for DIY mechanics.
- Parts Availability: Since it shares many components with other FE engines, replacement parts are generally easy to find.
Weaknesses of the Ford 360 Engine
Despite its strengths, the Ford 360 does have some drawbacks that potential owners should consider:
- Fuel Efficiency: Like many engines of its era, the 360 is not fuel-efficient, which can be a concern given today’s fuel prices.
- Performance: While it excels in torque, the 360 lacks the high horsepower output of other FE engines, such as the 390 or 428, making it less appealing for performance enthusiasts.
- Weight: The cast-iron construction makes the engine heavy, which can impact overall vehicle performance and handling.
Is the Ford 360 Right for You?
Whether the Ford 360 is a good engine depends on your needs and expectations. If you’re looking for a reliable, torque-heavy engine for a classic truck or a work vehicle, the 360 is a solid choice. However, if fuel efficiency or high performance is a priority, you might want to explore other options within the FE family or beyond.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’ve worked on countless Ford 360 engines over the years. If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle with this engine or need maintenance advice, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your automotive needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower can you get out of a Ford 360?
You can go bigger with a 428 crank, making a 410 or an aftermarket crank up to 445. Torque will increase dramatically with the increase in displacement, and you can be well over 400 hp with the right cam etc. No '70s 390 broke 250 net let alone 400 horse.
What Ford engine to stay away from?
We'll be talking about the 2003 – 2007 Ford Super Duty 6.0-Liter Power Stroke V8 Engine, 2011 – 2023 5.0-Liter Coyote Naturally Aspirated V8 Engine, 2008 – 2010 Ford Super Duty 6.4-Liter Power Stroke Engine, 1986 – 1995 Ford 5.0-Liter (302 CID) EFI High Output V8 Engine, 1965 – 1977 V4 Essex Engine, 1965 – ...
What was Ford's most reliable engine?
Reaching over 500,000 miles on average, the 6.7 Power Stroke engine is the best in reliability, with some Ford enthusiasts reporting the success of their diesel engines at 1.3 million miles.
How much hp can a 360 handle?
The short-block as built here could handle significantly more if needed (proper ring gap aside), and 600 hp would certainly be a safe number for this short-block.
Is a Ford 360 a big block or small block?
The FE 360 Big-Block under the hood has never functioned well. It's a heavy engine, topped off by a bulky, cast-iron intake manifold. It gets worse. In 1973, emissions equipment was in its infancy, and cut out more power than it did emissions.
Is the Dodge 360 a good engine?
probably the most reliable engine ever made and the 360 is basically a larger version of the same design. They are heavy, durable motors and use excellent materials. Unlike Chevys, very seldom did any valve work on these motors, even with 200K on them. One of the few motors to escape the soft camshaft era of the 1970s.
How much horsepower does a Ford 360 engine have?
Rated at 215 bhp (160.3 kW) at 4100 rpm and 375 lb⋅ft (508 N⋅m) of torque at 2600 rpm (2-barrel carb, 1968). The 360 used the same block, heads and other parts as a 390, this makes them indistinguishable from each other unless the stroke is measured.
What is the strongest Ford engine?
Venomous strike: The all-new 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 will produce 760 horsepower and 625 lb. -ft. of torque, making it the most powerful street-legal Ford ever – with the most power- and torque-dense supercharged production V8 engine in the world.
What is the least reliable Powerstroke engine?
The 6.4-liter Powerstroke engine was very short-lived. It was put in Ford trucks beginning in 2007 for the 2008 model year and the last production year was 2011 for the 2010 model year. The 6.4 Powerstroke came after the 6.0 Powerstroke, which was widely panned for its problems and poor performance.
How much HP can a 360 handle?
The short-block as built here could handle significantly more if needed (proper ring gap aside), and 600 hp would certainly be a safe number for this short-block.
