What engine came in a 1962 Ford F100?
The 1962 Ford F-100 offered several powertrain options, including a standard 170 cubic-inch inline-six, with additional choices such as a 200 cubic-inch inline-six and a 260 cubic-inch V8.
During 1962, Ford's F-Series pickups were available with a mix of economy and power-focused engines. Availability depended on trim level, cab configuration, and regional market, but buyers could typically choose between a reliable inline-six for everyday work and a small-block V8 for added performance.
Engine options for the 1962 F-100
Here are the main engine families commonly found in the 1962 F-100, representing Ford's approach to balancing efficiency and capability that year.
- 170 cubic-inch inline-six (standard on base trims)
- 200 cubic-inch inline-six (optional upgrade)
- 260 cubic-inch V8 (optional; Ford's early small-block V8)
Engine availability could vary by model, cab configuration, and production region.
Engine detail and context
Inline-six options provided dependable, economical power for routine duties, while the 260 V8 offered more torque for heavier loads or higher-speed work. The 260 cu in V8 represented Ford's early foray into the small-block V8 lineup that would become common across many trucks and cars in the era. Specific trucks might show slight variations based on factory packages and regional offerings.
Additional context for enthusiasts
For collectors and restorers, the exact engine code can be confirmed via the vehicle’s VIN and door tag. This helps ensure authenticity and can affect value when evaluating a 1962 F-100 restoration project.
Summary
In 1962, the Ford F-100 could be equipped with a standard 170 cubic-inch inline-six, with optional 200 cubic-inch inline-six or 260 cubic-inch V8 engines. The final choice depended on trim level and market, and verifying the specific engine requires checking the vehicle’s documentation and engine codes.
What engines did the F-100 have?
Ford F-100 engine options have varied significantly by generation, including inline-six and V8 options, such as the 240 CID I6, 300 CID I6, 302 CID V8, and the 360 CID and 390 CID FE V8s for classic models. Modern options are not available as the F-100 designation was phased out in 1975, but historically, Ford offered a wide array of engines throughout the F-100's production history.
This video discusses the potential engine swap options for a Ford F-100: 59sTJ AND MACYouTube · May 31, 2023
Classic F-100 engine options
- Inline-Six: Available engines include the 223 CID (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" six-cylinder and the larger 240 CID (3.9 L) and 300 CID (4.9 L) engines.
- V8: Classic V8 options include the 302 CID (4.9 L) Windsor and the FE (Ford-Edsel) series engines, such as the 352 CID (5.8 L), 360 CID (5.9 L), and 390 CID (6.4 L).
Modern F-Series options
- The F-100 was replaced by the F-150 in 1975, so there are no modern F-100s to consider.
- Modern F-Series trucks, like the F-150, are available with a variety of modern engines, such as EcoBoost V6s and larger V8s.
This video discusses the engine options for a 2026 Ford F-100: 1mSpeed zone YouTube · Nov 6, 2025
What engine is in a 1962 Ford F100?
292 CID V8
1962 Ford F-100 Specs
| Engine | HP | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 223 CID 6-Cylinder | 135 hp | 200 lb-ft |
| 292 CID V8 | 160 hp | 270 lb-ft |
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
How much is a 1962 Ford F100 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,680 for a 1962 Ford F-100 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1962 Ford F-100 1/2 Ton? The highest selling price of a 1962 Ford F-100 1/2 Ton at auction over the last three years was $156,750.
