What engine came in a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500?
The 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 could be equipped with a range of V8 engines, from the 260-cubic-inch mill up to the 427-cubic-inch powerhouse, depending on trim and factory options.
In the 1963 model year, Ford offered a spectrum of V8 choices for the Galaxie 500. Buyers could opt for smaller, more economical V8s, or upgrade to larger FE-series engines for more performance. The exact engine depended on the specific Galaxie 500 trim level, option package, and dealer availability. The following list outlines the engines commonly associated with the 1963 Galaxie 500 and how they typically appeared in the lineup.
Engine options for the 1963 Galaxie 500
Below is a concise snapshot of the engines historically available in the 1963 Galaxie 500, noting that availability varied by trim and order.
- 260 cubic inch V8 (4.3 L) — a small-block V8 offered on base models with 2-barrel or 4-barrel configurations.
- 289 cubic inch V8 (4.7 L) — a popular mid-size V8, available in 2-barrel or 4-barrel form for more performance.
- 352 cubic inch V8 (5.8 L) — a mid-range option that appeared in some Galaxie 500 configurations.
- 390 cubic inch V8 (6.4 L) — a larger FE-series V8 commonly fitted to higher-trim or performance-oriented cars.
- 427 cubic inch V8 (7.0 L) — a high-performance engine available on select, well-equipped Galaxie 500s or special orders; notably powerful for the era.
In practice, the 390 V8 was a frequent upgrade in the Galaxie line, while the 427 was relatively rare and typically reserved for performance-focused builds or dealer/customized orders.
427 cubic inch high-performance option
The 427 V8—often associated with Ford’s FE family and high-performance applications—could appear in certain 1963 Galaxie 500 configurations, but it was not a standard offering on every car. When present, it signified a top-tier, performance-oriented build and typically carried specialized packaging or ordering.
Identifying which engine your Galaxie 500 has
To confirm the exact engine in a particular 1963 Galaxie 500, use a few verification methods that were commonly employed by restorers and historians.
- Check the engine block stamping and codes — Ford stamped a displacement code on the block (for example, 260, 289, 352, 390, 427) that helps identify the engine size.
- Inspect the data plate or door/window sticker — some codes indicate the engine size or the option package installed at the factory.
- Look for the carburetor and intake manifold tagging — different engines used distinct carburetion setups that can aid in identification.
- Review the build sheet or factory documentation — if available, these documents list the original engine along with trim and options.
- Consult a trusted classic Ford resource or technician — cross-referencing VIN, body style, and trim with period brochures can confirm the engine.
Knowing the exact engine helps with maintenance, parts sourcing, and value assessment, especially given the range of V8s offered in 1963.
Summary: The 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 offered multiple V8 options, from the smaller 260 and 289 engines up to the larger 390, with the 427 V8 available on select high-end or ordered configurations. Engine identification hinges on stamping codes, data plates, and historical build records, making it possible to verify the original powerplant for any given car.
What's special about the 63 Galaxie 500?
A sparse interior highlighted by Bastrom lightweight seats contributes to the Galaxie 500 being considerably lighter than its street-car sibling's curb weight- a figure that is also contingent on variables such as acid-dipped sheetmetal, etc.
Did Ford make a 427 in 1963?
So this is a pretty rare car from the total performance era follow along as Jim tells us all about this sweet Ford. And watch the ride along video and more now let's go for a. Ride.
What engines were available in the 1963 Ford Galaxie?
One of the standout features of the 1963 Ford Galaxie was its availability with various V8 engines, including the 221 cubic inch (3.6L) V8 and the legendary 352 cubic inch (5.8L) V8.
How much is a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $22,433 for a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500? The highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 at auction over the last three years was $313,518.
