What engine came in a 1964 Thunderbird?
The 1964 Ford Thunderbird was powered by a V8 engine, specifically the 390 cubic inch (6.4 liter) FE-series engine. This powerful engine was a staple of Ford's lineup in the 1960s and provided the Thunderbird with ample performance and acceleration.
Engine Specifications
The 390 cubic inch V8 engine in the 1964 Thunderbird had the following key specifications:
- Displacement: 390 cubic inches (6.4 liters)
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 4,600 rpm
- Torque: 427 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
- Compression ratio: 10.5:1
- Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV) design
- Fuel system: Carburetor
This engine provided the 1964 Thunderbird with impressive performance for the era, allowing it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds. The 390 V8 was a popular and reliable engine choice for many Ford models in the 1960s.
Engine History and Development
The 390 cubic inch V8 engine was part of Ford's FE engine family, which was produced from 1958 to 1976. The FE series was known for its durability and power, making it a common choice for Ford's full-size cars, trucks, and performance models like the Thunderbird.
The 390 V8 was introduced in 1961 and quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts and performance-minded drivers. It offered a significant power increase over the smaller 352 cubic inch V8 that was previously used in the Thunderbird.
In the 1964 Thunderbird, the 390 V8 was the standard engine, though a 428 cubic inch V8 was also available as an optional upgrade. The 390 provided an excellent balance of power, efficiency, and reliability that made it well-suited for the Thunderbird's sporty yet comfortable character.
What engine is in a 1964 Thunderbird?
Those second-generation cars were a bit clunky, styling-wise, so Ford made up for it with the 1961–63 models and their sleek, chrome-clad elegance. In 1964, another new Thunderbird generation bowed, this time with a more formal roofline and the same 390 FE V-8 as its predecessor.
What engine is in a 1964 Ford Thunderbird?
Ford Thunderbird (fourth generation)
| Ford Thunderbird Fourth Generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8 427 cu in (7.0 L) FE V8 428 cu in (7.0 L) FE V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed Cruise-O Matic MX automatic 3-speed Ford C6 automatic |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Thunderbird (third generation) |
How many 1964 Thunderbirds were built?
92,465
Production totals
| Year | Production |
|---|---|
| 1964 | 92,465 |
| 1965 | 74,972 |
| 1966 | 69,176 |
| Total | 236,613 |
How much is a 1964 Thunderbird worth?
The value of a 1964 Ford Thunderbird can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $12,900 for a 1964 Ford Thunderbird in good condition with average spec.
What is the rarest Ford Thunderbird?
1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged
The rarest of all 1957 Ford Thunderbirds is the 1957 Phase One D/F Factory Supercharged. One of 15 hand-built for Ford Competition at Ford Headquarters, and one of eight known to survive today.
How much horsepower does a 1964 Thunderbird 390 have?
The only remnant of the Thunderbird's former sporty image was that the standard 390-cubic-inch 300 hp (224 kW) V8 engine needed nearly 11 seconds to push the heavy T-bird to 60 mph (97 km/h). The softly sprung suspension allowed considerable body lean, wallow, and float on curves and bumps.
What is the difference between the 1964 and 1965 Thunderbird?
In styling, the 1965 naturally resembled the 1964. The grille was busier with its six new vertical bars bisecting the thin horizontal bars of 1964; the 1965 also had dummy side louvers and new "turbo style" wheel covers. The drivetrain was unchanged and the 300-bhp 390 engine remained the Thunderbird's sole powerplant.
What was the top speed of the 1964 Ford Thunderbird?
about 120 mph
The standard 390 cu. in. 315 bhp engine needed nearly 11 seconds to push the heavy T-bird to 60 mph (96 km/h), although with enough room a top speed of about 120 mph (200 km/h) was obtainable.
What was the 0 60 on a 1964 Thunderbird?
Even with Ford's powerful 300-hp V-8 and a 3.00 rear axle, we didn't expect outstanding performance, and we weren't surprised when it wasn't forthcoming. Our accelera- tion runs found the T-Bird swooping from zero to 60 mph in 11.2 seconds, passing 30 and 45 at 3.6- and 6.9-second marks.
What year is the most desirable Thunderbird?
The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster M-Code is a rare classic car and one of the most sought-after Thunderbird versions.
