What engine came in a 1966 Ford Galaxie 500?
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 was a full-size sedan that could be equipped with a range of V8 engines, from a small-block baseline to big FE-series powerplants — notably the 289, 390, and, on certain high-performance or police packages, the 427 cubic-inch V8.
Engine options for the 1966 Galaxie 500
Below is a breakdown of likely factory engine options you could order with a 1966 Galaxie 500, depending on trim, drivetrain, and option packages.
- 289 cubic-inch V8 (2-barrel) as the baseline engine
- 289 cubic-inch V8 (4-barrel) for higher output
- 390 cubic-inch V8 from the FE family
- 427 cubic-inch V8 (FE) offered with performance or police-interceptor packages
Availability varied by body style and option mix; not every Galaxie 500 had all these engines, and some options required specific transmissions or handling packages.
Base engine: 289 V8
The 289 V8 was the standard engine in many Galaxie 500s, delivering reliable everyday power and making the model feel like a true Ford full-size sedan. It was commonly paired with a 3-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Big-block options: 390 and 427
For buyers seeking more performance, the 390 cubic-inch FE V8 became a popular upgrade, with stronger torque for highway cruising. The 427 cubic-inch V8 was the high-end option available on select models and packages, offering top-end performance that could rival Ford’s sports models of the era.
Summary
The 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 offered multiple V8 engines across its model range, including the base 289, the larger 390, and, on certain high-performance or police packages, the 427. Engine choice depended on trim, options, and body style.
