What engine came in a 1976 Ford F100?
The 1976 Ford F-100 offered multiple engine choices, including a standard 300 cubic inch inline-six, with several V8 options such as 302, 351 Windsor, 360, 400, and 460 cubic inches, depending on configuration and trim.
Under the hood in 1976: engine options
During the mid-1970s, Ford's F-100 could be ordered with a range of powertrains. The base engine in most trims was the 300-cubic-inch inline-six, while a variety of V8s were available as upgrade options to suit towing, hauling, or daily driving needs.
- 300 cu in inline-six (4.9 L) — standard on many base models.
- 302 cu in V8 (5.0 L) — a common small-block option.
- 351 Windsor V8 (approximately 5.8 L) — a widely used V8 in F-Series trucks of the era.
- 360 cu in V8 (5.9 L) — another popular V8 for hauling and highway performance.
- 400 cu in V8 (6.6 L) — available on higher-trim or heavier-duty configurations.
- 460 cu in V8 (7.5 L) — the big-block option for heavy-duty models.
Note: Availability varied by body style, cab configuration, drivetrain, and market, with some engines tied to particular transmissions or options packages.
Additional context: power, emissions, and configurations
In 1976, output from these engines was influenced by the era’s emissions controls and fuel-economy concerns. Horsepower and torque ratings varied by engine, carburetion setup, and certified testing standards, so real-world performance depended on the specific build and optional equipment chosen by the buyer.
Transmission pairings and overall versatility
Engines in the 1976 F-100 were commonly paired with a range of manual and automatic transmissions of the era, enabling buyers to tailor for work, family use, or heavy-duty tasks. The exact pairing could vary by engine choice, cab size, bed length, and drivetrain configuration.
Summary
The 1976 Ford F-100 offered a versatile engine lineup that could be customized to fit different needs. From the economical 300 inline-six to a spectrum of V8s—302, 351 Windsor, 360, 400, and 460—the choice depended on the model year’s options, trim, and intended use. This enabled buyers to balance power, towing capability, and efficiency for work and everyday driving.
