What engine came in the F-100?

The F-100 fighter jet was powered by the Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engine.

If you mean the Ford F-100 pickup truck, engines varied by year and market; this article covers both interpretations so you can identify the correct powerplant for the version you have in mind.

F-100 fighter jet engine

The F-100 Super Sabre, a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force during the 1950s and 1960s, relied on the Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engine. The J57 was an afterburning turbojet that enabled the aircraft to reach and sustain Mach 2 speeds, making the F-100 one of the first production fighters equipped for high-speed flight in the early Cold War era.

Before listing the engine details, here are the key points about the F-100’s powerplant and its variants:

• Engine name: Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet (with afterburner in many F-100 variants).


• Primary use: powering the F-100 family from the A through the D models.


• Variants: Numerous sub-variants (such as J57-P-7, J57-P-23, J57-P-29, J57-P-39, etc.) were used across different blocks to adjust thrust and reliability.


• Thrust range: roughly 9,600–10,000 pounds of thrust in dry condition, increasing with afterburner and depending on variant.


• Impact: The J57’s performance underpinned the F-100’s Mach 2 capabilities and influenced American jet performance in the era.

Across the F-100 family, higher-thrust, afterburning variants were adopted for later blocks to meet mission demands, while earlier blocks used less powerful configurations. For enthusiasts and historians, the exact J57 variant is tied to the aircraft’s production block and airframe upgrade history.

Operational context and variant nuances

Engine variants were adjusted over the F-100’s service life to improve reliability, serviceability, and thrust. The jet’s performance—especially its climb rate and speed—was closely linked to the choice of J57 variant, making the engine a central part of the aircraft’s development story.

F-100 pickup truck engine options

The Ford F-100 pickup, produced through several generations from 1953 to 1983, offered a wide array of engines that changed with the model year and market. The most common configuration in many trims was a V8, though inline-sixes were also available in some periods. Because the F-100 spanned multiple decades, engine choices range from early inline-six and V8 options to later Ford V8 families.

Before detailing the typical engine families, here is a concise overview of what to expect by era:

• 1950s models often offered a mix of inline-six and V8 engines, with V8s becoming increasingly common as demand for more power grew.


• 1960s–1970s F-100s commonly used Ford small-block Windsor V8s, and larger V8s from the FE/Windsor families were used in various configurations for heavier-duty trucks.


• Displacements and power varied widely, typically ranging from around the 210–300 cubic inch range for inline-sixes and from roughly 260 to 360+ cubic inches for V8s, with later years offering larger conventional V8s.

Because the F-100’s engine lineup shifted over four decades, the exact powerplant depends on the production year and regional market. If you can share the specific model year (and whether you’re asking about the American market or another region), I can identify the precise engine configuration for that truck.

Summary

To recap: If you’re asking about the F-100 fighter jet, the engine is the Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet (with afterburner in many variants). If you’re asking about the Ford F-100 pickup, engines varied widely across production years, with inline-sixes and multiple V8 families (including Windsor and FE-era engines) as common powerplants. Providing a year and market will help confirm the exact engine for the specific F-100 you have in mind.

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

Is Ford's 4.6 V8 a good engine?

Yes, the Ford 4.6L V8 is generally considered a good, reliable engine, particularly the earlier 2-valve (2V) versions, known for its longevity and workhorse capabilities rather than high performance. While it has known issues like plastic intake manifolds on certain model years, and potential for timing chain problems or spark plug blowout on some variants, these are manageable with proper maintenance and repairs.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the 4.6L V8 engine's characteristics: 57sCar WizardYouTube · Jul 31, 2019
Pros:

• Reliability and Longevity: The 4.6L V8 is known for being a durable engine that can last for over 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
• Simplicity: The 2-valve versions are mechanically simpler, making them easier and less expensive to work on for DIYers and mechanics. 
• Parts Availability: Parts are readily available for both repair and modification. 
• Versatility: It was used in a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, sedans, and sports cars, showcasing its adaptability. 

Cons:

• Plastic Intake Manifolds: The 1996-2001 model years had plastic intake manifolds prone to cracking and coolant leaks. 
• Spark Plug Issues: Some earlier 2-valve engines are susceptible to spark plug thread failure, though this is often repairable. 
• Timing Chain: As an interference engine, a broken or slipped timing chain can cause catastrophic failure. This is usually preceded by rattling noises, giving owners a chance to replace the chain before failure. 
• Underpowered: It's not considered a powerhouse and can feel underpowered, especially compared to modern engines. 
• 3-Valve (3V) Models: The later 3-valve versions, which introduced cam phasers and variable valve timing, are considered less bulletproof and have had their own issues, notes YouTube. 

This video explains the common problems of the 4.6L V8 engine: 50s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Dec 6, 2022
Conclusion:
If you're considering a 4.6L V8, a 2-valve engine is often the better choice for a workhorse. Be aware of potential issues like the plastic intake manifold on certain model years and address them proactively. Overall, the 4.6L V8 is a solid, dependable engine for those seeking V8 power on a budget, especially if you are willing to do the necessary maintenance.

What Ford truck has the 7.3 Godzilla engine?

The Ford "Godzilla" 7.3L V8 engine is found in the Ford Super Duty line of trucks, including the F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550. It is also available in Ford's E-Series vans (E-350/E-450) and larger commercial trucks like the F-650/F-750 and the F-53/F-59 stripped chassis.
 

• Ford Super Duty: The engine is a popular option for the F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 models.
• Ford E-Series: The 7.3L Godzilla is also offered in the E-350 and E-450 cutaway and stripped chassis models.
• Other commercial applications: It is used in larger commercial vehicles such as the F-650/F-750 trucks and F-53/F-59 stripped chassis vehicles.

What engine did a 1966 F-100 come with?

Ford blue 240ci inline six cylinder engine
Under the hood, an original looking Ford blue 240ci inline six cylinder engine, rated at 150 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed manual, on the tree of course, sends power to the now legendary Ford 9” out back with 3.70 gears.