What engine came in the Ford Torino?
The Ford Torino offered a broad engine lineup, ranging from base inline-six power to high-performance V8 options, including the famous Cobra Jet and Boss 429 variants in the Torino Cobra. The exact engine depended on year, trim, and package, but there was a wide spectrum of choices for buyers seeking economy, performance, or muscle-car capability.
Overview of the Torino engine lineup
Produced from 1968 through 1976, the Torino’s powertrain options reflected Ford’s mid‑size to performance strategy of the era. Base models typically carried six-cylinder or small‑block V8 options, while higher trim levels and special packages opened the door to larger and more powerful V8s for enthusiasts.
Key engine families included:
- Inline-six and small-block V8 options for economy and daily driving
- Mid‑size V8s from the small-block family (notably 289 and 302 displacements) for a balance of performance and efficiency
- 351 Windsor and 351 Cleveland V8s offering more torque and higher performance potential
- FE-based big-block V8s and larger displacements for established muscle-car power
- High-performance Cobra Jet variants such as 428 Cobra Jet and 429 Cobra Jet available on select Torino Cobra models
- Boss 429 engine in limited Boss 429/ Torino Cobra configurations for extreme performance
These options illustrate how Ford blended everyday usability with high-performance capability in the Torino lineup, making it a bridge between ordinary family sedans and the era’s true muscle cars. Availability varied by year and model, with the most legendary powertrains appearing on the Torino Cobra variants.
Notable high-performance options
428 Cobra Jet and 429 Cobra Jet
The 428 Cobra Jet family represented Ford’s strong performance push in the late 1960s, with the Cobra Jet variants offered in the Torino Cobra as one of the marquee powerplants. These engines paired robust performance with reliability suitable for street and track use, and they helped define the Torino’s identity as a performance-focused mid‑sizer.
Boss 429
One of the era’s most famous powerplants, the Boss 429 engine was available in limited Boss 429/Torino Cobra configurations. Built for maximum power in a mid‑size chassis, the Boss 429 was a rare but iconic option that underscored Ford’s commitment to top-tier performance in the Torino line.
Additional context by year
Engine availability evolved over the Torino’s 1968–1976 run. Early models leaned toward inline-sixes and smaller V8s, while the late 1960s and early 1970s saw a clear shift toward larger V8s and high-performance packages. The Torino Cobra emerged as the performance-focused variant, leveraging the era’s most potent Ford powertrains.
Summary
The Ford Torino’s engine range spanned from practical six-cylinder and small-block V8 options to formidable big-block powerplants, including the 428 Cobra Jet, 429 Cobra Jet, and the Boss 429 in limited Torino Cobra editions. Across its production years, buyers could choose a spectrum of powertrains to match everyday driving needs with high-performance aspirations, illustrating Ford’s adaptability in the muscle-car era.
What engines did the Ford Torino have?
Most models continued used the 250 CID I-6 as the standard engine. Optional engines included the 302-2V (standard on GT and Brougham models), 351W-2V, the new 351 Cleveland available with a 2- or 4-barrel carburetor, and the new 429-4V 385 Series V8 (standard on the Cobra models).
How much horsepower does a 1973 Ford Gran Torino 351 Cleveland have?
The base engine in the 1973 Gran Torino was a 140-horsepower 302-cubic-inch V8. A 351 Cleveland with 163hp, a stroked 400-cube Cleveland with 172hp, and a big 429-cubic-inch "Thunder Jet" V8 with 205 horsepower were available; this car has the 351 Cleveland.
What engine was in a 1972 Gran Torino?
The 1972 Ford Gran Torino came with a variety of engine options, including the standard 200 cu in (3.3 L) inline-six for the base models and the 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 for the Gran Torino Sport. More powerful V8 options included the 351 Cleveland and the 400, while the highest performance choices were the 351 Cobra Jet and the 429 Cobra Jet.
Standard engines
- 200 cu in (3.3 L) inline-six: Standard on most Torino and Gran Torino models.
- 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8: Standard on the Gran Torino Sport models.
Optional V8 engines
- 351 Cleveland V8: Offered with different horsepower and torque ratings depending on the specific configuration.
- 400 cu in (6.6 L) 335 Series V8: An additional option for performance.
- 351 Cobra Jet V8: A high-performance option available for the Sport model.
- 429 Cobra Jet V8: The most powerful engine option, available for the Sport model, capable of significant performance.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford Torino 429 Cobra Jet have?
375 horsepower
The 1970 Ford Torino Cobra was a no-nonsense muscle car built for speed and power. Packing the legendary 429 Cobra Jet V8 engine under the hood, it delivered raw performance with up to 375 horsepower.
