What engine came with a 1958 Ford Fairlane 500?
The 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 was equipped with a V8 engine as standard. Specifically, it came with a 292 cubic inch (4.8 liter) Y-block V8 engine that produced 185 horsepower. This engine was a popular choice for Ford's mid-sized cars in the late 1950s.
Detailed Overview of the 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Engine
The 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 was part of Ford's full-size car lineup for that model year. It was positioned as a mid-range model, slotting between the base Fairlane and the top-of-the-line Fairlane 500 Skyliner.
The standard engine for the 1958 Fairlane 500 was Ford's 292 cubic inch Y-block V8. This engine was a popular choice across Ford's lineup in the late 1950s, as it provided a good balance of power and efficiency. The 292 Y-block V8 produced 185 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers could also opt for a larger 312 cubic inch Y-block V8 engine that produced 245 horsepower. However, the 292 cubic inch V8 was the standard and most common engine found in 1958 Fairlane 500 models.
Transmission Options
The 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 came standard with a 3-speed manual transmission. Buyers could also choose an optional Fordomatic 3-speed automatic transmission.
The manual transmission was a column-shifted unit, while the Fordomatic automatic was a floor-mounted shifter. Both transmission options were paired with the standard 292 cubic inch V8 engine.
Fuel Economy and Performance
With the standard 292 cubic inch V8 engine, the 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 achieved an estimated fuel economy of 16-18 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. Performance was respectable for the era, with a 0-60 mph time of around 12 seconds.
The optional 312 cubic inch V8 engine provided more power and acceleration, but at the expense of slightly lower fuel economy.
