What engine does a 1972 Ford F250 have?

There wasn’t a single engine for the 1972 Ford F-250; buyers could choose from several powerplants depending on the build. The most common options were the 300 cubic inch inline-six and multiple V8s in the 360, 390, and 400 cubic inch family.

Engine options for the 1972 F-250

In 1972, Ford’s heavy-duty pickup line offered a mix of inline-six and V8 engines to suit work needs and price points. The following powerplants were among the typical factory options for the F-250:

• 300 cubic inch inline-six (4.9 L)


• 360 cubic inch V8 (5.9 L)


• 390 cubic inch V8 (6.4 L)


• 400 cubic inch V8 (6.6 L)

These options reflects Ford’s strategy at the time to provide a rugged baseline with a few higher-output choices for heavy-duty tasks. Availability varied by trim, cab configuration, and regional market.

How to identify the engine in your specific truck

Because a vehicle can be swapped or upgraded over the years, confirming the exact engine in a given 1972 F-250 may require checking a few details. The following steps can help verify the original or current powerplant:

Step-by-step identification

1. Look for a stamped displacement on the engine block itself, which may reveal 300, 360, 390, or 400.


2. Inspect the valve covers or intake manifold for an engine family or displacement code provided by Ford.


3. Check the truck’s original build sheet or data plate (often found on the driver's door jamb or under the hood) for engine information.


4. Examine the carburetor or fuel delivery setup; certain carburetors were paired with specific engines during that era.


5. Cross-reference the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and any existing service records or a factory invoice to confirm the factory-installed engine.

If you’re unsure, a qualified classic-truck technician or a Ford archives resource can help confirm whether the engine matches the vehicle’s original specification or if a swap occurred.

Historical context and variations

During the early 1970s, Ford offered a range of engines to balance payload, performance, and fuel economy for work trucks. The inline-six and the 360/390/400 V8s were common in the F-250 line, with engine choice often tied to the truck’s intended role, such as hauling, plowing, or heavy-duty service. Regional regulations, option packages, and production year nuances could affect exact availability for a given chassis.

Summary

The 1972 Ford F-250 did not use a single engine. Most examples offered a 300 inline-six or one of several V8s—the 360, 390, and 400 cubic inch engines—depending on configuration and build. To determine a specific truck’s engine, inspect engine stamping, badges, the vehicle’s data plate, and any historical records or build sheets. This approach helps confirm whether the engine is factory-original or has been swapped over the years.

What engine does a Ford F-250 have?

6.2L Flex-Fuel Gas V8
The 6.2L SOHC 2-valve flex-fuel V8 engine is the standard powertrain for all-new 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty models. The 6.2L flex-fuel V8 engine was engineered to deliver torque at lower rpm and generate high torque through the midrange of the power band, according to Ford.

How much is a 1972 Ford F250 worth?

The value of a 1972 Ford F-250 varies widely, from a low of around $8,000 to a high of over $349,900 for exceptionally well-restored or modified examples. In good condition with average specs, a 1972 Ford F-250 Custom is valued around $23,287, while a Ranger XLT model is worth about $25,400. Factors like condition, mileage, trim level, and modifications significantly impact the final price. 
Factors affecting value

• Condition: This is the most significant factor, ranging from poor examples needing extensive work to pristine, fully restored trucks. 
• Trim and Options: The specific trim level (e.g., Ranger, Ranger XLT) and options (e.g., Camper Special, Highboy 4x4) play a crucial role. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally commands a higher price. 
• Modifications: Modern engine swaps or other upgrades can increase value, especially for higher-end builds, but some original trucks may be more valuable to purists. 
• History: A vehicle with a well-documented history, especially one with limited use or accident-free status, will be more valuable. 

Examples of recent sale prices

• Average: Around $23,287 for a good-condition Custom, or $25,400 for a good-condition Ranger XLT. 
• High: A rare or exceptional example has sold for as high as $349,900. 
• Low: Poorly maintained examples can sell for as little as $6,600 to $8,000. 

Where to find and price your truck

• Hagerty: Provides detailed valuation tools for specific trim levels and conditions. 
• Classic.com: Offers market data and recent auction results. 
• Bring a Trailer: A good source for seeing what similar trucks have sold for at auction recently. 
• Classics on Autotrader: Lists numerous trucks for sale, giving you a good overview of current asking prices. 
• eBay: Another source for viewing both for-sale and recently sold vehicles. 

How much horsepower did the 1972 302 have?

The 1972 Ford 302 engine produced 140 horsepower (104 kW) when rated in SAE net horsepower, a figure that became standard in 1972 due to changes in how horsepower was measured to reflect real-world output. The engine's SAE gross horsepower rating for the same year was 210 hp, but this earlier method did not account for accessories like the exhaust system. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford 302 engine: 40sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Sep 7, 2024

• SAE Net Horsepower: 140 hp (104 kW) 
• SAE Gross Horsepower: 210 hp (157 kW) 
• Reason for the difference: 1972 was the first year for the new SAE net rating, which provided a more accurate measure of an engine's power by including accessories like the water pump, alternator, and a full exhaust system. The older gross rating was an "at the flywheel" measurement without these components. 

What engine does a 1972 Ford F-250 have?

It offered a range of engine options, including the reliable 240 cubic-inch inline-six and the powerful 390 cubic-inch V8, catering to different performance needs. The F-250 was available in two-wheel and four-wheel- drive configurations, with the 4x4 models being particularly popular among off-road enthusiasts.