What engine does a 1979 F-350 have?
In short, there wasn’t a single engine option for the 1979 F-350; buyers could equip the truck with several V8s or an inline-six depending on the build and intended use. The most common powerplants were the 400 cubic inch V8 and the 460 big-block, with smaller or alternative options available in certain configurations.
This article outlines the likely engine options for the 1979 F-350, how to identify the exact engine in a specific truck, and what those choices meant for performance and machinery used in the late 1970s era.
Engine options in the 1979 F-350
Ford offered a range of engines for the 1979 F-350 depending on the build and intended use, from high-torque big-blocks to more economical six-cylinder configurations. The following list covers the common powerplants used in this generation of trucks.
- 400 cubic inch V8 (about 6.6 liters) — a widely used mid-size V8 for heavier pickups.
- 460 cubic inch V8 (about 7.5 liters) — the big-block option prized for torque and towing capability.
- 351M V8 (about 5.8 liters) — a smaller V8 used on some lighter or more economical configurations.
- 300 inline-six (about 4.9 liters) — a basic, durable six for certain base models.
In practice, the exact engine installed on a 1979 F-350 depended on the factory option package and any subsequent replacements; buyers often chose based on towing needs, economy, and availability at the time.
How to identify the engine in your 1979 F-350
To confirm the specific engine in a 1979 F-350, use a combination of tagging and stamping cues typical of Ford trucks of the era. The following steps help verify the engine type in an existing vehicle.
- Check the engine block for a casting number near the front passenger side; cross-reference the number with Ford’s catalogs to identify the family (for example, 400, 351M, or 460).
- Inspect the engine data tag or stamping on the engine block and valve covers for model-year or displacement indicators.
- Review the truck’s VIN; the 8th digit often encodes the engine family or size depending on the year and region; consult a Ford VIN decoding guide for 1979 trucks.
- Look at the original window sticker, build sheet, or door jamb data plate for the engine option code. This is often the clearest way to confirm the factory-installed engine.
- Ask a professional or reference a trusted archive if you’re unsure, since engine swaps and replacements may obscure factory options.
Identifying the exact engine is important not only for restoration authenticity but also for parts compatibility and maintenance planning on a classic 1979 F-350.
Performance context and expectations
Engine choice on the 1979 F-350 influenced towing capability, daily driveability, and fuel economy, all shaped by late-1970s emissions rules and fuel quality. The bigger the displacement, the more torque available for heavy loads, while smaller engines tended to improve fuel economy on lighter tasks.
In the late 1970s, emissions controls and tuning also reduced peak horsepower compared with earlier years, a factor owners should consider when evaluating restoration or replacement options for a vintage truck.
Summary
The 1979 Ford F-350 did not have a single engine; the lineup spanned several engines, with the 400 (6.6 L) and 460 (7.5 L) big-block V8s being the most common in heavier-duty configurations, alongside smaller options like the 351M V8 and the 300 inline-six in selective builds. Confirming the exact engine requires checking the vehicle’s data plate, engine stamping, or VIN, as factory configurations and later swaps can obscure the original powerplant.
