What engine does a 1979 Ford F100 have?
There isn’t a single engine for a 1979 Ford F-100; the truck could come with several different powerplants depending on the original build and options chosen.
In 1979, Ford’s half‑ton F‑100 lineup offered a range of engines to balance power and fuel economy, from a durable inline-six to several V8 options. The exact engine on any given truck depended on the specific model, cab/bed configuration, emissions requirements, and the choices made at purchase. A build sheet or VIN would confirm the precise engine.
Engine options in the 1979 F-100
The following options were commonly available across the 1979 F‑100 lineup, though availability could vary by trim and market.
- 300 cubic-inch inline-six (4.9 L)
- 302 cubic-inch V8 (5.0 L)
- 351M V8 (6.6 L)
- 400 V8 (6.6 L)
- 460 V8 (7.5 L) in some heavy‑duty configurations
The exact engine installed in a particular truck would depend on its cab and bed configuration, weight rating, and the emission standards applicable to its year and region. Always verify with the vehicle’s original build data.
Inline-six option: 300
The 300-cubic-inch inline-six was Ford’s durable workhorse for the F‑Series, valued for reliability and torque at low to mid rpm. It was a common choice for buyers prioritizing economy and long service life.
V8 options: 302, 351M, 400
The 302 (5.0 L) V8 offered a practical balance of power and efficiency for everyday driving, while the 351M and 400 provided more torque for heavier workloads and towing. These larger V8s were favored by buyers needing stronger pulling capability, albeit with higher fuel consumption.
Big-block option: 460
In certain heavy‑duty configurations, the 460 (7.5 L) big‑block delivered substantial torque for demanding tasks. While not universal on every F‑100, it appeared in some higher‑weight or specialized packages within the F‑Series family.
Summary: The 1979 Ford F‑100 did not have a single engine lineup; it offered a spectrum—from the economical 300 inline-six to several V8 options (302, 351M, 400) and, in select heavy‑duty configurations, the 460 big‑block. The exact engine of a given truck can be confirmed via the original build sheet or VIN.
What engine does the Ford F-100 have?
The F-100 was offered with the gasoline-powered Y-Block 272 V8 and the Lima OHC 2.3L inline-four in both gasoline and dedicated ethanol versions. It was only available in a single cab, short box body style, and 2-wheel drive. The F-100 was discontinued in 1985.
What engine does a 1979 Ford F-150 have?
Here's a breakdown of the engine specifications for all models of the 1979 Ford F150: 4.9L Inline-6 (300 CID): This engine was the base option for many F-150s, known for its reliability and decent fuel efficiency for the time.
What is the best year for a Ford 460 engine?
The best years for the Ford 460 engine are generally considered to be the late-model, fuel-injected versions from 1988 to 1997, as they offer a significant increase in horsepower and torque. However, some enthusiasts prefer the older, pre-1972 engines for their build potential due to slightly different block characteristics. Ultimately, the "best" year depends on the intended use, with the 1988-1997 models being better for reliable daily performance and earlier years being preferred for performance builds.
Late-model (1988-1997)
- Pros:
- Fuel Injection: This is the most significant advantage, providing a major power increase and improved efficiency.
- Horsepower & Torque: The introduction of fuel injection resulted in a substantial jump in power, with a peak of around 245 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque in the final years.
- Reliability: These are reliable workhorses, often with a reputation for lasting a long time with proper maintenance.
- Cons:
- Less "raw" feel: Some traditionalists may prefer the feel of the older, carbureted engines.
Early-model (1968-1971)
- Pros:
- Performance potential: These engines are popular for building high-performance engines because of their inherent design and the ability to use older, performance timing gear sets.
- Stronger block: Some enthusiasts note the early blocks have a slightly different deck height that can be beneficial for building a performance engine.
- Cons:
- Lower stock power: The horsepower and torque ratings were lower compared to the later fuel-injected models.
- Carburetion: carbureted engines can require more frequent tuning and adjustments.
Mid-model (1972-1987)
- Pros:
- Transition period: These years represent a transition between the carbureted era and the fuel-injected era.
- Lower compression: Engines from 1973-1996 were fitted with a lower compression ratio, which reduced horsepower but made them more reliable with unleaded fuel.
- Cons:
- Compromised design: The 1972 model year is often cited as having design issues with the head design that reduced the engine's efficiency and reliability.
What engine is in a 1979 F-100?
1978–1979. In 1978, the 351 Cleveland V-8 replaced the 302 Cleveland V8 in the F-250 and F-350. The 302 Cleveland continued alongside the 351 Cleveland in the F-100. The 4.1 litre inline 6 cylinder continued to be sold across the range.
