What engine is in a 1970 Ford Ranchero?
A 1970 Ford Ranchero could be equipped with a range of engines, with the most common choices including the 302 cu in V8 and the 351 cu in V8, along with inline-six options.
Engine options for the 1970 Ranchero
Ford offered a mix of inline-six and V8 powertrains for the Ranchero in 1970. The exact engine installed depended on the trim level, option packages, and regional availability.
- 200 cu in inline-six (3.3 L)
- 250 cu in inline-six (4.1 L)
- 302 cu in V8 Windsor (4.9 L)
- 351 cu in V8 Cleveland (5.8 L)
These options provided a spectrum from relatively efficient six-cylinder power to stronger V8 performance, aligning the Ranchero with Ford’s broader lineup of passenger cars and light-duty pickups of the era.
Notes on availability and performance
Horsepower and torque varied by engine configuration, carburetion, and gearing. While the four engines listed above were common, some markets or special editions could have featured additional powerplants. Checking the VIN, build sheet, or original window sticker is the best way to confirm the exact engine in a specific Ranchero.
Summary
The 1970 Ford Ranchero offered multiple engine options rather than a single standard motor: inline-sixes (200 and 250 cu in) and V8s (notably the 302 Windsor and the 351 Cleveland). The exact engine depended on the vehicle’s trim and options, so verify the original configuration for a given unit.
How much is a 1970 Ford Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,183 for a 1970 Ford Ranchero in good condition with average spec.
What was the best year for the Ford Ranchero?
Per Ford's archives, a total of 508,355 units were built over the model's 22-year run. The best-selling model year for the Ranchero was 1973, with a total of 45,741 sold, and the lowest production total was in 1958, with just 9,950 models rolling off the assembly line.
What engine did the Ford Ranchero have?
Engine choices began with the 250 cubic inch I6 and ran to several V8 choices, including the standard 289 with two-barrel carburetor, and the FE-based 390. The powerful 428 cu in (7.0 L) Cobra Jet, another FE derivative and the largest engine offered in the Ranchero to date, was a mid-1968 option.
How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford Ranchero have?
220 horsepower
The standard 1970 Ford Ranchero GT engine is a 302 cubic inch V8 with a maximum output of 220 horsepower and a torque of 300 lb-ft. Next up of the 1979 Ford Ranchero GT engine options is a 351 Cleveland two-barrel with a maximum output of 250 horsepower.
