What engine is in a 1973 Ford LTD?
There isn’t a single engine for the 1973 LTD; Ford offered several V8 options, with common choices including the 400, 351, 429 and 460.
Engine options in the 1973 Ford LTD
The following options were commonly available across 1973 LTD models, though exact availability depended on trim, body style and market.
- 351 V8
- 400 V8
- 429 V8
- 460 V8
Engine availability varied by model year, configuration and region, with larger displacements typically reserved for higher-trim or performance-oriented packages.
Context: performance and emissions in the era
The early 1970s brought stricter emissions rules and evolving consumer preferences. While full-size V8s remained common, federal regulations often moderated horsepower, making the LTD feel substantial but more restrained than earlier muscle-era offerings. The car’s size and weight meant that any of these V8 options delivered notably different driving characteristics.
How to verify the exact engine in a specific LTD
To confirm the exact engine in a given 1973 LTD, inspect the engine block for a code, check the vehicle’s data plate and VIN documentation, and compare those codes to Ford’s period catalogs or restoration references. The engine type is usually indicated on the engine itself and on the door jamb or firewall tag specific to that vehicle.
Summary
In brief, the 1973 Ford LTD offered multiple V8 engine choices rather than one fixed powerplant. The most common options spanned from mid-sized to large-displacement V8s, and the exact engine depended on the car’s trim and production specifics. For owners or restorers, verifying the engine code on the block and matching it to period documentation is the reliable way to identify the exact powerplant.
