What engine is in a 1978 Ford F-350?
There isn’t a single engine for every 1978 Ford F-350; buyers could choose among several gasoline V8s, depending on configuration. The most common options were the 360, 390, and 460 cubic-inch engines.
In detail, Ford’s 1978 F-Series heavy-duty trucks used the FE-family V8 lineup carried over from the previous years, with the base engine generally a 360 or 390 cubic-inch V8 and a large-bore 460 V8 available for heavier-duty payloads and towing. Availability varied by cab/bed setup, 4x4 drive, and whether the truck had manual or automatic transmission.
Engine options for the 1978 Ford F-350
The following list summarizes the typical gasoline V8 options that were offered for the 1978 F-350. Exact availability could vary by trim, cab/bed configuration, and market region.
- 360 cubic inch V8 (5.9 L) — a common base-to-mid-range gasoline V8 across many F-Series configurations.
- 390 cubic inch V8 (6.4 L) — a larger FE V8 used for higher torque and capability in many heavy-duty trucks.
- 460 cubic inch V8 (7.5 L) — the big-block option for maximum towing and payload in the F-350 heavy-duty lineup.
These engines represent the core gasoline powerplants typically found in 1978 F-350 models. Diesel options were not standard in this year, with diesel powerplants becoming available in later Ford heavy-duty lines.
Summary
The 1978 Ford F-350 offered multiple gasoline engine options rather than a single engine. Buyers generally chose among the 360, 390, and 460 cubic-inch V8s, with availability dependent on the truck’s configuration. For buyers seeking heavy-duty towing and payload, the 460 was the preferred option; for more general use, the 360 or 390 provided ample capability.
