What engine is in a 1987 Ford F-150?
In 1987, the Ford F-150 offered several engine choices. The most common options were the 4.9L inline-six, the 5.0L V8, the 5.8L V8, and, in heavier-duty configurations, the 7.5L V8. The exact engine depends on the truck’s trim and options chosen at purchase.
Engine options for the 1987 F-150
The following engines were available across the 1987 F-150 lineup, chosen to balance power, towing, and daily driving needs.
- 4.9L inline-six (Ford/International 300 series)
- 5.0L V8 (302 Windsor)
- 5.8L V8 (351 Windsor)
- 7.5L V8 (460 big-block) for select heavy-duty configurations
These options gave buyers a range from economical six-cylinder performance to larger V8 power for towing and payload, with the 7.5L reserved for the heavier-duty end of the spectrum.
How to verify the engine in your specific 1987 F-150
If you’re trying to confirm which engine your particular truck has, use these steps to verify without guessing based on model alone.
- Check the engine stamping on the block for the displacement code (4.9, 5.0, 5.8, or 7.5) and family identifiers.
- Inspect the engine bay labeling (air cleaner stamp, valve cover inscriptions, and nearby tags) for a code that matches Ford’s engine codes for 1987 F-Series trucks.
- Consult the door jamb or glovebox build tag or your VIN decoding information to cross-reference the engine option code with the original factory configuration.
- Match the visual cues: inline-six configurations look different from V8s; the 7.5L big-block has distinctive big-block features compared to the smaller Windsor-based engines.
If you’re unsure, provide the VIN to a Ford dealer or a trusted vintage-truck specialist; they can verify the exact factory engine option for that truck.
Context and impact for practitioners
For owners restoring or maintaining a 1987 F-150, understanding the engine option is important for parts compatibility and service schedules. The four main choices—4.9L I6, 5.0L V8, 5.8L V8, and the 7.5L V8—span a wide range of maintenance needs, from carbureted air intake setups to distributor-based ignition and varying exhaust configurations.
In summary, the 1987 Ford F-150 did not have a single standard engine; it offered a small-block inline-six and several V8s, with a heavy-duty 7.5L V8 available on select configurations. Identifying the exact engine involves checking stamping codes, labels, and the vehicle’s VIN, rather than relying on appearance alone.
Summary: The 1987 F-150 could come with a 4.9L inline-six, a 5.0L V8, a 5.8L V8, or, in heavier-duty builds, a 7.5L V8. Verification should rely on engine stamping, labels, and VIN decoding to determine the precise factory engine for a given truck.
How much is a 1987 Ford F-150 worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,942 for a 1987 Ford F-150 1/2 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What was special about the 1987 F-150?
The exterior was facelifted with new composite headlamps – the first American truck to have them – as part of a more aerodynamic front end. Inside, the interior was given a complete redesign. Rear antilock brakes were now standard, the first pickup truck to boast this.
How much horsepower does a 1987 Ford f150 5.0 have?
By 1987, the 5.0L V8 had switched to fuel injection, delivering improved performance and efficiency. This era saw the F-150 offering engines that produced modest power by today's standards, with the 5.0L V8 generating approximately 135-150 kW (180-200 horsepower).
Is the Ford 5.0 302 a good engine?
The 302 has been around forever. It's a good solid motor. You just have to make sure you do your maintenance like oil change air filter. Ect and it will last a long time. I've had 5 different trucks with 302s in them .
