What engine was in the 1958 Ford?
Ford’s 1958 lineup was powered primarily by the newly introduced FE V8 family, available in 332, 352, and 390 cubic inches, with a 223 cubic inch inline-six offered for economy models.
Context: Ford’s engine strategy in 1958
The 1958 model year marked a major engineering shift for Ford, as the automaker rolled out the FE (Ford*Edsel*) V8 family to replace the older Y-block designs in most full-size cars. The FE engines were praised for smoother operation, greater displacement options, and improved cooling and durability. Alongside the V8s, Ford continued to offer traditional inline-six power for buyers seeking lower initial cost and better fuel economy.
The FE V8 family
The core powerplants for many 1958 Ford models were the FE V8s, which came in several displacements to meet different trim levels and performance goals.
- 332 cubic inches (5.4 L)
- 352 cubic inches (5.8 L)
- 390 cubic inches (6.4 L)
These engines were typically paired with multiple carburetion and gearing options across the model range, offering a balance of performance and durability for daily driving and highway cruising.
Inline-six and alternative options
For buyers prioritizing economy or lower upfront cost, Ford continued to offer an inline-six option in 1958, expanding powertrain choices beyond the FE V8 lineup.
- 223 cubic inches (3.7 L) inline-six
The inline-six provided a simpler, lighter alternative to the FE V8s and was common in lower-trim or more economical configurations, especially on models aimed at fleet or budget-conscious buyers.
Model coverage and practical implications
Across the 1958 Ford lineup, the FE V8 engines dominated the mid-to-upper range models, delivering stronger performance for popular cars such as the Fairlane and Custom/Ford operatives of the era. The inline-six served as the economical backbone for entry-level configurations, making the 1958 Ford family distinct for offering a clear two-pronged approach to power: robust V8 performance or economical six-cylinder efficiency.
- The FE V8s were standard or available on most full-size Ford and Mercury models.
- The inline-six 223 remained a common option for base trims and fleet-oriented variants.
In practice, buyers choosing a 1958 Ford could expect either a notably stronger FE V8 experience or a more modest six-cylinder setup, depending on their model, trim level, and price target.
Why this shift mattered
The move to the FE family represented Ford’s strategic push toward modern, higher-displacement V8s with improved reliability and cooling efficiency. The lineup helped Ford compete more effectively in the late-1950s market, delivering higher performance without sacrificing everyday usability. The FE engines would go on to power a broad swath of Ford and Mercury products through the early 1960s, cementing their place in Ford’s powertrain history.
Summary
In short, the 1958 Ford was powered primarily by the FE V8 engines—332, 352, and 390 cubic inches—alongside a 223 cubic inch inline-six for more economical models. This combination marked a pivotal shift in Ford’s engineering approach, pairing modern V8 performance with accessible six-cylinder options to cover a wide range of buyers and driving needs.
Was the Y-block a good engine?
Comments The y block had some complexities, but one you figure it out the engine is very easy to maintain, exceptionally durable, and quite powerful. It is my favorite engine ever.
What size engine is in a 1958 Ford Fairlane?
Second generation (1957–1959)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Chassis | body-on-frame |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 223 cu in (3.7 L) Mileage Maker I6 292 cu in (4.8 L) Thunderbird V8 312 cu in (5.1 L) Thunderbird V8 (1957) 332 cu in (5.4 L) Interceptor V8 (1958–1959) 352 cu in (5.8 L) Interceptor V8 (1958–1959) |
Did Ford ever make a 383 engine?
The Ford MEL is a big-block 90° V8 engine family produced in various configurations by the Ford Motor Company between 1958 and 1967 in displacements from 383–462 cubic inches (6.3–7.6 L), and used in Ford, Edsel, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles.
What is the difference between Ford 427, 428, and 429 engines?
427 and 428 are FE medium blocks. (4.63" bore spacing) 429 is a 385 series big block. (4.9" bore spacing) Godzilla engine is 4.53" Windsor & Cleveland small blocks are 4.38" bore spacing. 428 and 427 are FE engines but very different bore and strokes 427~ 4.23”x3.
