What engines were available in 1972 Ranchero?
The 1972 Ford Ranchero, a versatile and stylish car-truck hybrid, offered a range of engine options to cater to different performance needs and preferences. Whether you were looking for a reliable daily driver or a powerful workhorse, the Ranchero had something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the engine options available for the 1972 Ranchero and what made each one unique.
Overview of Engine Options
Ford designed the 1972 Ranchero with a variety of engines to suit a wide range of customers. These engines spanned from economical six-cylinder options to high-performance V8s. Below is a breakdown of the engines available:
- 200 CID Inline-6: This was the base engine, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and reliability. It was ideal for those who needed a practical vehicle for everyday use.
- 250 CID Inline-6: A step up from the 200 CID, this engine provided slightly more power while maintaining good fuel economy.
- 302 CID V8: Known as the "Windsor" engine, this small-block V8 was a popular choice for those seeking more power without sacrificing too much efficiency.
- 351 CID V8 (Cleveland): Available in both 2-barrel and 4-barrel carburetor configurations, this engine offered a significant boost in performance, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
- 400 CID V8: This engine was designed for those who needed extra torque for towing or hauling, providing a robust and reliable option.
- 429 CID V8 (
As the owner of Kevin's Autos, a trusted auto service provider with years of expertise, I'm excited to delve into the engine options available in the 1972 Ford Ranchero. This iconic vehicle, blending the utility of a pickup with the comfort of a sedan, was a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and stylish mode of transportation.
The Standard Engine: 302 V8
The standard engine offered in the 1972 Ford Ranchero was the 302 cubic inch (5.0-liter) V8 engine. This powerplant was a reliable and well-proven design, delivering a respectable 210 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 302 V8 was known for its smooth operation and decent fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice among Ranchero owners.
Optional Upgrades: Larger Displacement V8s
In addition to the standard 302 V8, Ford also offered several larger displacement V8 engines as optional upgrades for the 1972 Ranchero. These included:
- 351 Windsor V8: Displacing 351 cubic inches (5.8 liters), this engine produced 240 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque.
- 429 Cobra Jet V8: The top-of-the-line engine option, the 429 Cobra Jet V8 boasted 370 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive performance.li>
These larger V8 engines were popular among buyers who sought more power and acceleration, particularly for towing or hauling heavy loads. The 351 Windsor and 429 Cobra Jet engines offered a significant boost in performance over the standard 302 V8.
Transmission Choices
The 1972 Ford Ranchero was available with a variety of transmission options to complement the engine choices. Buyers could select from a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, or a three-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmissions provided a more engaging driving experience, while the automatic offered a more convenient and comfortable option for daily driving.
Regardless of the engine or transmission configuration, the 1972 Ford Ranchero was a versatile and capable vehicle that could handle a wide range of tasks, from hauling cargo to providing a comfortable ride. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the thoughtful engineering and design that went into this iconic American automobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the best year for the Ranchero?
Ranchero production was modest, with 508,355 sold in 22 years. The best years were 40,334 in 1972 and 45,741 in '73, but sales were usually half that. The rarest model is 1958, when only 9950 left the factory—fewer than half the 21,696 sold in the launch year.
What is the rarest Ford Ranchero?
Ford sold nearly 8,000 Ranchero GTs in 1970 and 1971. Of those, less than 5% were equipped with a 429 engine. With such low production figures, a highly original, 429-powered, fifth-gen Ranchero GT is an extremely rare find these days, and when one does pop up at an auction, it usually racks up high bids.
What was the best year for the Ford Ranchero?
Ranchero production was modest, with 508,355 sold in 22 years. The best years were 40,334 in 1972 and 45,741 in '73, but sales were usually half that. The rarest model is 1958, when only 9950 left the factory—fewer than half the 21,696 sold in the launch year.
How much can a 72 Ranchero tow?
Rancheros are available with Class II (2000-3500 lb.) and Class III (3500-6000 lb.) trailer towing packages. Brakes: Self-adjusting front disc (10.7" diameter) and rear flared drum (10" x 2"), dual master cylinder hydrau- lic system, foot-operated parking brakes.
How much horsepower does a 1972 Ford Ranchero have?
Engine & Transmission
V 8 Displacement : 5752 cc | 351.0 cu in. | 5.8 L. Power : 153 HP (112.608 KW) @ 3800 RPM Bore : 4.0 in | 102 mm. Stroke : 3.5 in | 89 mm.
What engine is in a 73 Ranchero?
The 302-cu. in. V-8 is standard in the Ranchero GT; the 250-cu.
What engines came in the Ford Rancheros?
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.
What was the best year of the Ford Ranchero?
Ranchero production was modest, with 508,355 sold in 22 years. The best years were 40,334 in 1972 and 45,741 in '73, but sales were usually half that. The rarest model is 1958, when only 9950 left the factory—fewer than half the 21,696 sold in the launch year.
How many 1972 Ford Ranchero were made?
40,334
How much is a 1972 Ford Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,217 for a 1972 Ford Ranchero 500 in good condition with average spec.
