What engines were available in a 1959 Ford?
In 1959, Ford offered three main engine categories: the 223 cubic inch inline-six for economy, the older Y-block V8 family in the 272–312 cubic inch range for mid-range power, and the newer FE V8 family in the 332–390 cubic inches for higher performance.
Engine families in Ford's 1959 lineup
Overview of the three main engine families and their typical displacements used in 1959 Ford models.
- Inline-six: 223 cubic inches (the Mileage Maker inline-six used widely in base models for reliability and efficiency).
- Y-block V8: roughly 272 to 312 cubic inches (the older V8 family powering many mid-range Ford cars of the era).
- FE V8: 332 to 390 cubic inches (the newer overhead-valve V8 family delivering stronger performance across the lineup).
These engine families gave Ford buyers a spectrum—from economical daily drivers to more capable performance cars—within the same model year.
How these engines mapped to the 1959 lineup
Inline-six economy
The 223 cubic inch inline-six was commonly used in entry-level and mid-range Ford models, providing durable service and better fuel efficiency for buyers seeking lower operating costs.
- Applied across standard Ford sedans and lower-trim variants where economy was a priority.
In practice, the inline-six offered dependable performance for everyday driving and budget-conscious buyers.
Y-block V8 mid-range power
The Y-block V8 engines powered a broad swath of mid-range and larger Ford cars in 1959, offering more punch than the inline-six without stepping into the top-tier performance category.
- Used in many Fairlane, Custom, and early Galaxie configurations depending on trim and options.
With smoother delivery and more torque than the six, the Y-block V8 represented Ford's standard-performance option before the FE family took broader hold.
FE V8 high-performance
The FE V8 family represented Ford's performance-focused option in 1959, employed across higher-trim models and packages that demanded stronger acceleration and power.
- Displacements included 332, 352, and 390 cubic inches, delivering the most robust output in the lineup.
Across the 1959 lineup, the FE engines allowed Ford to offer sportier and more capable cars without moving into entirely separate model lines.
Summary: Ford's 1959 engine lineup centered on three core families—the 223 cu in inline-six, the Y-block V8 range (roughly 272–312 cu in), and the FE V8 family (332–390 cu in)—giving buyers a broad spectrum of power, efficiency, and price across the year’s models.
What Ford engine to stay away from?
Ford engines to avoid include the 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesels, which had numerous issues like EGR cooler failures and injector problems, and the 5.4L Triton V8 known for spark plug and timing chain problems. Other engines to be cautious of are the 3.8L V6 due to head gasket failures and certain EcoBoost engines, especially early 1.0L and 1.6L models, which have faced issues like premature timing belt wear and overheating.
You can watch this video to learn about some of the worst Ford engines ever made: 59sCar WisdomsYouTube · May 2, 2025
Engines with high failure rates
- 6.0L and 6.4L Power Stroke diesel engines: These engines (2003-2007 and 2008-2010, respectively) are notorious for expensive problems, including head gasket failures, injector issues, and turbocharger failures.
- 5.4L Triton V8: This engine (1997-2010) is infamous for spark plugs breaking during removal and cam phaser/timing chain issues.
- 3.8L SX V6: From 1982 to 2008, this engine had issues with weak head bolts causing head gasket failures, and early versions were prone to coolant leaks.
This video discusses the 5.4L Triton V8 in detail: 53sSeats & WheelsYouTube · Aug 10, 2025
Problematic EcoBoost engines
- 1.0L EcoBoost (early versions): Early models used a rubber timing belt in hot engine oil, which could degrade and clog the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation and engine damage.
- 1.6L EcoBoost: This engine has been associated with overheating and coolant leaks.
- 3.5L EcoBoost: Problems can include carbon buildup, premature timing chain wear, and water pump failures.
- 2.7L EcoBoost: Early models (around 2016-2017) experienced issues with defective valve guides, excessive oil consumption, and leaking plastic oil pans.
You can watch this video for more information about EcoBoost engine issues: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Nov 15, 2025
What is the difference between a Ford 427 and 428?
The main difference is that the Ford 427 was a high-revving, racing engine with a bigger bore and shorter stroke, while the 428 was a lower-RPM, torque-focused engine with a smaller bore and longer stroke designed for the street. The 427 was more expensive to build due to its racing-oriented features, whereas the 428 was simpler and cheaper, using many parts from other engines in its family.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences between the Ford 427 and 428 engines: 1mEpic MotorsYouTube · May 21, 2025
Ford 427
- Purpose: A dedicated high-performance racing engine.
- Bore/Stroke: Larger bore (4.254.254.25 inches) and shorter stroke (3.783.783.78 inches).
- Construction: More expensive to build, with features like a forged steel crank, cross-bolted main bearing caps, and a side-oiling system.
- Performance: Designed to operate at higher RPMs and was a dominant force in NASCAR and drag racing.
Ford 428
- Purpose: A street-oriented, high-torque engine for everyday performance.
- Bore/Stroke: Smaller bore (4.134.134.13 inches) and a longer stroke (3.983.983.98 inches).
- Construction: A simpler and cheaper design, often based on the 390 and built with a cast crank and 2-bolt mains.
- Performance: Known for its strong low-end torque, making it feel powerful at lower RPMs. The high-performance 428 Cobra Jet is a well-known version of this engine.
What engine came in a 1959 Ford F100?
Engines:
| Engine | Years |
|---|---|
| 223 CID Mileage Maker I6 | 1958–1960 |
| 272 CID Y-block V8 | 1958 |
| 292 CID Y-block V8 | 1959–1960 |
What engines were available in the 1959 Ford Fairlane?
The 1959 Ford Fairlane offered several engine options, including a standard 223-cid inline-6 and a 292-cid V8. For those seeking more power, a 332-cid V8 was also available, and a top-of-the-line 352-cid V8 was offered, which produced 300 horsepower.
Engine options
- 223 cu in (3.7 L) "Mileage Maker" I6: The base engine, as seen in some Fairlane 500 models.
- 292 cu in (4.8 L) "Thunderbird" V8: A common upgrade that produced 200 hp.
- 332 cu in (5.4 L) "Interceptor" V8: Another available V8 option for 1958-1959 models.
- 352 cu in (5.8 L) "Interceptor" V8: The most powerful engine, generating 300 hp with a 4-barrel carburetor.
