What engines were available in a 1977 Ford F150?
The 1977 Ford F-150 offered a six-engine lineup, spanning a 300 cubic inch inline-six and several V8s from 302 to 460 cubic inches. This broad mix aimed to cover basic work-truck use through heavy-haul tasks.
In this article, we explain the engine options Ford offered for the 1977 F-150, how they were distributed across different trims and drivetrains, and what buyers could expect in terms of capability and configuration.
Engine lineup for the 1977 F-150
The following are the engine options Ford offered for the 1977 F-150 across the full-size F-Series lineup.
- 300 cubic inch inline-six (4.9 L) – base engine known for durability and fuel economy
- 302 cubic inch V8 (5.0 L Windsor) – small-block V8 commonly paired with mid-range trims
- 351 Windsor V8 (5.8 L) – higher-torque option for heavier workloads
- 360 cubic inch V8 (5.9 L) – medium-displacement V8 widely used in trucks
- 400 cubic inch V8 (6.6 L) – large-displacement V8 for heavy-duty use
- 460 cubic inch V8 (7.5 L) – the largest engine option for maximum towing/hauling
Availability of these engines varied by cab/bed configuration, drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4), and emissions regulations by market. Not every engine was offered with every transmission or body style in 1977.
Inline-six option
The 300 cu in inline-six served as the workhorse for buyers prioritizing reliability and economy. It was commonly found in base trims and configurations where daily hauling and long-distance travel mattered more than peak torque.
V8 family overview
The V8 options ranged from the 302 (5.0 L) Windsor to the big-block 460 (7.5 L). The 351 Windsor and 360 were mid-to-large displacement choices, while the 400 offered strong bottom-end torque for heavier loads. Carburator technology varied, with some engines using 2-barrel or 4-barrel setups and emissions features that differed by region and year.
Summary
The 1977 Ford F-150 offered a diverse engine lineup, from a fuel-efficient inline-six to several V8s spanning 5.0 to 7.5 liters, designed to cover a range of use cases—from everyday driving to demanding work and towing. Availability depended on configuration, so buyers faced a choice in how much power, torque, and robustness they needed.
What engine came in the 1977 F-150?
The 1977 Ford F-150 came with several engine options, including the base 300 cubic inch (4.9L) inline-six, the 302 V8, the 351M V8, and the more powerful 400 V8. Larger big-block options like the 460 V8 were also available, though they may not have been standard on all models.
- Inline-Six: The 300 cubic inch (4.9L) inline-six was the base engine option.
- Small-Block V8s:
- 302 cubic inch (5.0L) V8
- 351M cubic inch (5.8L) V8
- Big-Block V8s:
- 400 cubic inch (6.6L) V8, which was a new option for the 1977 model year
- 460 cubic inch (7.5L) V8
How much horsepower does a 1977 Ford 302 have?
A 1977 Ford 302 engine produced approximately 134 to 140 horsepower, depending on the specific vehicle and carburetor setup. Due to emissions regulations and fuel economy standards at the time, horsepower was significantly lower than in earlier models.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Ford 302 engine's performance characteristics: 57sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Sep 6, 2024
- 1977 Ford 302: The standard two-barrel carburetor version was rated at around 140 hp.
- Mid-1970s: Ford also produced a 134 hp version for the 1976-1977 model years.
- Context: This low horsepower rating was a direct result of efforts to meet stricter fuel mileage and emissions requirements.
- Earlier models: In contrast, earlier 302 engines from the late 1960s and early 1970s, before these regulations, were significantly more powerful, often producing over 200 horsepower.
What was the worst year for the F-150?
2004-2008
Avoid the 2004-2008 5.4L Triton V8 entirely—it's the worst engine Ford ever installed in the F-150, typically requiring $3,000-$5,500 in repairs before 150,000 miles. Generation matters significantly.
What is a 1977 Ford F150 worth today?
A 1977 Ford F-150's value today ranges widely from approximately $5,000 for a project/project-needing truck to over $50,000 for a pristine or highly modified example. An average condition truck in good shape is typically worth around $19,810, though listing prices for average to good condition vehicles are often seen between $10,000 and $30,000.
Factors that influence the value
- Condition: Rust, engine issues, or a poor interior will lower the value, while a well-maintained or fully restored truck will command a higher price.
- Mileage: Lower mileage is generally better, though a truck with extremely high mileage may be a better value if it is in good running order.
- Originality: A factory-correct truck will likely be worth more to a purist than a heavily modified one, unless the modifications are high-quality and desirable.
- History: A truck with a clean title and a long, documented history is more valuable than one with a salvage title or accident history.
- Rarity and Desirability: Specific trims, like the Camper Special or a 4x4 model, can be more sought after and drive up the price.
Examples of recent sales and listings
- Low end: A truck in poor condition or needing extensive work might sell for as little as $5,000-$7,000.
- Average: A truck in good condition with average mileage might be valued around $19,810, with many examples listed in the $10,000-$30,000 range.
- High end: Exceptionally well-maintained or custom builds can sell for upwards of $50,000 to $70,000 or even more at auction.
