What engines were available in the 1979 Ford Ranchero GT?
The 1979 Ranchero GT offered two primary V8 engines: a 5.0-liter (302 cubic inch) Windsor V8 as the standard engine and a 5.8-liter (351 cubic inch) Windsor V8 as an optional upgrade. This reflected Ford’s mid‑size, Torino-based performance strategy for that year.
Engine options for the Ranchero GT
The following options were commonly documented for the 1979 Ranchero GT in brochures and dealer materials of the era.
- 5.0 L V8 (302 cubic inches) — Windsor family; typically the baseline GT engine
- 5.8 L V8 (351 cubic inches) — Windsor family; available as an upgrade for more torque and power
Availability could vary by production date, region, and option groups. The larger 6.6 L (400 cubic inches) big-block is not widely documented as a GT option for that year.
Context and drivetrain pairing
In 1979 the Ranchero shared its powertrain with Ford's Torino/Gran Torino family, with V8s paired to manual or automatic transmissions depending on the build. Emissions controls and regional regulations affected carburetion and exhaust details across markets.
Verification and records
For definitive engine identification on a specific Ranchero GT, check the vehicle’s build sheet, window sticker, or dealership order form. Original brochures from Ford’s 1979 catalog provide authoritative confirmation of available configurations.
Summary
In sum, the 1979 Ranchero GT offered two primary V8 engines—the 5.0-liter Windsor V8 and the 5.8-liter Windsor V8—with the latter serving as the optional upgrade for more power. Vehicle-specific engine availability should be confirmed via production documentation.
How much is a 1979 Ford Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,925 for a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500? The highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Ranchero 500 at auction over the last three years was $26,250.
How much horsepower does a 1979 302 have?
around 140 horsepower
5.0L V8 (302 CID): A step up in terms of power, the 302 V8 offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making around 140 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque.
What was the best year for the Ford Ranchero?
Per Ford's archives, a total of 508,355 units were built over the model's 22-year run. The best-selling model year for the Ranchero was 1973, with a total of 45,741 sold, and the lowest production total was in 1958, with just 9,950 models rolling off the assembly line.
What motor came in a 1979 Ford Ranchero?
Seventh generation (1977–1979)
The same three models available since 1968 were still offered and the Ranchero could be ordered in quite luxurious form. Engines fitted went up to the 400 cu in (6.6 L). Production ceased in 1979 with, among the traditional choices, a commemorative "1979½" model.
