What Ford engines are considered a big block?
Ford's big-block engines are historically grouped into two families: the FE family (including the 332, 360, 390, 427, and 428 cubic inches) and the 385-series (429 and 460 cubic inches).
These engines are large-displacement V8s built for high torque and horsepower, shaping Ford's performance and heavy‑duty lineups from the late 1950s through the 1990s. This article outlines which engines are typically classified as Ford big-blocks and how they differ from Ford's smaller, lighter engines.
Two main Ford big-block families
FE engine family (332/360/390/427/428)
The FE family was Ford's first widely used big-block lineup, introduced in the late 1950s and continuing through the 1960s. It powered a range of performance cars and trucks, culminating in some of Ford's most famous high-performance models.
- 332 cubic inches
- 360 cubic inches
- 390 cubic inches
- 427 cubic inches
- 428 cubic inches
The FE line gained iconic status with high-performance variants and installations in cars like the Ford Galaxie, Mustang, and various competition setups. It laid the groundwork for Ford's approach to V8 torque and big-block power, before the 385-series took over in the late 1960s.
385-series engines (429/460)
The 385-series arrived in 1968 as Ford's next generation of big-blocks, engineered to deliver even more torque for both performance cars and heavy-duty trucks. The main production members were the 429 and 460 cubic inch engines.
- 429 cubic inches
- 460 cubic inches
In production across decades, the 429 and 460 powered a wide array of Ford vehicles—from torque-rich Mustangs and Torinos to large trucks and industrial applications—cementing the 385-series as Ford's enduring big-block lineage.
Summary
Ford's traditional big-blocks are defined by two families: the FE (332–428 ci) and the 385-series (429/460 ci). Together, they shaped the era of muscle cars and heavy-duty trucks, offering the raw torque and horsepower that defined Ford performance for generations.
What are the big block Ford engines?
The Ford 385 engine family is a series of “big block" overhead valve (OHV) V8 engines designed and manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The family derives its 385 name from the 3.85-inch (98 mm) stroke of the 460 cubic-inch V8 introduced in 1968.
Are Ford FE engines big blocks?
Yes, the Ford FE (Ford-Edsel) engine family is a big-block engine series produced from 1958 to 1976. The FE engines, which include popular displacements like the 390, 406, and 427, are known for their large size, robust construction, and high-performance potential.
- Classification: The FE series was one of Ford's two big-block families, the other being the 385-series (429/460).
- Characteristics: The term "big block" refers to engines with larger bore spacing and physical dimensions compared to "small block" engines. The FE has a bore spacing of 4.6304.6304.630 inches, which is wider than the 4.384.384.38 inch spacing found in small-block Ford engines like the 302/351W.
- History: The FE wasn't initially designated as a "big block" because Ford didn't have "small blocks" to compare it to at the time of its introduction in 1958. It earned the "big block" moniker later, once Ford introduced smaller, lighter engines.
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
Are the 429 and 460 the same block?
No, 429 and 460 Ford blocks are not the same, though they are part of the same engine family and share many components. The primary difference is the crankshaft, which dictates the engine's stroke: the 429 has a shorter 3.59-inch stroke, while the 460 has a longer 3.85-inch stroke. This difference in stroke affects the engine's displacement and powerband, with the 429 designed for higher RPM performance and the 460 for low-end torque.
| Feature | 429 | 460 |
|---|---|---|
| Block | Same block as 460 | Same block as 429 |
| Crankshaft Stroke | 3.59 inches | 3.85 inches |
| Displacement | 429 cubic inches | 460 cubic inches |
| Powerband | Higher RPM, more high-end power | Low-end torque |
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_MtslaYqjO_Dui-gPjMGekAg_169';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
- Shared components: The 429 and 460 share the same block, bore size, and connecting rods.
- Crankshaft: The key difference is the crankshaft. A 429 uses a crankshaft with a 3.59-inch stroke, and a 460 uses a crankshaft with a 3.85-inch stroke.
- Purpose: The 429 was designed for performance applications with a shorter stroke, while the 460 was designed for torque-heavy applications like trucks, with its longer stroke.
- Identification: To tell them apart, you must identify the crankshaft's stroke or casting number, as a basic block casting number may not be sufficient.
