What is the smallest V8 Ford made?
The smallest V8 Ford ever produced is the flathead V-8 known as the V8-60, a 136 cubic inch (about 2.23 liters) engine that delivered roughly 60 horsepower when it debuted in 1932. It was Ford’s entry‑level V8, designed to offer affordable V8 power during the depths of the Great Depression.
Origins and specifications
The V8-60 was developed to bring V8 performance to a wider audience at a price point lower than Ford’s larger flathead V8. It made its first appearance in 1932 and powered several light‑weight Ford models, as well as some Mercury offerings, during the early 1930s. The engine is a traditional Ford flathead V8, part of the company’s strategy to broaden access to V8 power.
Key facts about the V8-60 include its displacement, horsepower, and role in Ford’s lineup. The following snapshot highlights those core details.
- Displacement: 136 cubic inches (2.23 liters)
- Horsepower: approximately 60 hp
- Engine type: Ford flathead V8
- Typical applications: entry‑level Ford models and select Mercury derivatives in the early 1930s
In practice, the V8-60 offered the benefits of V8 power with a simpler, lighter design, enabling Ford to price models more competitively during a challenging economic era. It was not the most powerful V8 in Ford’s stable, but it fulfilled a crucial niche: affordable V8 capability for a broad customer base.
Historical context and impact
Introducing the V8-60 in 1932 marked a strategic shift for Ford, expanding V8 availability beyond the upper‑trim lines and luxury models. By offering a smaller, more economical V8, Ford could attract buyers who previously stayed with four‑cylinder engines, while still delivering the torque and smoothness associated with V8 power.
Legacy and modern perspective
Today, the V8-60 is remembered as Ford’s first substantial step toward making V8 propulsion affordable for a mass market. It stands as a milestone in Ford’s engineering history, illustrating how the company leveraged smaller displacement and straightforward design to broaden its customer reach during economic hardship.
Summary
The smallest Ford V8 ever produced is the V8-60: a 136 cu in (2.23 L) flathead V8 delivering around 60 horsepower, introduced in 1932 to broaden access to V8 power. It played a pivotal role in Ford’s strategy to offer affordable V8 performance during the early 1930s and remains a notable chapter in the company’s long engine‑development story.
What is the difference between a 260 V8 and a 289?
The main differences between the Ford 260 and 289 V8 engines are bore size, power output, and some internal components, with the 289 being a more powerful, later development. The 260 has a 3.80-inch bore and was used in early models like the 1962-1964 1/2 Mustang, while the 289 has a larger 4.00-inch bore and came in multiple performance versions. Visually, you can sometimes distinguish them by checking the engine block casting number, the space between the motor mount bolt holes (7 inches for 289 vs. 6 inches for 260), or by noting that 289 heads generally have larger intake valves.
This video explains the difference between the Ford 289 and 302 engines: 59sBullnoseGarageYouTube · Sep 6, 2024
Key differences
| Feature | Ford 260 | Ford 289 |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 260 cubic inches | 289 cubic inches |
| Bore | 3.803.803.80 inches | 4.004.004.00 inches |
| Motor Mount Bolt Hole Spacing | 6 inches | 7 inches |
| Intake Valve | Smaller | Larger |
| Horsepower | ~164 hp (in early Mustangs) | Ranged from 195 hp to 271+ hp depending on the version |
| Development | Predecessor to the 289 | Developed in 1963, became a more popular and powerful option for later models |
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How to tell them apart
- Check the casting number: A 260 block might have a casting number starting with C2OE-, C3OE-, or C4OE-B/-E, while a 289 might have a C4OE-C/-F or C5AE-E.
- Inspect the motor mounts: If you can measure, the distance between the motor mount bolt holes is 7 inches on a 289 and 6 inches on a 260.
- Examine cylinder heads: 289 heads typically have a larger intake valve and a slightly different casting around the intake manifold bolt holes compared to a 260.
- Look at the intake manifold and carburetor: The 289 often came with a larger carburetor and intake manifold, though this can be modified.
Is a 302 5.0 a small block?
In production with several versions for over 30 years, Ford's 302 small-block Windsor V-8 is considered one of the finest engines the brand ever built.
Is the Ford 3.9 V8 a good engine?
The Ford 3.9 V8 is not widely considered a "good" engine due to a mix of performance limitations and reliability issues, particularly with the Jaguar AJ-V8-derived version used in cars like the 2002 Thunderbird. While some variants have a good reputation, the specific versions used in mass-market Ford and Lincoln vehicles received mixed reviews for being underpowered compared to their potential and for suffering from significant problems, especially in later models.
You can watch this video to learn why the Ford Thunderbird with the 3.9L V8 engine is considered a retro failure: 55sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Sep 5, 2019
Performance and power
- Underpowered: The 3.9L V8, used in the 2002-2003 Thunderbird, produced around 250-280 horsepower, which was considered disappointing for a V8 engine at the time.
- Limited potential: While it can be made to produce more power, some experts note that its potential for higher-performance applications is limited compared to other engines, according to Forza Wiki.
Reliability
- Reliability concerns: The engine, particularly the Jaguar AJ-V8 version, had a reputation for poor quality and significant reliability issues.
- Major problems: Specific issues included head gasket problems, which Ford allegedly improved in later models, and a tendency to fail, notes Reddit users.
- V6 comparison: Some even argue that Ford's 3.8L V6 was a more reliable engine than the 3.9L V8.
Overall
- Verdict: The Ford 3.9 V8 is generally not considered a good engine due to its lack of power and poor reliability.
- Alternatives: It's advisable to consider other engines with a better reputation for performance and reliability, such as the 5.0L Coyote V8.
Is there a small block V8?
General Motors' sixth generation Small Block V-8 will arrive for the 2027 model year in two sizes, reckon the folks at GM Authority. The new motor is set to make its debut in the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck but, as with the Gen-V engine, it will find a home across the range.
