What motor came in a 1978 Ford F350?
There wasn’t a single engine that defined every 1978 Ford F-350; buyers could choose from several gasoline V8 options depending on the build. In practice, the heavy-duty F-350 line offered a pair of larger V8s as the core choices, with smaller V8s available on some configurations.
To understand what this means for a 1978 F-350, it helps to know how Ford stocked the truck during that era. The 1978 model year sat near the tail end of a long run of big-block V8s that powered heavy-duty Ford trucks, with engine choice often tied to trim level, cab/bed configuration, and the intended workload. Below is a breakdown of the main factory gasoline engine options that were commonly paired with the 1978 F-350.
Engine options for the 1978 F-350
The following engines represented the core gasoline powerplants offered by Ford for the 1978 F-350 in many configurations. Availability could vary by market and specific truck build.
- 400 cu in V8 (6.6 L) – A large-displacement V8 that served as a primary big-block option for heavier-duty applications.
- 360 cu in V8 (5.9 L) – A smaller-displacement V8 that appeared in some configurations, offering a balance of power and economy.
- 460 cu in V8 (7.5 L) – A high-torque big-block option favored for serious towing and heavy payloads.
Engine choice in a 1978 F-350 affected towing capacity, payload, and overall performance, and buyers often selected the option that matched their workload and budget. For a precise match on a given truck, checking the VIN, build sheet, or the engine stamp is the best course.
Diesel notes and later developments
Factory diesel options were not standard for the 1978 F-350 in most markets. Ford shifted to other diesel offerings in the following years, with different displacement and injection systems introduced through the 1980s. While aftermarket diesel conversions were possible, they were not the factory-installed configuration for that model year.
How to verify your truck’s engine choice
To confirm an individual F-350’s original motor, look for the build sheet or factory VIN/auditable engine stamps. Cross-reference the door jamb or glovebox codes with Ford’s historical option lists for the year to determine which engine was installed at manufacture.
Summary: The 1978 Ford F-350 did not come with a single engine by default. The familiar gasoline options included the 400 cu in (6.6 L), 360 cu in (5.9 L), and the 460 cu in (7.5 L) V8, with the exact configuration varying by model and build. Diesel options were not standard in 1978, paving the way for later diesel introductions in the Ford heavy-duty line.
How much horsepower does a 1978 Ford 302 have?
The 1978 Ford 302 engine produced approximately 140 horsepower in its most common two-barrel carburetor configuration, a result of reduced compression and power-robbing emissions controls of the era. This was a period of lower horsepower ratings for the 302 compared to earlier versions.
- SAE Net Rating: The most common version of the 1978 302 with a two-barrel carburetor was rated at 140 net horsepower (104 kW).
- Reasons for low power: This low output was due to factors like a two-barrel carburetor, lower compression ratios, and government-mandated emissions equipment that choked performance.
- Comparison to earlier models: This was a significant drop from earlier 302 engines, some of which were rated at over 200 hp (gross) in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Other variations: While 140 hp was the standard, some versions or specific applications might have had slightly different ratings, but the 140 hp figure is the most representative for a typical 1978 application, notes www.mustangspecs.com.
How much is a 1978 Ford f350 worth?
The value of a 1978 Ford F-350 1 Ton can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $17,667 for a 1978 Ford F-350 1 Ton in good condition with average spec.
What engines were available in the 1978 F Series?
1978–1979. In 1978, the 351 Cleveland V-8 replaced the 302 Cleveland V8 in the F-250 and F-350. The 302 Cleveland continued alongside the 351 Cleveland in the F-100. The 4.1 litre inline 6 cylinder continued to be sold across the range.
What engine does a 1979 F350 have?
MMP Rating
| Engine Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Options: | 4.9L 300 Cu. In. I6, 5.8L 351 Cu. In. V8, 6.6L 400 Cu. In. V8, 7.5L 460 Cu. In. V8 |
| Displacement Range: | 300-460 Cu. In. |
| Horsepower Range: | 101-225 HP |
| Torque: | 223-388 lb-ft |
