What motor did the Ford LTD have?
The Ford LTD was offered with a wide range of engines over its long production run; there isn't a single engine that defines the model. Options spanned inline-sixes and a broad spectrum of V8s, from small-blocks to big-blocks, depending on year and market.
Engine families used in the LTD across its lifespan
The following list highlights the main engine families Ford used in the LTD lineup, noting that availability varied by year, trim level, and regional market.
Inline-six and small-block V8 options
- Inline-six engines around 240 cubic inches and 300 cubic inches
- Small-block V8s such as 289 cubic inches, 302 cubic inches, and 351 Windsor
These engines were common in many LTDs, especially in the earlier generation years and in base/standard trims.
Big-block options and later V8s
- Big-block FE family, including the 390 cubic inches
- Rare or optional big-blocks such as 427 cubic inches (FE) on select, high-trim or special-order LTDs
- 385-series big-blocks, including 429 cubic inches and 460 cubic inches
Big-block options appeared on higher-performance or higher-trim LTDs and varied by model year and market.
Because the LTD spanned multiple generations, the exact motor in a given car depends on the production year, region, and the specific configuration chosen at purchase. Checking the vehicle’s VIN, engine code, and original window sticker is the best way to confirm the exact engine for a specific LTD.
Summary
The Ford LTD’s powerplant history reflects Ford’s broader engine lineup across decades: it ranged from inline-sixes to a spectrum of V8s, including small-blocks like the 289/302/351 Windsor and big-blocks such as the 390, 427 (rare), 429, and 460. The exact engine varied by year and market, so the specific motor should be verified for any particular LTD.
What does LTD stand for Ford?
The Legend Begins The LTD (which is rumored to stand for "Limited" or "Luxury Trim Decor") legend began in 1965 as the top-of-the-line trim for the full-size Ford Galaxie. By 1974, it was in its third generation, and its reputation as a "land yacht" was firmly established.
What engine came in a 1972 Ford LTD?
This car has a 429-cubic-inch V8 engine, rated at 205 hp in 1972. This was down from 360 in 1971, due in part to the drop in compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 8.5:1 but also because of the government-mandated change from gross to net horsepower ratings.
What engine was in the Ford LTD 1980?
For its 1980 introduction, Ford produced the LTD Crown Victoria with two engines, both of them V8s: a 130 hp (97 kW) 4.9 L V8 (the previous 302, rounded up to 5.0 L by Ford) was standard, with a 140 hp (100 kW) 5.8 L V8 (351) as an option. The Ford C4 3-speed automatic transmission was paired to both V8 engines.
What engine was in the 1977 Ford LTD?
| Ford LTD II | |
|---|---|
| Related | Ford Ranchero Ford Thunderbird (1977–1979) Mercury Cougar |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 302 CID Windsor V8 351 CID 335 series V8 351 CID Windsor V8 400 CID 335 series V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed Ford C4 automatic 3-speed Ford FMX automatic 3-speed Ford C6 automatic |
