What years did Ford use a 292 engine?

Ford used a 292 cubic-inch V8 primarily in the late 1950s to the early 1960s as part of the Y-block family.

The 292 CID V8 was part of Ford’s Y-block lineup and appeared in a limited range of Ford division models, with production windows that varied by year and model across Ford, Mercury, and related lines. For precise year-by-model details, consult vintage Ford catalogs or dedicated engine databases.

Background on the 292 Y-block V8

The 292 cubic-inch V8 is one of several displacement options that Ford offered within the Y-block family, a lineage that competed with other early overhead-valve V8s before Ford shifted toward newer designs. While not the most widely-used member of the Y-block lineup, the 292 was positioned as a higher-performance option in select applications during its era.

Era and model usage

Below is a general guide to when the 292 appeared, noting that exact availability varied by model and market.

• Late 1950s to early 1960s: The 292 CID V8 appeared as a larger-engine option in certain Ford division full-size cars and related models, within the broader Y-block family.


• Early to mid-1960s: Availability continued in some configurations, with Ford gradually phasing in newer engine lineups and displacements across the lineup.


• Mid-1960s and beyond: The 292 became less common in mainstream passenger cars as Ford shifted emphasis to newer designs and larger displacement families; it persisted in some niche or older-stock applications.

In short, the 292 CID V8 lived in Ford’s catalog primarily from the late 1950s through the early to mid-1960s, with exact year-by-model coverage varying by market and configuration.

Summary: The Ford 292 CID V8 was a late-1950s to early-1960s engine within the Y-block family. It appeared in a limited set of models rather than as a universal option across the lineup, and precise years depend on the specific model and market. For the most accurate details, reference period catalogs and model-specific Ford documentation.

Summary

The 292 CID V8 mark in Ford history is a snapshot of the late 1950s to early 1960s era, reflecting Ford’s experimentation within the Y-block family and its selective deployment in certain models rather than a long-running staple in the post-1960s lineup.

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

How much horsepower does a 292 Ford engine have?

Horsepower ranged from 162 for a two-barrel 272 at 7.6:1 compression, up to 198 for a four-barrel 292 with 8.5:1 heads, all at 4400 rpm. All Y-blocks now came with a vibration damper and lower-restriction oil-bath air cleaner.

What year did the 292 engine come out?

1963
The High Torque 292 engine, displacing 292 cubic inches (4.8 L), was used in Chevrolet and GMC trucks beginning in 1963 and Step-Van/Value-Vans beginning in 1964.

What year did Ford make the 292?

The 292 cu in (4,778 cc) Y-Block was also introduced in 1955. The 292 shared the 3.3 in (83.82 mm) stroke of the 272 but with a larger 3.75 in (95.25 mm) bore. It was used in the Ford Thunderbird, 1959-60 Edsel, Mercury, and some high-end Ford cars.