Ford 385 engine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ford 385 V8 | |
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| Manufacturer: | Ford Motor Company |
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| Production: | 1968–1997 |
| Predecessor: | Ford MEL V8 Ford FE V8 |
| Successor: | Ford Modular V8 Ford Triton/InTech V8 Ford Boss V8 |
| Class: | Big-block OHV V8 |
| Engine: | 370 in³ (6.1 L) 429 in³ (7.0 L) 460 in³ (7.5 L) 512 in³ (8.4 L) |
| Similar: | Buick Big-Block V8 Cadillac Big-Block V8 Chevrolet Big-Block V8 Chrysler RB V8 Chrysler Hemi V8 Oldsmobile Big-Block V8 Pontiac Big-Block V8 |
The Ford 385 engine family was the American Ford Motor Company's final big block V8 engine design, replacing the Ford MEL engine and gradually superseding the Ford FE engine family. This design was a departure from the paradigm utilizing thinwall casting methods and a skirtless block to reduce weight.
It was available in three sizes in production vehicles; 370 in³ (6.1 L) in trucks only, 429 in³ (7.0 L) and 460 in³ (7.5 L). A 512 in³ (8.4 L) crate engine was also available from Ford SVO.
The engines were sold between 1968 and 1997. They were manufactured at Ford's Lima Engine plant at Lima, Ohio. This manufacturing line replaced the Ford MEL engine line in the Lima plant. The FE engines, manufactured in Dearborn, continued in production but saw reduced applications and volume as the 385 engine gradually took over in the Ford line up. The FE went out of production in 1976, leaving the 385 as the only big block.
Besides service in large luxury cars in the 1970s and in trucks throughout its life, the 385 series engine was also popular in motorhomes, marine, and industrial applications. Over 50 varieties were produced in any given year.
As with the FE line of engines, Ford also offered Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet versions of the 429. The Cobra Jet, rated at 370 hp, was equipped with a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor, larger camshaft, 11.3 to 1 compression ratio and a special set of cylinder heads. The Super Cobra Jet, rated at 375 hp, had a 4-bolt main block, a Holley carburetor, and a larger mechanical camshaft. In 1971, the CJ engine also used a 4-bolt main block. However, these engines were actually underrated and produce power in the 440 to 460 hp range. This was done to deceive insurance companies (common practice in that era), so that buyers did not have to pay higher insurance rates.
