Ford 385 engine

Ford 385 V8 (Boss 429 shown)

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1968–1997
Predecessor	Ford MEL V8 Ford Super Duty truck engine
Successor	Ford Modular V8 Ford Triton/InTech V8 Ford Boss V8
Configuration	Big-block OHV V8

The Ford 385 engine family (the name coming from the 3.85 inch crankshaft stroke of the 460 V8^{[citation needed]}) was the 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 cu in (6.1 L) in medium-duty trucks only, 429 cu in (7.0 L) and 460 cu in (7.5 L). A 514 cu in (8.4 L) crate engine was also available from Ford SVO.

The engines were sold between 1968 and 1997. It was introduced in the Ford Thunderbird in 1968 and replaced the FE in Ford's full-size cars in 1969. Production ended with the ninth generation Ford F-Series truck in the 1996/7 model year. 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. The 370 replaced the 361 FE in 1978 and the 429 replaced the Super Duty (401/477/534) engines in 1982.

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 (280 kW), was equipped with a Rochester Quadrajet 715 cfm 4 BBL carburetor, larger camshaft, 11.3 to 1 compression ratio and a special set of cylinder heads. The Super Cobra Jet, rated at 375 hp (280 kW), had a 4-bolt main block, a Holley 780 cfm 4BBL carburetor, and a larger mechanical camshaft. In 1971, the CJ engine also used a 4-bolt main block. However, these engines were actually derated and produced power in the 440–460 hp range.^{[citation needed]} This was done to deceive insurance companies (common practice in that era), so that buyers did not have to pay higher insurance rates.

Ford also offered Police Interceptor versions of the 429 and 460. Horsepower ratings ranged anywhere from 240 BHP to 375 GROSS. The 1971 429 Police Interceptor, with 11-1 compression (which is basically a very slight beefier version of the 429 Cobra Jet) rated at 375 Horsepower (295 Net). The 460 Police and 460 Police Interceptor were commonly confused with each other. One being a basic 460 with additional cooling bolt-ons, and the more powerful 460 Police Interceptor, with its higher lift camshaft and better flowing heads and exhaust. The 1974 460 Police Interceptor, with 8.8-1 compression was rated at 260 Horsepower (340 Gross).

Specifications

460
Stroke: 3.85"
Bore: 4.360"
Rod length: 6.605"
Deck height (early block): 10.300" or 10.310"
Deck height (late block, D9TE): 10.322"
Chamber size (C8VE/C9VE/D0VE): ~72 cc
Chamber size (D3VE/E6TE): ~93 cc
Horsepower: 365

429
Stroke: 3.59"
Bore: 4.360"
Rod length: 6.605"
Horsepower: 365

See also

• List of Ford engines
• Lima Engine

External links

• Short descriptions of Ford overhead valve V8 engines
• - 460 ford.com Great site with info on the 385 Ford engine