Ford 385 engine

Ford 385 V8
Ford Mustang Boss 429 engine
Overview
Production	1968–1998
Layout
Configuration	Naturally aspirated Big-block V8
Displacement	429 cu in (7.0 L) 460 cu in (7.5 L)
Cylinder bore	4.362 in (110.8 mm)
Piston stroke	3.59 in (91.2 mm) 3.85 in (97.8 mm)
Valvetrain	OHV 2 valves per cylinder
Compression ratio	8:1
Combustion
Fuel system	Holley 735 CFM 4-barrel carburetor
Output
Power output	375 hp (380 PS; 280 kW) 217 hp (220 PS; 162 kW)[1]
Torque output	450 lb⋅ft (610 N⋅m) 365 lb⋅ft (495 N⋅m)[1]
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford MEL V8 Ford Super Duty truck engine
Successor	Ford Modular V8 Ford Triton/InTech V8 Ford Boss V8

The Ford 385 engine family 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. The engine, which got its name from the 3.85 inch crankshaft stroke of the 460 V8, was a departure from previous designs, utilizing thinwall casting methods and a skirtless block to reduce weight.

It was available in two sizes in production vehicles; 429 cu in (7.0 L) and 460 cu in (7.5 L).

The engines were sold between 1968 and 1997. It was introduced in the Lincoln Continental (460) and Ford Thunderbird (429) 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 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.

Versions

History

Starting in 1968 gross horsepower and torque ratings began to fall as Ford responded to newly introduced federal air pollution regulations. In the 1972 model year the 385 series of engines, along with virtually every other Ford production engine, saw an additional significant dropoff in HP and torque ratings when federal mandates requiring automakers to list SAE net horsepower (which takes into account the power reduction of accessories and exhaust system) rather than gross horsepower came into effect.

The 1971 460 which was rated at 365 gross HP, dropped to as low as 208 net HP in 1972. Ford redesigned the 385 engine's cylinder heads (resulting in a drastically lower compression ratio or 8.5:1), and retarded the camshaft timing eight degrees, among other power sapping, but smog reducing modifications. 1973 saw the release of an improved cylinder head design, bringing the 429 and 460 back into the 225 net HP range.

The 460 was phased out for use in passenger cars in the late 1970s, with 1978 being the final model year for the Ford LTD, Mercury Marquis and Lincoln Continental.

However it continued to be produced with minimal modifications in trucks, RVs, Boats, and as a replacement "crate engine" available through Ford Motorsports until its production finally ceased in 1997. The 460 is known as a good heavy duty towing, marine and motorsports engine. These 460s actually had higher horsepower and torque ratings than the IDI 6.9 liter and later 7.3 IDI diesel engines, though fuel economy was significantly better with the diesel. The 460 began using fuel injection in 1988, leading to a slight increase in horsepower and torque ratings. For 1993 and up 460s saw an improved cylinder head design that further improved power. While perhaps best known for its poor gas mileage, the later 460 is considered by most to be a reliable, long-lasting, heavy-duty, and powerful engine for towing and hauling purposes, as well as a good starting point for engine builders building dragsters. Due to its mass production and relatively minimal changes during its 30-year production run, parts are generally cheap and easy to find for the 385 series engines.

Specifications

Deck height (early block): 10.300" or 10.310"
Deck height (late block, D9TE): 10.322"

Rod length: 6.605"
Bore spacing 4.900"

429

Bore x stroke: 4.362 in × 3.59 in (110.8 mm × 91.2 mm)
Chamber size (C8VE/C9VE/D0VE): ~72-75cc

460

Bore x stroke: 4.362 in × 3.85 in (110.8 mm × 97.8 mm)
Chamber size (C8VE/C9VE/D0VE) 75cc
Chamber size (D2VE) ~99-100cc
Chamber size (D3VE/E8TE): ~93-95cc
Chamber size (F3TZ) 89.5-92.5cc

2 valves per cylinder (although labeled 460-4V - "V" stands here for "venturi" and addresses the carburetor capacity)

370

In 1981-82 the 370 cu in (6.1 L) replaced the 361 FE in medium-duty trucks.

The 370 utilizes the 429's stroke with a smaller bore size.

370

Bore: 4.050"
Stroke: 3.59"

514

A 514 cu in (8.4 L) crate engine was also available from Ford SVO.

See also

• List of Ford engines
• Lima Engine

References

External links

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