Know this SMALL BLOCK FORD V8

The 302ci small block V8 has long been the foundation for many a fast Ford, and with so many specialists offering tuning upgrades, not to mention Ford themselves producing several performance variants, it’s easy to make your Ford even faster.

Classic Ford

Yes, compared to the lightweight alloy, multi-valve-per-cylinder modern versions of the V8, the old-school Small Block Ford (SBF) might seem like a big, fat piece of Americana, but there’s never been any denying the power or its tuning potential. The SBF life began as the 221ci 1962 Fairlane engine – plus the 260ci (4.2-litre) slotted in Sunbeam Tigers and conceptual AC Cobras. But the milestones began in 1963: the engine, now based around a 4 inch bore, established the legendary 289ci — known as the Mustang engine. However, vast production meant it powered everything; cars and trucks, and even boats! There are two 1963 engines: the two-barrel, and the rare (only 17,000 produced) four-barrel, Hi-Po (271 bhp), seen in 1963-65 Comets, Fairlanes and 1965-68 Mustangs. 1965 saw a bellhousing bolt…

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Classic Ford (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025

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