Ford 7.5L 240 HP (180 Kw) Specs

The Ford 7.5-liter, 240-horsepower V-8 engine ran in the F- series trucks from 1968 to 1997 and was the last big block engine from Ford. It lies in the Ford 385 engine family and replaced the Ford FE and MEL engines. The name comes from its 3.85-inch crankshaft stroke. The 385 came in three engine sizes: the 370-cubic-inch, 6.1-liter size for medium trucks; the 429-cubic-inch, 7.0-liter; and the 460-cubic-inch, 7.5-liter for heavy-duty trucks. The engine was the premier big block engine for Ford trucks.

In 1983, Ford decided to retain the engine for its towing power. The following year, Ford introduced fuel injection to its big block, which then had a 225-horsepower rating. In its final years with Ford from 1994 to 1997, the big block achieved a horsepower rating of 245.

The 385 family had overhead valves with two valves per cylinder. In 1968, the 460-cubic-inch engine could obtain high torque and horsepower ratings due to lax emission standards. A typical 460-cubic-inch engine in 1968, with a bore of 4.36 inches and stroke of 3.85 inches, could obtain 500 ft.-lbs. of torque at 2,800 rpm with a horsepower of 365 at 4,600 rpm. The intake valve had a 2.08-inch opening and the exhaust valve's opening was 1.66 inch.

The 460-cubic-inch engine had a marine application and was also used in Ford's big luxury cars. In 1969, the Mark III Lincoln Continental was the first luxury car to sport the 460-cubic-inch, 7.5-liter V-8 engine with an impressive 365 horsepower. During the oil crisis of 1972, the 460 was changed to get better gas mileage. Horsepower dove from 365 down to 245, and then to as low as 208 horsepower.

As emissions restrictions mounted, a notable decline in performance was noted, which eventually led to the demise of this engine. Engineers dropped the 385 family for better fuel economy, according to John Hix, a Ford mechanic and classic car owner.