Ford 427 vs Ford 428, two engines that look almost identical… but in reality have nothing to do with each other. Have you ever thought about their differences? Well, that’s why we are here today, let’s talk about these two incredible engines!
At first sight, and by their names, anyone would say that the Ford 427 and 428 are practically the same. After all, they are separated by only one cubic inch, what difference could there be? A whole lot!!
Both were born inside the FE family, they shared architecture and era, but they were designed for completely different worlds. One wanted to break stopwatches on the track. The other, to cruise smoothly on the road, pulling with torque like nothing.
And as has been happening for decades, fans and collectors have debated non-stop, which one is better? What actually differentiates them? Let’s get comfortable and go over it.
427 vs 428
Here comes the first surprise, the one that dismantles half of the internet debates (those that we love!!). Some people said that the 428 is just the same of 427 with a little bit of marketing on int.
But, the 428 FE uses a bore of 4.132″ and a stroke of 3.984″, which gives… yes, 427.39 ci.
Closer to 427 than the actual 427 (ironies of life). Ford called it 428 basically to differentiate it in the catalog.
The 427: actually a disguised 426
The 427 was called the “monster”, has 4.232″ x 3.784″. In total 425.82 ci. So it is almost the same as Chrysler’s legendary 426 Hemi. Technically we would be talking about a 426 and a 427, but well, names are just names.
The Ford 427: the V8 Ford created to win!
It was an engine born with no intention whatsoever of being comfortable. None. The 427 was conceived to compete, suffer, rev high and win races. And it absolutely did.
This engine came with cross-bolted mains, thick walls, reinforced rods, forged aluminum pistons, and mechanical lifters.
Basically, just enough to endure infernal punishment without begging for mercy.
Depending on the code:
- 410 hp (Q and W-Code),
- 425 hp (R-Code),
- and 390 hp in the Cougar GT-E.
And that was only in “civilized” versions. Ahá.
The change that saved races
The early 427s lubricated the top before the bottom, so, in competition, the crankshaft suffered badly… In 1965 Ford said “that’s enough” and the side-oilers were born, more durable and designed for brutal G-forces.
Its great achievements
- The Cobra 427 did 0–100–0 mph in 13.8 s (insane).
- The GT40 Mk II with 427 dominated Le Mans in 1966 with a historic 1-2-3.
- The Galaxie Lightweight did the quarter mile in 12 seconds.
And we still have not talked about the final monster…
NASCAR banned it…
The 427 SOHC “Cammer” was so beastly that NASCAR said “no, thanks”… More than 650 hp, hemispherical heads, a timing chain over a meter long…
It ended up reigning in drag racing, where it became pure mechanical mythology.
The Ford 428: fewer rpm, fewer screams…
While the 427 screamed on the circuits, the 428 played in another game. A calmer one. Road-focused. Meant to push from low rpm effortlessly.
It was a powerful, but above all… strong engine. 345 hp and an impressive 462 lb-ft of torque
Ideal for moving rolling boats like the Galaxie 7-Litre. It climbed hills like nothing.
The Interceptor era and its jump to Shelby
The Police Interceptor versions exceeded 360 hp, Carroll Shelby put them in the 1967 GT500, although slightly detuned.
They were not the ideal option to compete against GM’s big blocks… but then something happened that changed history… What happened?
The 428 Cobra Jet
It all started with a dealer: Bob Tasca Sr. This man improved a 428 using 427 parts, and it turned out so good that Ford said “Alright, we have to build this.”
And thus the 428 Cobra Jet was born!
335 hp “official” (wink, wink), and real performance worthy of humiliating the 440 Six Pack and 396 L78, wow!!! It was the heart of the GT500KR and of Shelby’s personal Mustang, the famous Black Hornet.
So… which one is “better”?
Honestly, it depends on what you want.
- The 427 is wild, loud, expensive, extremely rare and undisputed king of competition…
- The 428 is smooth, with a huge torque, very versatile and it is father of the legendary Cobra Jet.
They are brothers, but they live in different galaxies, do you know what we mean?
A shared legacy
The 427 was born to conquer circuits, break records and create legend.
The 428, to enjoy the road, push from low rpm and give life to the mythical Cobra Jet. Two philosophies. Two personalities.