Ford 428 Cobra Jet Engine for Sale | Used OEM FE Series V8

$12,950.00

Product Overview & Specifications

Engine Type: V8, OHV, 16 valves (FE Series)
Displacement: 428 cu in (7.0L)
Horsepower: 335 hp factory CJ/SCJ (widely underrated) | 345 hp PI
Torque: 440 lb-ft (CJ) | 462 lb-ft (PI)
Condition: Used OEM, Compression Tested
In Stock – CJ, SCJ, and PI Variants – Call to Confirm Current Availability
Free Shipping to All 50 States via Freight Pallet, 5-10 Business Days
All 8 Cylinders Compression Tested – Results Available Before You Pay
Variant Confirmed (CJ, SCJ, or PI) – Casting Number Documented
External Balance Requirement Disclosed Before Every Order Ships
No Core Charge – 15 Day Replacement Warranty on Internal Defects

100% Fitment Assistance

15 Days Replacement Warranty

Free & Fast Shipping

Category: Engine

Description
Reviews (0)

About This Engine

The Ford 428 Cobra Jet is one of the most historically significant performance V8 engines ever built. Introduced in April 1968 in direct response to the Chevrolet Camaro 396 dominating Mustang on drag strips, the 428 CJ was developed to restore Ford’s muscle car credibility. Ford achieved this by fitting the proven 428 block with larger-port cylinder heads borrowed from the 427 Low Riser, a high-flow intake manifold, and a 735 cfm Holley 4-barrel – all while keeping the engine manufacturable on a standard production line, unlike the expensive 427 it replaced.

Ford rated the 428 CJ at 335 horsepower – a figure widely understood to be conservative, partially strategic to keep insurance rates manageable for buyers. Independent dyno testing consistently showed output in the 400 to 410 hp range. When the Super Cobra Jet was introduced with LeMans-specification connecting rods and forged pistons plus an external oil cooler, even greater high-speed durability was achieved.

The 428 CJ powered the Mustang Mach 1, Shelby GT500, and countless race-prepped Torinos and Fairlanes. A compression-tested, variant-documented 428 CJ is the engine every serious Ford muscle car restoration revolves around.

Signs You Need a Replacement Engine

Knocking under load – rod or main bearing wear on high-mileage FE engines
Blue smoke under acceleration or on startup – worn valve seals on older FE heads
Loss of compression on one or more cylinders – ring wear or scored cylinder walls
Oil leaks at the front timing cover – a well-documented seep point on aged FE blocks
Overheating – the FE 428 runs warm and high-mileage water jackets restrict coolant flow
Oil consumption beyond 1 quart per 1,000 miles – ring or valve seal failure

Known Problems With This Engine

External balance requirement: The 428 is externally balanced. The flexplate or flywheel and harmonic balancer must be specific to the 428. Using components from a 390 or other FE engine without rebalancing causes severe vibration and potential failure. We flag this before every order ships.
Timing cover oil leaks: The FE timing cover gasket area is a chronic seep point on older engines. We inspect and report on all gasket surfaces.
Valve guide wear on high-mileage FE heads: FE valve guides can wear significantly, causing oil burning at startup. We perform a valve cover inspection for oil burning indicators.
CJ vs SCJ external identification: Both use the same block. The clearest SCJ identifier is the external oil cooler provision. Internally, LeMans capscrew rods and forged pistons distinguish the SCJ. We document this thoroughly before shipping.

Known 428 FE Variants

The 428 Cobra Jet (CJ, Q-code, 1968-1970) produced 335 hp at 10.6:1 with large-port 427-style heads and a Holley 735 cfm 4-bbl. The 428 Super Cobra Jet (SCJ, R-code, 1968-1970) kept all CJ specs plus LeMans capscrew rods, forged pistons, and an external oil cooler. The 428 Police Interceptor (PI, W-code, 1966-1971) used a longer-duration cam and higher-flow exhaust manifolds, rated 345 hp / 462 lb-ft for sustained high-speed running. The 428 Standard (1966-1970) was the original 428 with smaller ports, used in full-size Fords and Thunderbirds.

What Is Included

Included – Long Block: Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, front cover, and water pump. Not Included: Intake manifold, carburetor, exhaust manifolds, distributor, ignition system, alternator, harmonic balancer, flexplate or flywheel. CRITICAL: The 428 is externally balanced. The harmonic balancer and flexplate or flywheel must be 428-specific. Do not use components from a 390 or other FE engine. No core charge.

Vehicle Compatibility – Direct Fit

The 428 Cobra Jet was factory installed in the Ford Mustang (Mach 1, GT500, Boss variants, 1968-1970), Ford Fairlane and Torino (1968-1970), Ford Galaxie 500 (1966-1970, PI and standard), Ford Thunderbird (1966-1971, PI), Mercury Cougar GT-E (1968-1970), Mercury Cyclone and Comet (1968-1970), and Mercury Montego (1969-1970). Compatible with any vehicle originally equipped with any FE engine (352, 360, 390, 406, 427, or 430).

displacement	428 cu in (7.0L)
engine-family	Ford FE Series
configuration	16 valves, OHV, V8
bore-x-stroke	4.13 in x 3.98 in
firing-order	1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
external-balance	Yes – unique to 428 within FE family
aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
fuel-system	Holley 735 cfm 4-barrel (CJ/SCJ) \| PI-specific carburetor
block-material	Cast iron (thicker main webs on CJ/SCJ blocks)
head-material	Cast iron (427-style large-port heads)
production-years	CJ and SCJ: 1968 to 1970 \| PI: 1966 to 1971
manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
horsepower	335 hp factory CJ/SCJ (widely underrated) \| 345 hp PI
torque	440 lb-ft (CJ) \| 462 lb-ft (PI)
compression-ratio	10.6:1 (CJ and SCJ) \| 10.5:1 (PI)
weight	Approximately 620 lbs (long block)
compatible-transmissions	Ford C6 Automatic \| Top Loader 4-speed \| Ford C4
condition	Compression Tested, Used OEM

FAQs

What is the difference between the 428 CJ, SCJ, and Police Interceptor

The CJ (Q-code) used 427-style large-port heads and a Holley 735 cfm 4-barrel rated at 335 hp. The SCJ (R-code) added LeMans capscrew connecting rods, forged pistons, and an external oil cooler – same rated hp but significantly stronger internals. The PI (W-code) used a longer-duration cam and higher-flow exhaust manifolds, rated at 345 hp with 462 lb-ft, designed for sustained high-speed running.

Why was the 428 CJ factory rated at only 335 hp

The 335 hp rating is widely acknowledged to be conservative – partially to keep insurance rates manageable for buyers. Independent dyno testing consistently showed 400 to 410 hp at the flywheel.

Does the 428 need a specific flexplate and harmonic balancer

Yes. The 428 FE is externally balanced. The harmonic balancer and flexplate or flywheel must be 428-specific. Using components from a 390 or other FE engine will cause severe vibration and potential engine damage. We flag this on every order.

What transmission was paired with the 428 CJ

The Ford C6 automatic was the most common factory pairing. The Top Loader 4-speed in close or wide ratio was the performance manual option. The C4 was used in lighter-duty applications.

Can I see the casting number before I pay

Yes. We document and share this before you confirm your order.

Is there a core charge

No. You are not required to return your old engine.

What vehicles did the 428 Cobra Jet come in

The 428 CJ powered the Mustang (Mach 1, GT500, Boss), Fairlane, Torino, Cougar GT-E, Cyclone, Comet, and Montego. The PI variant additionally appeared in the Galaxie 500 and Thunderbird.

How does shipping work

Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 US states. Typical transit 5 to 10 business days. No residential surcharges. Call with your ZIP code for an accurate timeline.