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.
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.
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.
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 | V8 | OHV | 16 valves |
| 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 | Used OEM | Compression Tested |
Finally found a documented 428 CJ for my 1969 Mustang Mach 1 project. Vaz pulled the casting number and confirmed the large-port heads before I paid a dollar. Compression came back 155 to 165 across all 8. Runs strong after install. These guys understand what a Ford muscle car restoration actually requires.
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Every used Ford 428 Cobra Jet engine sold by Vaz Auto Solutions is covered by a 15 day replacement warranty from the date of delivery.
To make a claim, contact us within 15 days of delivery at (240) 301-0095 or info@vazautosolutions.com.
