Ford 428 Cobra Jet V8 Engine for Sale | OEM FE-Series 7.0L Motor

Description

Engine Background

Ford’s 428 Cobra Jet is one of the most consequential muscle engines the company ever produced. Released in April 1968 specifically for the 1968-1/2 Mustang program, the engine combined the 428’s stout FE-series block with low-restriction 427-style cylinder heads, a 735-cfm Holley 4-barrel atop a cast-iron 427 PI-style intake, and a 390 GT camshaft. Ford rated it at 335 hp, a famously conservative number meant to manage insurance classification. Real-world output is generally accepted to land near 410 hp.

The Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) appeared the following year as the heavy-duty option, gaining forged-steel connecting rods, a Le Mans-prepped 428 crankshaft with capscrew rod bolts, and an external engine oil cooler. Functionally, the SCJ was Ford’s drag-race engine in showroom form. Separately, the 428 Police Interceptor (PI) shared the 428 displacement but used different heads and induction tuned for sustained high-speed cruising rather than quarter-mile bursts.

For a 1968 to 1970 Mustang, Mercury Cougar, Torino, or Cyclone restoration, a documented 428 with the correct CJ, SCJ, or PI configuration is the engine that defines authenticity. Today, sourcing a genuine 428 means verifying casting numbers, head castings, and crankshaft type before money changes hands.

When Replacement Becomes Necessary

• Knock or bottom-end noise under load, indicating rod or main bearing wear on a high-mileage unit
• Blue smoke at startup or under throttle, typically from valve seal or piston ring wear
• Lost compression on one or more cylinders, often pointing to ring failure, scored bores, or head gasket issues
• Cooling system pressurization without external leak, frequently a head gasket failure on FE-series units
• Low oil pressure at hot idle, generally main bearing clearance moving out of spec
• Excessive oil consumption beyond one quart per 1,500 miles, indicating ring or valve seal wear

Known Weak Points

• Two-bolt main caps: All 428 CJ and SCJ blocks use 2-bolt mains. Performance builds at extreme power levels should plan for main cap girdles or aftermarket caps. We document the block casting and main configuration on every unit.
• Crankshaft type matters: Standard CJ used a nodular iron crankshaft. The SCJ received a Le Mans-prepped 428 crank with capscrew rod bolts. These are not visually interchangeable on inspection without removal. We verify crankshaft type before shipment.
• Oil cooler line provisions: Genuine SCJ blocks include the bosses and oil galley provisions for the external engine oil cooler. CJ blocks do not. The presence of these provisions is one of the markers used to verify SCJ authenticity.
• FE-series head sealing: The FE family is sensitive to coolant pressure and improper torque sequence on the head bolts. We inspect head and deck surfaces and document any seepage prior to dispatch.
• Reproduction versus original heads: A significant number of 428 CJ heads in circulation today are aftermarket reproductions. We document the head casting number on every unit so authenticity can be confirmed.

428 Variant Reference

What Ships and What Does Not

INCLUDED (Long Block): Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, timing cover.

NOT INCLUDED: Intake manifold, carburetor, exhaust manifolds, distributor, ignition system, alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, starter, flexplate or flywheel, oil cooler lines and cooler.

Core policy: No core return required.

Direct-Fit Vehicle Applications

Transmission compatibility: C6 3-speed automatic (most common pairing) | Toploader 4-speed manual (RUG, code-specific) | FE bellhousing required for any pairing.

Search Terms Buyers Use

Ford 428 Cobra Jet | 428 CJ engine for sale | 428 Super Cobra Jet | 428 SCJ for sale | 428 Police Interceptor | Mustang 428 CJ engine | Shelby GT500 428 | Torino Cobra 428 | Ford FE 428 | 428 7.0L Ford

Used OEM Versus Professional Rebuild

For a numbers-matching 1968 to 1970 Mustang, Cougar, or Torino restoration where original castings carry significant value, a documented used OEM 428 is the only correct path. Our units ship with casting numbers and variant identification on record. A specialist rebuild of a 428 CJ or SCJ in show-correct configuration typically runs $12,000 to $22,000-plus from established Ford-FE shops. Reach out to talk through your particular build.

Inspection Workflow

• Compression test logged across all 8 cylinders
• Block walk-through for cracks, deck condition, journal scoring, and thread integrity
• Casting number, date code, and variant (CJ, SCJ, or PI) verified and recorded
• Cylinder head casting numbers documented for authenticity verification
• Crankshaft type confirmed (nodular versus Le Mans-prepped) where accessible
• Oil cooler boss provisions checked on SCJ-claimed units
• Gasket surfaces leak-checked for active seepage

Pre-Purchase Buyer Notes

• Variant verification is everything: Pricing differences between a genuine SCJ and a CJ are substantial. Block casting, head castings, and oil cooler provisions all factor in. We share the full set of identifiers before payment.
• Reproduction heads are common: A meaningful share of 428 CJ heads in circulation are reproductions. If show-correct heads matter to your build, ask about the casting numbers on file.
• Transmission code matching: Original CJ and SCJ cars used a specific toploader code (RUG). If you are building a numbers-correct car, the engine is only part of the story.
• FE bellhousing parts are application-specific: The 428 uses the FE bellhousing pattern, distinct from the 9.5-deck 351C and other Ford V8s. Confirm bellhousing compatibility for your transmission choice.

Why Part Nests

• Variant identification before payment with CJ, SCJ, or PI confirmed and casting numbers recorded
• Head castings documented separately so authenticity is verifiable
• Crankshaft type assessed where accessible without disassembly
• Compression results logged across all 8 cylinders and shared before order confirmation
• Fitment cross-checked against your specific chassis before shipment
• No core return required
• Free freight pallet delivery nationwide with no hidden fees
• 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
• Call (240) 306-7051 to speak with someone who understands FE-series 428 variants, casting differences, and authenticity verification