428 cobra jet engine for sale

428 Cobra Jet Engine for Sale: The Ultimate Guide for Collectors and Muscle Car Enthusiasts.

If you’re a muscle car enthusiast or a classic car restorer, the name 428 Cobra Jet stirs up vivid imagery of roaring horsepower, dragstrip dominance, and Ford’s golden era of high-performance V8s. First introduced in 1968, the Ford 428 Cobra Jet engine for sale quickly became an icon of American automotive power.

Today, finding a 428 Cobra Jet engine for sale is like discovering buried treasure. Whether you’re restoring a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 or building a restomod that pays homage to Detroit’s finest, owning this legendary engine is the pinnacle of performance and nostalgia.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the 428 Cobra Jet engine, where to find them for sale, how much they cost, what to check before buying, and frequently asked questions.

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1. What is the 428 Cobra Jet Engine?

The 428 Cobra Jet (CJ) is a big-block V8 engine developed by Ford Motor Company. Designed as a high-performance option, it was part of the FE engine family and became widely known for its immense torque and raw power. Originally introduced in 1968, the 428 CJ was a response to growing demand for factory dragstrip dominance.

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2. History and Legacy of the 428 CJ

In the late 1960s, muscle car wars were at their peak. General Motors had its 396 and 454 engines, while Chrysler brought the HEMI to the streets. Ford, already fielding engines like the 390 FE, needed something with more punch. The 428 CJ was born out of this competition.

Key Milestones:

• 1968: Introduced in the Mustang GT and Shelby GT500KR

• 1969: Became available in Fairlane, Torino, Cougar, and more

• 1970: The last year of the 428 Cobra Jet due to emissions regulations

The 428 CJ was especially dominant in NHRA Stock and Super Stock classes.

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3. Engine Specifications

Here are the core specs of a stock 428 Cobra Jet engine:

Note: Real output was rumored to be over 400 HP, much higher than the “advertised” rating.

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4. 428 Cobra Jet vs. Other Ford Big Blocks

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5. Types of 428 Cobra Jet Engines

• Standard CJ: Street-legal, powerful, high-torque

• SCJ (Super Cobra Jet): Drag Pack option, stronger internals, oil cooler

• PI (Police Interceptor): 428 block with moderate tuning for durability

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6. Why Buy a 428 Cobra Jet Engine?

• Rare Collectible: Fewer than 14,000 SCJ versions produced

• Investment Value: Appreciates over time

• Performance: Torque monster, ideal for drag racing

• Nostalgia: Perfect for restoring a period-correct muscle car

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7. Where to Find a 428 Cobra Jet Engine for Sale

Online Marketplaces:

• eBay Motors

• Facebook Marketplace

• Craigslist

• RacingJunk.com

• Hemmings

Specialty Sellers:

• Carolina Machine Engines

• Prestige Motorsports

• Proformance Unlimited

• Blueprint Engines (custom builds)

Forums and Clubs:

• 428cobrajet.org

• FE Power Forums

• Vintage Mustang Forum

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8. What to Look for When Buying

• Casting Numbers: C6ME-A, C7ME-A, or C8AE-H

• Date Codes: Should align with production era (1968–1970)

• Engine Tag: Factory ID tag on intake bolt

• Head Casting: “C8OE-N” for Cobra Jet

• Crankshaft: Nodular iron “1UB” or “1UA” stamped

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9. Authenticity Verification Tips

• Check partial VIN stamp on the block (near oil filter)

• Verify date code on cylinder head and intake manifold

• Use Marti Report (for original vehicles)

• Hire a FE engine expert or certified mechanic

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10. Restoration vs. Rebuilt vs. Crate Engines

• Original/Used: Untouched engine pulled from a car

• Rebuilt: Restored with OEM or upgraded parts

• Crate: Built from scratch, new components, not always original spec

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11. Price Ranges and Market Trends

Prices are trending upwards due to rarity and demand among collectors.

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12. Performance Upgrades and Modifications

Popular upgrades:

• Aluminum heads (Edelbrock, Trick Flow)

• Roller camshaft conversion

• MSD ignition system

• EFI conversion for modern reliability

• Long-tube headers

Note: Upgrades may reduce originality and collector value.

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13. Best Cars to Pair with a 428 CJ

• 1968–1970 Mustang Mach 1

• Shelby GT500KR

• Mercury Cougar Eliminator

• Ford Torino GT

• Ford Fairlane Cobra

• Ford Ranchero GT

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14. How to Install a 428 Cobra Jet Engine

Basic Steps:

1. Prep engine bay: mounts, harness, cooling

2. Use correct bellhousing and FE motor mounts

3. Install with engine hoist and protective blanket

4. Connect fuel, exhaust, ignition, wiring

5. Prime oil system before first start

Always refer to shop manuals or hire a specialist.

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15. Maintenance Tips for Longevity

• Use high-zinc oil (like VR1)

• Regular valve lash adjustments

• Keep coolant fresh to avoid corrosion

• Store engine in dry, ventilated space

• Use fuel stabilizer if stored long-term

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16. Common Issues and Fixes

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17. Investment Value of the 428 CJ

Like vintage Rolex watches or rare vinyl, the 428 CJ continues to increase in value, especially if:

• It has matching numbers

• It’s installed in a documented vehicle

• It’s rebuilt to factory specs

• It’s in running condition

Collector auctions like Mecum and Barrett-Jackson often see six-figure prices for 428 CJ-equipped cars.

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18. Online Communities and Resources

• www.428cobrajet.org

• FordFE.com

• MustangForums.com

• Vintage-Mustang.com

• Facebook Groups: “Ford FE Engine Builders”

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19. Real Owner Testimonials

Mike R. (Florida):
“My 1969 Mach 1 with a rebuilt 428 CJ pulls like a freight train. I spent $18,000 on a rebuild, but every cent was worth it when I hit that throttle.”

Jessica T. (California):
“We found a 428 CJ on Craigslist in Colorado. Had it rebuilt and put in our ’68 Cougar – it’s a monster and a crowd-pleaser at every show.”

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20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I know if a 428 CJ is original?

Check for:

• Casting codes (C8AE-H)

• VIN stamping

• Engine tags

• Date codes that align with car’s build date

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Q2: Are there reproduction 428 Cobra Jet engines?

Yes, several companies build replica or crate versions of the 428 CJ, often using aftermarket blocks and aluminum heads.

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Q3: What vehicles came with the 428 Cobra Jet?

• 1968–1970 Mustangs (especially Mach 1, Boss 429, and Shelby)

• Mercury Cougar

• Torino and Fairlane

• Ranchero

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Q4: Is the 428 CJ good for daily driving?

It can be, but it’s overkill. Fuel economy is poor (~10 MPG), and it requires frequent maintenance. Better suited for weekend use or shows.

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Q5: What’s the difference between 428 CJ and SCJ?

SCJ (Super Cobra Jet) has:

• Heavier-duty internals (forged pistons, rods)

• External oil cooler

• Often paired with 4.30 Drag Pack rear ends

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Q6: Are parts for the 428 Cobra Jet still available?

Yes. Companies like Edelbrock, Comp Cams, and Summit Racing sell compatible parts, though some OEM castings are scarce and expensive.

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Q7: Can I use modern fuel in a 428 CJ?

Use premium high-octane fuel (91+). Consider adding lead substitute or upgrading valve seats to hardened ones.

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Q8: Is it worth restoring a non-running 428 CJ?

Yes—especially if it’s original. Even a seized engine can fetch $5,000+. Restoring it adds significant value to compatible cars.