Ford's 428 Cobra Jet: The Big-Block That Fueled a Fleet of Muscle Cars

Ford upgraded the 428 to the Cobra Jet in 1968, using a Police Interceptor block, 427 heads, a performance cam, and a Holley 735 CFM carb to produce about 335 hp and 440 lb-ft (with many experts arguing closer to 400 hp). Ford then injected the CJ into a broad lineup—Mustang GT/135, Mach 1, Fairlane, Torino GT, Cobra, Shelby GT500, Mercury Cougar variants, Comet, and Cyclone CJ—often with performance options like Drag Pack and Ram Air, creating a legendarily versatile big-block era aimed at beating rivals on the street and strip.