Editing Ford small block engine (section)

==260==
The 260 was the second version of the Fairlane V8, introduced during the middle of the 1962 model year (March 1962) and given the name '''Challenger'''.<ref name="Gunnell 1987">{{cite book|editor=Gunnell, John|title=The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946–1975| publisher=Kraus Publications|pages=317–373|year=1987|isbn=0-87341-096-3}}</ref> It used the same block as the 221, and the same two-barrel (2V) carburetor, with displacement increased to {{cvt|260|cuin|L|1}} by expanding its bore to {{cvt|3.80|in|mm|0}}. Compression ratio was raised fractionally to 8.8:1. The engine was slightly heavier than the 221, at {{cvt|482|lb|kg|0}}. Rated power (still SAE gross at the time) rose to {{cvt|164|hp|kW|0}} at 4400&nbsp;rpm , with a peak torque of {{cvt|258|lbft|Nm|0}} at 2200&nbsp;rpm.

For the 1962 and 1963 model years, the valve head diameters remained the same as the 221, but for the 1964 model year, they were enlarged to {{cvt|1.67|in|mm|1}} (intake) and {{cvt|1.45|in|mm|}} (exhaust) – a manufacturing economy measure so that both 260 and 289 engines could use the same valves. Although the engine breathed better, and was capable of producing marginally more power, rated power was unchanged.

In 1963, the 260 became the base engine on full-sized Ford sedans. Later in the model year, its availability was expanded to the [[Ford Falcon (North America)|Ford Falcon]] and [[Mercury Comet]]. The early "1964½" Mustang also offered the 260.

Ford ceased production of the 260 at the end of the 1964 model year with approximately 604,000 units having been made.

===XHP-260===
The special [[rally racing|rally]] version of the Falcon and Comet and early AC Cobra [[sports car]]s of 1962 used a high-performance version of the 260 with higher compression, hotter camshaft timing, upgraded connecting rods, valves with larger diameter valve stems, stronger valve springs and a four-barrel carburetor. This engine was rated (SAE gross) {{cvt|260|hp|kW|0}} at 5800&nbsp;rpm and {{cvt|269|lbft|Nm|0}} at 4800&nbsp;rpm . This engine was termed the HP-260 by Ford and was specifically made for [[Carroll Shelby]]. About 100 were produced.

=== Sunbeam Tiger ===
The 1964–1966 [[Sunbeam Tiger]] Mk I used the 260.

Early 1967 Sunbeam Tiger Mk IIs were fitted the 260 until inventory of that engine ran out, after which it was replaced by the 289 cubic inch V8.