Ford today announced at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show that it is reviving the legendary 5.0-liter 302 cubic inch V-8 engine for the aftermarket with a new line of BOSS 302 crate engines, which will go on sale in early 2007.
“The original BOSS 302 was a race winning engine. Sharing the DNA from the original BOSS 302, the new BOSS 302 begins with a block designed with racing in mind from the beginning,†said Jamie Allison, manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. “Whether racing in a sealed engine class, building an all-out drag racing engine or looking for a street performer, the BOSS 302 block and engine family meets the needs of all Ford 302 enthusiasts at a price that is comparable to a performance-prepped stock 302.â€
The new Ford Racing Performance Parts BOSS 302 line was conceived because there was an unmet need for engines built from a block stronger than original regular production 302 blocks but more affordable than full race-prepped blocks. The new BOSS 302 engine block features greater strength than most race blocks and offers a street-capable cooling system design, something that race specific blocks tend to sacrifice.
Despite its strength and capability, the new BOSS 302 line is surprisingly affordable because of its high volume production. And since it was designed within Ford Motor Company, the engine also benefits from the improved quality and durability that comes with a production type engine.
“The original BOSS 302 delivered less than 300 hp. Today, enthusiasts are making 500 hp street cars and they need a robust block. Race-specific blocks offer the strength required but cool poorly for street use and are very expensive for the average enthusiast,†says Allison.
Built from the all new BOSS 302 block, the BOSS crate engines feature performance and packaging that accommodate displacements from 302 to 363 cubic inches. Entry level engines feature the Ford Racing GT-40X Xtra Performance Turbo Swirl aluminum heads to retain stock exhaust locations and are rated at 340 and 345 hp. Higher performance versions include Ford Racing’s “Zâ€-head equipped 302 and 347 cubic inch engines rated between 360 and 450 hp, depending on configuration. The BOSS engine series is capped by a 500 hp 331 cubic inch engine that showcases the capability of the new block by breathing through all new ported Z-heads.
Features that separate the new BOSS 302 from its competition include:
* 4-bolt mains for lower-end stability at high power outputs
* High-tin 41,000 PSI tensile strength iron alloy for ultimate strength
* Nodular iron main caps for additional strength
* Screw-in freeze plugs for additional more strength and stability
* Front cross-over lifter oiling for high RPM valvetrain capability
* Siamese bores with specifically engineered drillings between cylinders for maximum wall stability and gasket sealing with street capable cooling performance
The suggested retail price for the BOSS 302 block is and affordable $1,759, with BOSS engines ranging from $4,650 to $10,000 for the 500 hp BOSS 331 cubic inch engines. The engines come with a 12 month/12,000 mile limited warranty.
Like the original Boss 302 that was engineered for Trans Am racing, the new BOSS 302 features trickle down performance from racing in the American Speed Association (ASA) Late Model circle track series. A sealed circle track version of a 347 cubic inch BOSS engine will be available both for ASA and NASCAR circle track racers in time for the 2007 season.
More information.
hey i found 1979 f 150 with a 302 but the guy i got it from said that it cam e out of a cop car and it might be a boss but i dont know how to tell the boss from a reg .302
By tyrone. August 18th, 2008 at 9:55 pmThe boss block, a powerful motor that destroyed earlier competition.. A 347 bore would give u more power than a 331 bore(any retard would know that). More cubic inch = more power… Ya, they may be know to burn some oil cause of the rings aren’t a very good seal on pistons but, in my view the 347 is the best bore option for a 302….. Just gotta check the oil before you run it.. You can push over 450 with just a 302ci, bore it out and the numbers will increase… Nothing compares to the 94 Boss Shinoda though, it was the most insane mustang to ever come out of the factory… A 10.0L 612ci motor pushing over 650Hp and over 725 ftlb of torque, don’t believe it, go to youtube and type in “boss shinoda”. Nothing could even come close to touching that car… It was a big secret in 94 till it was revealed, Chevy & Dodge could not even compete with it….
By Sean. August 1st, 2008 at 5:24 amGuys, don’t complain so much. With a simple main support, it will go up to 700 or 800. Keep the rpms around 6,500. I’m going to buy one and try it.
By cheez. July 28th, 2008 at 1:00 pmLOOKING FOR IN PUT ON ENGINE SET UP I HAVE A 1970 MACH 1, 351 CLEVELAND I ORDERED THE NEW YATES ALUMINUM HEADS FOR IT. I’M THINKING OF OREDERING A YATES NASCAR INTAKE AND A DEMON CARB ROLLER ROCKERS AND A BIG CAM. DOES ANY BODY HAVE ANY GOOD INPUT OR VIEWS ON THIS SET UP
By ROGER. March 22nd, 2008 at 8:20 pmWho cares what its called long as it does the job and the price is right.Just put the yates heads on it or buy some pro comp aluminum copies of your cleavland heads. Yates heads should get you up around 700 + hp.
By Seven. February 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pmI am so glad that the 302 boss came back I got a 75 ford F-100 with a 390 in it and want to put a 427 in it 390 nocks in it but 427 to high to by with money i have so will try to by a 302 boss engine are block and build from there I have very little money to do with always dreamed of having a truck with a 302 boss in it here,s my chance I like the older vehikeles a lot better
By JAMES REECE. January 24th, 2008 at 6:34 pmWow whats the deal with the whining guys? If you want it to be a true Boss bolt on some clevo style heads!
By Timmae. January 15th, 2008 at 9:38 pmThis is a great thing big hp capability block with features to make it street friendly and it’s a proper Ford not a Dart or World casting, where do I get one, Std blocks don’t like turbo’s much…
here is fords problem. they have this “new idea”, put it out and build limit production. thats why everything they sell is so damn expensive. not like chevy which floods the market with there product. im a ford man from way back, i dont like buying parts from ford than messaging it to get extra power. but, thats the story and im sticking to it!!
By danny. November 29th, 2007 at 9:19 pmIt is a shame that people have let the name sell the product instead of the product selling the name. Boss is just another name that will sell the product just like the name Nike.
By chuck. October 1st, 2007 at 9:31 amhow do i know if i got a 302 boss?,some one told me that the plugs are slanted,i looked at it one more time the drives side come forwerd an the pass. side goes back. is there any other way i can tell?
By james whitehouse. July 11th, 2007 at 7:10 pmWHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE WHINE ABOUT THIS BLOCK?
ok so they named it Boss and it doesn’t have cleav heads so what. all you assholes are why a lot of new hobbyists have a hard time because you stick to old definitions, i didn’t hear this much whiny ass crying when they brought out a SOHC BULLET or a MACH 1 were those exact copies? , or did they have the same essence? what about the Shelby GT500? All these things have changed drastically in the last 30 years, get over it. They wont engineer a new cleavland head for it so just stop your bitching and take it for what it is. Its an improvement over the R302 for less cash, thats it. Yes it has the BOSS name , and it should. Its a 302 superior to all other FORD 302 castings, therefore the “BOSS”.
By BOSS 347. May 15th, 2007 at 4:16 pmThe term BOSS has nothing to do with the type of engine or what heads it had it was just the name larry shinoda gave his version of the mustang. I own a 94 boss shinoda and if you have any questions you can go to teamshinoda.com. My engine isnt what makes my car a BOSS its the fact that its the way Larry Shinoda (the devoper of the first boss 302) decided to upgrade the sn94s. BOSS merely means better than stock and the 2007 boss block is better than stock.
By 94boss302. April 11th, 2007 at 1:30 amGuys, Ford designes it and call what ever the heck they want…Want some cheese with that wine woman….
Just look at the Semi Hemi……..Wake Up.
By Frank. March 28th, 2007 at 2:09 pmNow that the Boss block is available, they seem to be selling very well. And for a couple hundred dollars less than list. Great job Ford. Everybody doesn’t need a high winding engine like the original Boss.
Wayne
By Wayne. March 7th, 2007 at 7:22 amCool a new BOSS…
By Balizticbobo. February 17th, 2007 at 5:32 amBut without the canted valve heads its got no heritage,
Ford Should rename the line: BABY BOSS, and rerelease the line up but with Yates heads. Now that would make a modern day BOSS. Our v8 supercars here in Aus are pumping over 600HP on pump fuel with STD Yates heads.
The Mustang Boss is one of the coolest cars ever made, it is right on up there with the Trans Am 10th anniversary edition.
By Bill. January 22nd, 2007 at 5:12 pmi own a torn up 79′’ big boss mustang it needs everything new transmisson engion and interior were do i go
By brad. January 18th, 2007 at 9:17 amall this crap about boss 302 why don;t you build one it;s only 302 winsor bottom and 302 clevland heads you have the bottoms in the usa and us aussies use 302 clevland head for wheel chocks to stop cars rolling away . ps we like clevlands as we get 850 hp plus out of std blocks
By karl. December 11th, 2006 at 2:57 amRead the article! The 331 makes 500hp…The block isn’t rated at 500hp! A block like that should be better than the R302 which I have seen handle 1500 + hp. Gee-Wiz, quit your crying and get the block if you need it.
By Can read. December 3rd, 2006 at 6:24 pmHey Brian S. -
Unique to the Mustang? they slapped the Boss 302 into the Cougars as well. Jeez… us Cougar folk always being left out….
By Steve. November 27th, 2006 at 12:16 amI spent alittle time talking to Ford about the block. Seems like they will be dropping the -R302 block. This Boss block will take it’s place. Sounds like it is identical, but with cooling between the cylinders and the screw in plugs, and about $100 cheaper. Here’s a version of the -r302 block wit the CHI 3V heads. http://www.tmeyerinc.com/360boss.html
By Tim. November 22nd, 2006 at 6:17 pmThere is talk of a 347 Boss street engine with a modern FI and distributor less ignition.
Sure, marketing. Just like GM is slapping SS badges on everything they make and Daimler Chrysler is offering a “Hemi” in nearly every grocery getter across their lineup. Big deal. The new “Hemi” isn’t even a true hemi engine, actually it’s more similar to the semi-hemi head design like you’d see in an older Boss 429 Ford engine. I’d consider that more a disgrace than this engine.
Regardless, it’s good to see a 5.0 Block that meets the requirements of today’s hotter street cars. Cleveland heads would be nice, but Cleveland aftermarket support is near non-existant. Cleveland canted heads are pretty impractical in the intended application of this block anyway. Now, if they designed a newer Cleveland inspired design, a hybrid between the 2V and 4V heads, that would be a different story. And if you really want that, go buy some of the 3V heads from CHI, use this block, and make your own 302 Clevor. Perhaps that’ll satisfy your sense of heritage in the BOSS lineup. I’m happy Ford has righted the one wrong that has plagued the 5.0 engine-block strength. I applaud the accomplishment, and the fact that Ford is choosing not to abandon the tried and true Windsor lineup for racing duty.
By Jonathan. November 17th, 2006 at 8:39 pmits not a boss at all those heads are windsors. its just another windor 302 big F ing deal!!!
By chad. November 13th, 2006 at 12:18 pmi was real excited when i saw this new boss engine and then i saw the heads… come on now! its just another crate windsor with different valve covers. that does not make it a boss!!! clevland heads on a winsor block makes a boss. i would like to get my hands on some of those valve covers though. im just tired of haveing the same look as all the other windsors running around out there.
By chad. November 13th, 2006 at 12:15 pmit was not all that long ago that Ford produced Aluminium Cleveland heads c/w high exhaust ports and closed chambers. These were available through Motorsport Dealers. Why not re-release them for this engine. They were great, I had a pair purchased in the early 90s and fitted to a 351 Cleaveland built up using the Aussie “Heavy block”.
By Jeff Johns. November 12th, 2006 at 5:27 amWithout the Clevo heads it is not a real Boss
That’s just plain wrong.
Mach 1s were 351W, 351C, 390, 428 and 429s. Cobras were 260, 289, 390, 427 and 428s.
The idea behind the BOSS was that the engines were UNIQUE to Mustangs. They made a LOT of kick ass engines back then, not just 3 or 4. It has nothing to do with horsepower. Would you trade a Boss 302 engine for a 351W? They made the same horsepower. No F’n way.
The only thing Ford has done is cheapen it’s heritage. What you call marketing I call a sell out. Take the name that used to stand for something rare and collectable and attach it to a common product that every minimum wage earner can afford.
The idea of a Boss style block is fine, but when you build a crate engine, that Windsor headed half breed and try to pass it off as a genuine Boss, the only thing I can see is the greed.
By Brian S. November 6th, 2006 at 4:22 amYou know that couldn’t have been said better.
By 71hotrodpinto. November 3rd, 2006 at 10:31 pmMach 1s were Canted valve 351 Cleavland’s, 427 Cobras were powered by 427 FE’s , not 302 fuel injected engines. And not a 4 valve mod motor.
The whole dam idea behind the BOSS 302 was that it is a KICK ASS Engine!.. SO is this engine.
By the way has anyone thats whining about the horsepower capability’s actually read the article and looked at the block, and the specs??? Id bet my $1750 that that bad boy will put up with at least 850 HP at 7000rpm. Just look at the construction of it.
No its not a dart block but if you need to hold 2000HP then 2600 for a block is pocket change. This block was designed for the mid level builder that wants 500hp with room to spare for a long time.
And you can bet that I will be laying down my hard earned CASH at the parts counter to support FORD.
Sigh I’m tired of the whining, I’m done.
Wow…a lot of whining…and some confusion about the power limit…
According to the article, Ford will sell an engine that makes 500 hp. 500 was in no way stated as the limit of durability.
What the block can actually handle is most likely anyone’s guess. A stock roller 302 block will *typically* handle 600 give or take.
Given that, I’m hoping the new block will handle much more. Only time will tell.
So it isn’t a real “Boss” motor but why should we care? It’s only marketing.
I mean, were buyers offended when Ford used the “Cobra” name on the Mustang in ‘79 and ‘93 forward?
Were buyers offended when the “Mach 1″ name was reused?
And hasn’t the new “Cammer” engine proven itself on the race circuit?
The Boss name is only marketing. Nothing more. The technicalities associated with the name should be ignored.
And Kudos to Ford for expanding its line of performance engines.
By Russ94. November 3rd, 2006 at 9:07 pmActually, there is a Parnelli Jones edition Boss 302 but it uses the 5.0 Cammer engine (4V).
By bassman97. November 3rd, 2006 at 8:05 amYou know id bet that the same people that are whining about the engine not being a canted valve engine are the same ones that would buy a 2007 BOSS 302 Mustang IF FORD built one. To the best of my recollection that would probably be a mod motor based 3valve at around 5.0l Not a canted valve Cleavland
By 71hotrodpinto. November 2nd, 2006 at 7:14 pmOn second thought probably not because i mentioned it now
All I have to say is another let down. I agree with the enthusiast that believes a Boss is topped with Cleveland heads. That is what makes it a Boss. I guess the Ford marketing department forgot to consult the people that are going to be buying and building this engine. But never fear, Tim Meyer has addressed this issue. Maybe Ford needs to check out his website and see the advantages of using a Cleveland head. If any Ford engineers read this it is www.tmeyerinc.com .
By Paul. November 2nd, 2006 at 6:08 pmbring back the 427 SOHC!!!!!!
By jett lee. November 2nd, 2006 at 4:27 pmAs was stated before, if it doesn’t have C heads, it ain’t a Boss. HOWEVER, I remember the YEARS and YEARS where there was no Ford involvement in anything remotely performance, so stop whining! Yes you can get chebby stuff dirt cheap that works well, and I’d love ford to do that too. This is another step in the right direction. Why use the “Boss” name? Marketing, period.
By Jim Miller. November 2nd, 2006 at 2:05 pmCall it a 302 HO or 302GT and people go “yeah another 3-500hp 302 based engine ho hum”. But if Ford comes out with a “BOSS” then that’s marketing, relying on legends and myth’s the same as the “HEMI” name.
Yes Hemi’s where good,(fast not neccessarily quick) but a buddy switched to a 6 pack 440 because it was better around town and cruising and it ET’d the same at a lower mph. People think they remember that hemi’s ruled the streets in the late 60’s early 70’s…NOT TRUE.
I applaud ford for this!
Ford needs to build an engine with cubes. Lots of cubes. Massive amounts of cubes. No more tiny v-8’s.
By Al. November 2nd, 2006 at 6:10 amjust give me the damn block ill do my own 363 boss motor lol
By jett lee. November 1st, 2006 at 2:33 pmThere’s nothing in there that says all it can handle is 500hp… they say the BOSS engine family is capped by a 500hp 331, meaning that is their top-end engine, but not the max power the block can handle. But I agree, $10K sounds like a lot considering block-2K, heads-1.5K, crank/rods/pistons-2K, cam/valvetrain-1K, carb/intake/extras 1K, that leaves $2500 for assembly and warranty… doesn’t really sound THAT out of line.
By Motrhed. November 1st, 2006 at 11:24 amtoo bad ford doesn’t do there homework why the hell would you spend that much on that block and not just get a dart block that is rated for a hell of alot more hp than 500 and there 10,000 331 thats funny for ten grand i would have a motor that makes more than 500. jmho
By jonathan. November 1st, 2006 at 8:43 amOk I totally agree on any BOSS ENGINE should have cleveland heads… but I definitely don’t have a problem with them calling this a BOSS BLOCK. And since the new crate engines are based on the new BOSS block, and I’m sure they want people to realise this isn’t any ordinary block the engine is based off of, I can see their reasoning for calling the engine line BOSS as well… and honestly, if the new Windsor heads perform just as well, or better, than the old BOSS (Cleveland) heads, and your selection of intake manifolds is FAR better with the Windsor head, then it is probably a much smarter move for Ford to use the Windsor heads… but it still just doesn’t seem right. It’s like the took a hint from Dodge with their HEMI (puke) naming on the new engines. Just having a hemispherical combustion chamber doesn’t make it a “HEMI”… but I’ll stop right here before this gets too much longer.
By Motrhed. November 1st, 2006 at 8:42 amAnother Ford dissapointment… Not the product mind you, but the marketing. They are trying to profit off the name and reputation of an product that was truly a unique piece of automotive, and Ford history that has no tie to what made the original product special. Call it a Sportsman, or an HO, or anything but a BOSS. It just cheapens the legacy and pisses off people who know the difference. If it doesn’t have Cleveland heads, you can’t call it a BOSS. This is just another example of Fords inability identify its consumers and what they want based on demographics. It also illustrates a complete failure on their part to understand what it is they are trying to market, and who they intend to maket it to. No wonder they cant make a profit.
By Mike Howard. November 1st, 2006 at 7:14 amThanks Ford. At those prices only hard core racers and guys with too much money will be buying them. You sure aren’t going to see very many on the street. The adverage builder like me can’t afford that. Thankfully I got one of the last 5.0 shortblocks before Ford Racing dropped them. How about the car hobbist that can’t blow 10 grand on an engine to put in a Mustang that only cost $1500? Oh that’s right, I forgot, you’re trying to crush the Mustang hobby!
By Ed. November 1st, 2006 at 6:08 amYuk. Move along, nothing to see in the Ford “booth”.
By Larry. November 1st, 2006 at 5:23 amSure they’ve got an FE on a stand and a new Mustang
with a shaker scoop, but that’s about it. This “new”
Boss 302 just ain’t makin’ it. Well, at least the 2 “race”
Volvos are getting some attention…….
[…] BOSS 302 Engines for 2007Ford Muscle, CA - 17 hours ago… The original BOSS 302 delivered less than 300 hp. Today, enthusiasts are making 500 hp street cars and they need a robust block. … […]
By muscle cars » Muscle cars - Roar of the Asian tiger: How China bought up Africa. November 1st, 2006 at 3:06 am[…] BOSS 302 Engines for 2007Ford Muscle, CA - 13 hours ago… The original BOSS 302 delivered less than 300 hp. Today, enthusiasts are making 500 hp street cars and they need a robust block. … […]
By muscle cars » Blog Archive » Muscle cars - Targa Muscle - US Style!. October 31st, 2006 at 11:38 pmHey all you whiners out there have you checked out what GM has been offering lately?? Heads for both the old and the new Chevy v8s. L92 (LS7 style) heads that flow 330cfm out of the box at 375 a piece ASSEMBLED. Also 23 deg Fastburn heads for the ol 350 chevy for around 700 a pair assembled. And to ad insult to injury a LSX block that will support 2500 hp for around 2000$
By 71hotrodpinto. October 31st, 2006 at 10:10 pmSO with cheby kicking our ass offering parts left and right for more affordable prices till now I’M GLAD that FORD is making the effort!!! STOP WHINING!!
Are The Cleavland heads are awesome Yes !! But they Cant make any money ( profit ) on heads that were only really designed for a few thousand engines that were made near 30 years ago. It only makes sense to offer a block and heads ( engine ) that will fit the MAJORITY of Ford cars out there.
Yes that would be cool to have new BOSS heads and block to represent the Real BOSS 302 But how many Ford cars Easily fit this engine??? Early Fords ( which i love by the way ) are not numbering the hundreds of thousands anymore. Not easily or legally into the later fox bodied Mustangs and not at all legally into the latest sn95 mustangs.
I Applaud Ford For another awesome product. And lets see More!!!
I was excited until I saw the W heads. Its pretty much just another 302. Now if they made “replacement” boss engines with those C heads and BOSS valve covers and other goodies, I’d be excited. It is good that Ford is still kicking some stuff out, now just keep it affordable and they will have a hit.
By 19mach69. October 31st, 2006 at 7:04 pmWow…such negativity.
Its very cool that Ford is doing this considering they are broke! Im actually stunned they would even do anything but mod motor stuff. Dont knock that Z head…ita a great piece and be happy Ford even supports OHV stuff. Thats the best cyl head Ford has ever sold for the W engine with thier name on it. A 450 hp 302 based W crate engine from the factory is awesome stuff. Oh…I’ll bet that block can handle way more then 500 fwhp
By Tim. October 31st, 2006 at 2:00 pmIf there capped by a 500 HP limit and that starting price is correct then how in the heck can they compare these So Called BOSS 302 block to the aftermarket Dart or even World products MAN-O War blocks, as either of which can handle 1500-2000 HP and either can be bored and stroked well beyond the 363 displacement.
as mentioned above as well these should NOT be compared to the 70’s BOSS 302 these dont use the clevand style heads.. save your money and time build a Clevenor….
or even a stroked 302 with either block and make more HP and TQ then that mentioned above for LESS…
This BOSS anit BACK!
By NoSlo50Stang. October 31st, 2006 at 1:29 pmThought I was gonna be the only one disappointed that it’s ‘just’ a new block… looks like I was wrong! I too would have loved to see these engines using Cleveland based heads… just look at the results from all the Engine Masters setups, they all used Cleveland style heads, must be some good reason for it!
By Motrhed. October 31st, 2006 at 1:23 pmAmen on the Cleveland heads! THAT’s a Boss to me.
I’m sure some engineer will show how they outflow factory -C’s, and all the reams of data showing that there are zillions of Windsors in circulation and all those accessory drives will fit perfectly.
That’s fine, but to this olde skool Dearborn-ite, it better be a -C.
By MarauderMan. October 31st, 2006 at 1:05 pmNow if they were to top that 331 w/ some CHI heads than that would really be Boss! Too bad Ford doesn’t come out w/ a new version of an aluminum Cleveland head.
By blown68. October 31st, 2006 at 11:59 amIm with you Mike!
By Wildo. October 31st, 2006 at 11:33 amWell, to my mind these aren’t really’BOSS’ 302 engines, since the ‘Z’ heads they plan to use are Windsor heads, not Cleveland-style cant-valve heads.
By Mike. October 31st, 2006 at 11:23 amNow a true BOSS 302 based on this block with new Ford Racing 4V closed chamber Cleveland heads would get the blood pumping!
I was thinking that these were gonna be new modular engines that we could legally swap into our 96+ mustangs!!! So sad now!!!
By Kenny. October 31st, 2006 at 10:52 am