Boss 302 Mustang

Boss 302 Mustang

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1969–1970, 2012–
Assembly	Dearborn, Michigan (1969–1970) Flat Rock, Michigan (2012– )
Layout	FR layout
Engine	302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 (1969–1970) 5.0 L V8 (2012– )
Transmission	4-speed manual (1969–1970) 6-speed manual (2012– )
Related	Ford Mustang
Designer	Larry Shinoda

The Boss 302 Mustang is a high performance variant of the Ford Mustang originally produced in 1969 and 1970, but revived in the 2012 model year. It was produced for the Trans Am racing series, while the Mustang Boss 429 which was produced the same years was built around a larger engine.

First generation (1969–1970)

1970 Boss 302 Mustang

Boss 302 engine with the shaker hood scoop

The Camaro/Mustang rivalry had begun in 1967 with the introduction of the Chevrolet Camaro by General Motors. The Camaro was the largest threat to the lead Ford had in the "pony car" field, a niche of car manufacturing largely created by Ford with the introduction of the Mustang in mid-year 1964. Despite the lead Ford had in this field, the performance of the Mustang did not stack up to that of the Camaro. The small block and big block Chevrolet were more than a match for the 289 and 390 Fords placed in the Mustang. Ford, in an effort to burnish their "total performance" image introduced the 428 Cobra Jet in mid-year 1968, and in 1969, built one of Detroit's most interesting power plants, the Ford Boss 302 engine V8. The design was a composite engine using the "tunnel port" Windsor block and large Cleveland heads. The engine was fitted to Mustangs sold to the public to allow Ford to use the new engine to compete in the Trans-Am series.

The Boss 302 Mustang was designed by Larry Shinoda, a former GM employee. He placed the unique reflective "c-stripe" strips on the car, and eliminated the fake rear fender scoops found on the 1969 Mustang model. The distinctive styling included optional black horizontal rear window shades, blackout hood, and was one of the first production cars with a front spoiler and rear deck wing. The name "Boss" came about when Shinoda was asked what project he was working on, he answered "the boss's car" because the project was a secret. Also Shinoda had called it the "Boss" as an homage to the new President of Ford Semon "Bunkie" Knudson who had brought Shinoda over from GM when Knudson had left. When Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am title, the name "Boss" was kept.

A total of 7,013 were produced of the better-known 1970 model which was offered for $3,720. It is recognized by the side "hockey" stripes which started along the top of the hood, along with the 1970 grille which replaced the 4 headlights with two vents in the outside position, retaining two headlights within the grille opening. The dual exhaust system was redesigned, along with the competition suspension and a standard Hurst shifter. The intake valves were smaller, and aluminum valve covers replaced the chrome.

Standard were disc brakes on the front, larger sway bars, heavier duty spindles, reinforced shock towers, a four speed manual transmission, and the solid-lifter Boss 302 V8 engine with its free-breathing Cleveland style heads, which had valves larger than most motors over a third larger in displacement. This "G Code" engine was rated at 290 hp (216 kW).^{[citation needed]}

The 1970 car could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.9 seconds. The quarter mile (~400 m) took 14.6 seconds at 98 mph (158 km/h).

Trans-Am racing

1970 Mustang Boss 302 race car

The SCCA Trans-Am series (from which the famed Pontiac Trans-Am gained its moniker) was hugely popular in the late 1960s. A version of "stock-car" racing, the five-liter class saw Detroit build some impressive handling sedans to compete. The Boss 302 program was part of an effort by the Ford Motor Company to win the coveted SCCA Trans-Am Championship in 1969 and 1970. Penske Camaros had triumphed in 1968 and 1969. Team Penske switched to AMC Javelin the following year so the Boss 302's direct competition in the 1970 series were the AAR Cudas, the Pontiac Trans-Am, the Penske AMC Javelins, and the Team Chaparral Camaros.

The Ford entry for 1969 and 1970 was the Boss 302 Mustang. The factory effort was headed up by the famed Bud Moore, who fielded two cars in the 1970 season, and won the championship that year. The Bud Moore Mustangs edged out Team Penske's Javelins, and lead Penske driver Mark Donohue lost out to Bud Moore driver Parnelli Jones. Then, in 1971 AMC came out with a redesigned Javelin and returned to the track with ex-Mustang driver, George Follmer and Mark Donohue. With Mark Donohue behind the wheel of the AMC Javelin, the Mustang and others were beat in 1971, and again with George Follmer driving in 1972.

Although Ford's Drag Pack option with a special oil cooler was never formally offered on the Boss 302, it was often included with the 4.30:1 rear axle ratio. This coveted option is recognizable when the hood is opened to reveal Ford's vertically mounted oil cooler in front of the radiator.

Collectibility

The Boss 302 is reproduced as a model and toy, with diecast models including Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and ERTL American Muscle. It is recognizable by the "hockey" side stripe, rear louvers and chin spoiler. The 1970 is available, but there are also some 4-headlight 1969 models as well.

Many "Boss clones" have been created out of regular fastback cars due to the expense of the original automobiles.

In 2007, a pair of restored 1969 Boss Mustangs sold for $530,000.

Saleen Parnelli Jones S302 (2007)

In 2007, Saleen and American Racing Legend, Parnelli Jones, created a limited-edition version of the Mustang. Though often called the Saleen/Parnelli Jones S302, it was designed to pay homage to the legendary 1970 Boss 302 that Parnelli Jones had raced in back in the Trans Am series against Javelins, Camaros and Cudas. Equipped with a Saleen MOD 302 cid 3-valve V8, the S302 makes 400 hp (300 kW) and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) of torque. On the outside, the S302 features a new front fascia, Saleen "Shaker" hood, rear window louvers, rear deck wing, hockey shaped side stripes, and custom Saleen/Parnelli Jones edition wheels. Production of this car was limited to only 500 cars.

Second generation (2012–present)

2012 Boss 302

Production	2012–present
Assembly	AutoAlliance International (Flat Rock, Michigan, USA)
Body style	2-door coupe
Platform	5th Generation Mustang
Engine	5.0 L V8
Transmission	6-speed manual
Wheelbase	107.1 in (2,720 mm)
Length	188.1 in (4,780 mm)
Width	73.9 in (1,880 mm)
Height	55.6 in (1,410 mm) (Coupe)
Curb weight	3,631 lb (1,647 kg)

Ford revived the Boss 302 nameplate for 2012. The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 takes a standard 2011 Ford Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 and adds an upgraded intake system and revised engine producing 444 naturally aspirated horsepower – a 32 horsepower jump over the standard GT’s 412 hp via a forged rotating assembly, CNC ported heads, revised camshafts and a high flow "runners in the box" intake taken from the 302R racecar. The engine loses about 10 lb-ft. of torque at peak when compared to the standard GT. It is rated at 380 lb-ft. and comes with an upgraded six-speed MT-82 manual transmission. A 3.73 rear axle uses carbon fiber plates in its limited slip differential or an optional Torsen differential. The intake system has also been reengineered to provide a growl under hard acceleration, while the quad exhaust system made up of two standard Mustang GT outlets and two side pipes that exit on either side of the rear crossover. The side pipes send the exhaust through a set of metal discs to create an extra growling exhaust sound. The disc is removable and includes a spacer plate sized to match aftermarket exhaust dump valves.

The Boss 302 takes the Mustang GT’s suspension and adds higher-rate coil springs, stiffer bushings, and a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar. The body is lowered 11 mm up front and just 1 mm in the rear to give it a more raked stance designed to recall the original. The shocks are adjustable at the shock tower by using a flat head screwdriver. The standard Mustang traction and stability control programs have been altered with a new intermediate sport mode designed to allow for more flexibility on the track.

The aero package is almost entirely copied from the Boss 302R race car. The 19-inch black-alloy racing wheels are 9-inches wide up front and 9.5-inches out back and come within Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition

Laguna Seca edition has map of track on fake gas cap on rear

The Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition is a further upgraded version of the Boss 302. Additions include a close-ratio six-speed stick, a standard Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and revised suspension tuning. Unique spring and dampers rates and a larger rear stabilizer. Laguna Seca models lose their rear seats, which are replaced by a cross-car X-brace to increase structural rigidity approximately 10%. They ride on 19X9-inch front and 19X10 inch rear light-weight alloy wheels with R-compound high-performance tires. Ford Racing front brake ducts help cool the brakes.

Laguna Secas come in two colors – Black or Ingot Silver – with a red roof and red accents. A more aggressive front splitter and a larger rear spoiler are for track use. Only 750 Laguna Seca versions will be built.

The limited-edition Laguna Seca is designed to bridge the gap between the Boss 302 and the Boss 302R.