Ford has a long history of manufacturing reliable engines. However, the Mustang Boss 302, was one of the few exceptions. The 302 ci V8 engine in the Mustang developed a reputation for cracking or outright failed pistons resulting in significant internal damage after a mere 20,000 miles.
Feeling the pressure of stiff competition from a new Chevrolet Camaro Z28 in 1969, Ford developed a stunning new Mustang homologated to qualify for the SCCA Trans-Am championship. It featured a high-rpm 5.0-liter V-8 (the series’ engine size was limited to 305 cubic inches) and improved handling. Ford’s basic 302-cubic-inch V8 engine block had already proved successful in powering a race car at the required high rpm rate with wins at Le Mans in 1968 and 1969. However, Ford looked for performance improvement. The automaker retooled the heads from the 351 cubic-inch Cleveland V8 and added them to the 302 along with a solid lifter valvetrain.
The street version of the Boss 302 generated 290 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, accelerating the Mustang to 60 mph in an impressive 6.9 seconds, reaching the quarter mile in 14.6 seconds. To improve handling, Ford upgraded the Boss 302 with stiffer springs, additional shock tower bracing, more robust spindles, custom-tuned shock absorbers, new anti-roll bars, and F60-15 tires. According to Hemmings, resale prices for the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 range from $53,000 at the low end to $160,000 at the high end with an average of $94,000. However, the engine problems make the Boss 302 a poor investment at any price.
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