The horsepower of a 302 Ford engine varies significantly depending on the specific model, its year of manufacture, and its intended application. For example, the high-performance Boss 302 engine, designed for racing homologation, was factory-rated at 290 horsepower.
Understanding the Ford 302 Engine Family
The "302 Ford engine" generally refers to the Ford small-block V8 engine with a displacement of 302 cubic inches, which is approximately 5.0 liters. This engine family was produced in various configurations from the mid-1960s through the early 2000s, powering a wide range of Ford vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. Due to its long production run and diverse applications, the horsepower output varied greatly.
The High-Performance Boss 302 Engine
One of the most iconic and powerful variants of the 302 cubic inch engine is the Boss 302. Developed in the late 1960s specifically for Trans-Am racing, it featured unique cylinder heads, a four-bolt main block, and a high-performance valvetrain. Its design focused on high-RPM power output suitable for competition.
Here are the key specifications for the original Ford Boss 302 engine:
| Output Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 290 hp (216 kW) @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque Output | 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) @ 4300 rpm |
| Specific Power | 59.2 hp (44.1 kW) per Liter |
Horsepower Varies Across 302 Engine Variants
While the Boss 302 represents a peak in the 302's performance history, it's crucial to understand that not all 302 engines produced this level of power. Other notable 302 (5.0L) variants include:
- Standard Production 302s (1960s-1970s): Many early 302 engines, especially those with two-barrel carburetors or designed for economy, produced significantly less horsepower, often in the range of 130 to 220 hp gross, with net figures being much lower as emissions controls became more prevalent.
- 5.0L High Output (H.O.) (Mid-1980s-Early 1990s): Popular in the Fox Body Mustang, this engine saw improvements over standard models but typically produced between 200 and 225 horsepower in its various iterations, still less than the Boss 302.
Therefore, when asking about the horsepower of "a 302 Ford engine," it's essential to specify which particular version is being referred to, as the output can range from well under 200 hp to the Boss 302's impressive 290 hp, and even higher with aftermarket modifications.
