1988 Mustang Engine Information – 302 cubic inch V-8 (5.0 L H.O V8)

The “5.0L High Output” Ford Small Block V8

The 302 cubic inch engine was introduced in 1968 to the Mustang. Although it is a derivative of the 289 mustang, some parts are not interchangeable. In fact the block of a 289 cannot be used without some machining. Since the 302 crankshaft is larger, it requires a notched out section in the engine sidewall to allow the connecting rod end bolts to pass. If you are unsure of the parts you are using to build an engine, check tolerances carefully.

Both the engines are 90 degree V8’s.  Both are built well and will run forever if you treat them right.  I have put well over 500,000 miles on a 302 with minor problems and good maintenance. I have also owned a 1965, 1966 and 1967, 289 CID engine.  They all pull strong and have lasted. Good maintenance as with everything is the key.

All 302 engines with the exception of the Tunnel Port and the Boss have 2 bolt mains. The Tunnel port has 4 bolt mains and the 302 Boss has 4 bolt mains and is cross bolted as well. All 302’s drank regular gas except the Tunnel port and Boss engines, they gulped premium gas. Of all the 302 engines, only the Boss had solid adjustable lifters all others had hydraulic lifters.

On the distributor side of the equation, the Boss utilized a dual point, vacuum advance distributor with RPM limits of 5,950-6,050 in 1969 and 6,050-6,150 in 1970. The street 302’s and the Tunnel Port used a single point vacuum advance distributor.

The 302’s life cycle lasted from 1968 to 1973.  In 1974 do to the normally invasive Federal government’s BS and a contrived oil shortage, Ford no longer offered the V8 powerhouse in the Mustang. However, for reasons unknown to consumers an anemic 302 was offered again in 1975 through 1978. In 1979, it was stopped and came back in 1982 with the moniker of 5.0L.

I will attempt to provide information on the birth, evolution, disappearance, resurrection and final death of the 302 (5.0L) in 1995. Very few other engines have had a life span of about 30 years. This is a testament of the quality and performance of this engine. This also explains why there is a great abundance of aftermarket parts available at very reasonable prices.

The 302 had a late Ford blue engine block color and late Ford blue valve covers.  The 5.0L engine was gray on gray.  Some later 5.0L engines were simple the cast iron block color on the block and gray valve covers.

Engine Basics

Engine Specs (302 cid V8)

• F.O. 1-3-4-2
• Cylinders front to rear 1,2,3,4
• Firing order for most v8 engines except for 302 HO & some 351’s
  • FO. 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8
• Firing order for the 302 HO engine
  • FO. 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8
• Valve arrangement: R. Side I E I E I E I E Front to rear
• Valve arrangement: L. Side E I E I E I E I Front to rear

Engine Torque Specifications

All torque specifications provided in this table are those recommended by FORD. If you use special bolts, follow the torque specifications provided by the manufacturer. I recommend that you use the 3 step torque technique where you torque down the bolts in three equal steps. Once you have reached the maximum recommended torque setting, go around one more time. Do not torque in a circular pattern. Always torque cross to cross.

Valve Specifications

Crankshaft Specs