302/Boss 302 351/Boss 351

I seem to remember there is a simple way to tell the difference? Valve cover bolts? be patient I left the engine division of Ford 32 years ago and know its simple just can't remember. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Roy

 

[Mike Dozier]

The Boss engines have canted valves ...not in-line like the standard (Windsor) 302/351.

Also...Windsor blocks mount the fuel pump on the
timing cover case...Cleveland blocks mount the fuel pump
on the block.

MikeD

 

[StuartB]

289/302 is six bolt, 302 Boss is eight bolt, not sure if the 351 changed from this, anyone?
Mike has it right, the Boss head looks like a Cleveland.

 

Boss block has screw in freeze plugs.

 

[Andy 8V]

302s have valve covers similar to a 289, and they have thin harmonic balancers. Boss 302s & Boss 351s use the same valve cover, Boss 302s have screw-in freeze plugs and fat harmonic balancers, Boss 351 blocks are longer. All use the same 6 bolt bell housings. Tunnel port 302s, Boss 302s & Boss 351s have 4 bolt mains. A 351 (Cleveland style) V8 with the 429/460 bell housing flange and a higher deck height is a 351M or 400M (modified).

 

[Mike Blalock]

A couple of more outward appearing visual differences are that the top water hose from radiator goes directly into the block on the 351C. On 302 it goes into the intake manifold. 302 also has a separate timing chain cover that the Clevelands don't have. Exhaust ports on Clevelands are oval versus almost rectangular on 302.

Ford1
(Still looking for a GT40!)