Boss 302 vs 351c

[keith1562]

Awhile ago I was bench racing with an old buddy of mine. With him the 1969-70 Boss 302's are the ultimate. He regards Shelby's as not "real" mustangs, because of all the body modifications. According to him the Boss 302, because of high compression, mechanical solid lifter cam, 3.91 or higher 9 inch.,along with being somewhat lighter, make it the fast factory Mustangs in 69-70. I contend that the reason for the numerical high rear end gears is largely to compensate for so-so low r.p.m. performance. I further contend that a similarly equipped Mach 1, with a 351c would have more low end grunt via more cubes. I agree that the Boss mustangs were beautiful cars that performed while on a race track (circle track not 1/4 mile)Not to mention I'd love to own one, What would you say were realistic H.P. rating for Boss 302? We all know that solid lifter machine made more than 290 horses.
I'm grateful for any input positive negative or neutral.
Thanks, Keith

[Steven Harris]

All I can add is statistics.

According to my Motor's Manual the Boss 302 was rated at 290 HP at 5,800 RPM and 290 Torque at 4,300 RPM.

I have also read that that was a very conservative rating and actual HP was more in the 350 range. Race motors were putting out 450 HP.

Back to the Motor's Manual for the 351 C (1970) and it was rated at 300 HP at 5,400 RPM and 380 Torque at 3,400 RPM. The 351 C (1971 Boss) was rated at 330 HP at 5,400 RPM and 370 Torque at 3,400 RPM.

Now if the Boss 302 was rated conservatively for insurance purposes then I imagine that the 351 C was also rated conservatively for the same reason in that we are talking about the same years.

I would have to agree with your synopsis of the higher gear ratio to deal with the need for RPM's.

Sure, I'll take one - of each.