I’m looking at a Mustang that the seller claims is a Boss 302, but it has a 5.0 badge on it, which seems odd. Does anyone know what I should look for to confirm if this is a real Boss 302? Any advice would be appreciated!
Ask the owner for the certificate listing the VIN if it’s legit. You can also check the VIN directly – it should have P8CU if it’s a true Boss 302.
P8C = Coupe (Boss 302)
U = 5.0L 444hp V8 (Boss 302)
Best not to view it at night. Darkness can hide details, especially bodywork issues. Always check cars in daylight.
Zya said:
Best not to view it at night. Darkness can hide details, especially bodywork issues. Always check cars in daylight.
Agreed, you’ll see things better in daylight or under bright lights. I once caught mismatched body panels under bright lights that I couldn’t see in the dark.
A few telltale signs: authentic Boss 302s don’t have 5.0 badges and should have blue valve covers, a strut bar with a plaque, and base model V6 pony badges with the red/white/blue stripes. Also, only Laguna Secas came in black, with special badging and no rear seats. Check for these details.
Sounds like they just put on a Boss intake and called it a day. Definitely check that VIN.
Another quick check: the oil cap on a real Boss 302 should say ‘5W50.’ Standard Mustangs usually don’t have that spec.
Technically, a 5.0L engine is a 302ci, so they could be referring to that. But if they’re saying it’s a ‘Boss 302,’ that’s different. If the VIN doesn’t match, it’s likely just a regular 5.0 with modifications.
@Dalton
They’re specifically claiming it’s a ‘Boss 302,’ not just any 302.
Sounds like they’re being shady. Run that VIN and walk away if it doesn’t check out!
Not a real Boss 302 if they’re saying ‘it’s a 302’ and it’s got a 5.0 badge. They’re likely trying to pass off mods as the real thing.