Ford Mustang 302 V-8 Engine Guide

The 302’s life cycle lasted from 1968 to 1973

Right off the bat, I want to tell you that this is one of the hardest sections I have had to organize. There is so much information and it spans so many years, that much of the information changes from year to year, while other information remains static. So the information at the top will be easy to understand, but the specifications at the bottom for engine rebuilders may be a little complex. I also may have to reorganize as I add the 5.0L into the equation.

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.