Ford to sell Mustang Boss 302 as a crate engine

In an about-face from information given at the February launch of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302, Ford said on Friday that the high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 will be sold as a crate engine through Ford Racing Performance Parts. All the fun can be had for $11,995.

With a redline of 7,500 rpm, part No. M-6007-M50B produces 444 hp and 380 lb-ft torque with features such as CNC ported cylinder heads, forged pistons and "runners in box" composite intake manifold.

Here are the details on the crate engine:

-- 11.0:1 compression ratio.

-- Lightweight aluminum cylinder block with cross-bolted main bearing caps and thick main bearing bulkheads for bottom-end strength.

-- Large-sump 8.5-quart oil pan with revised oil-pan baffling for improved oil control under hard cornering.

-- Revised composite intake system with shorter runners, inspired by Ford Racing's Daytona Prototype engine program.

-- 80-millimeter, single-bore "drive by wire" throttle body.

-- High-strength aluminum-alloy cylinder heads with fully CNC-machined ports and chambers for exceptional high-rpm airflow without sacrificing low-speed torque.

-- Sodium-filled exhaust valves for improved heat dissipation.

-- Forged-aluminum pistons and upgraded sinter-forged connecting rods for improved strength.

-- Vehicle wire harness and power control module are not included.

By Roger Hart