THSCC Forums

per http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-mustang-boss-302.html


By Andrew Ganz

The 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 takes a standard 2011 Ford Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 and adds an upgraded intake system and revised engine tuning to crank out 440 horsepower – an impressive jump over the standard GT’s 412 ponies. The Boss 302 also pumps out 380 lb-ft. of torque and is mated exclusively to an upgraded six-speed manual transmission.

A 3.73 rear axle uses carbon fiber plates in its limited slip differential to put the increased power to the rear wheels. A Torsen limited slip rear differential will be available – coupled with unique Recaro-designed front seats in a special upgrade package.

Mean-sounding
The intake system has also been reengineered to provide a throatier growl under hard acceleration, while a unique quad exhaust system made up of two standard Mustang GT outlets and two side pipes that exit on either side of the rear crossover. The side pipes send the exhaust through a set of metal discs to create an extra growling exhaust sound.

“We added the attenuation discs to meet legal regulations, but we knew buyers might operate these cars in situations where noise regulations weren’t an issue,” Shawn Carney, Mustang NVH engineer, said in a statement released to the media.

“The disc is removable and includes a spacer plate sized to match aftermarket exhaust dump valves. If an owner wants to add a set of electric valves, they just undo two bolts on either side; the disc and spacer slide out and the valve will slide right in. And the side pipes are tuned so that drivers can run wide-open and the sound levels are comfortable – very aggressive but livable for an all-day track outing.”

Mean-handling
The Boss 302 takes the Mustang GT’s standard suspension and adds higher-rate coil springs, stiffer bushings and a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar. The body is lowered 11 mm up front and just 1 mm out big to give it a more raked stance designed to recall the original.

All Boss 302s gain adjustable shocks and struts.

“We’ve given drivers five settings for their shocks,” said Brent Clark, supervisor of the Mustang vehicle dynamics team, in a statemetn. “One is the softest, two is the factory setting and five is the firmest, and we’ve provided a wide range of adjustment. A customer can drive to the track on setting two, crank it up to five for improved response on the track, then dial down to one for a more relaxed ride home. What’s unique is that drivers will find – thanks to the way the suspension works as a complete system – the softest setting isn’t too loose and the firmest setting isn’t too controlled; each step just provides additional levels of control.”

The shocks aren’t adjustable in the cabin; instead, Ford chose to stick with a simple race-style underhood adjustment built into the shock tower. To adjust the suspension, Ford says that drivers will only need to use a flat head screwdriver.

In addition, Ford modified the electric power steering for enhanced feedback and feel. Unlike other Mustangs, the Boss 302 will allow drivers to select one of three steering settings in the instrument cluster menu – Comfort, Normal and Sport.

The standard Mustang traction and stability control programs have been altered with a new intermediate sport mode designed to allow for a little more flexibility on the track.

To go with all of the underbody improvements, Ford selected a set of unique 19-inch black-alloy racing wheels. Staggered at 9 inches wide up front and 9.5 inches out back, the wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires.

Ford says that the tires and suspension upgrades help the Boss 302 achieve more than 1.0 g’s of lateral acceleration – the first in a non-SVT-modified Mustang.

Those new wheels wrap around 14-inch vented rotors and Brembo calipers up front and upgraded Mustang GT brakes with high performance pads out back. The ABS system has also been modified.

Most have a Laguna Seca Edition. MUST.


--Donnie

So other than not having the Boss 302 graphics, is there any reason why one couldn't parts-bin a GT up to the exact same level of performance (or better by adding the supercharger as well) as a Boss 302 LSE? Or will they try to control some of the parts like Shelby does? (Ie. you can't buy Shelby GT graphics without some sort of proof you need to repair an ACTUAL Shelby GT.)

I'm just too much of a pragmatist to get caught up trying to "collect" a Boss 302 since that would mean NOT doing things like a supercharger to it. But I really want the aero bits. Hmmph.


--Donnie

So other than not having the Boss 302 graphics, is there any reason why one couldn't parts-bin a GT up to the exact same level of performance (or better by adding the supercharger as well) as a Boss 302 LSE? Or will they try to control some of the parts like Shelby does? (Ie. you can't buy Shelby GT graphics without some sort of proof you need to repair an ACTUAL Shelby GT.)

I'm just too much of a pragmatist to get caught up trying to "collect" a Boss 302 since that would mean NOT doing things like a supercharger to it. But I really want the aero bits. Hmmph.


--Donnie