Need engine opinions/ideas BOSS 347

[1968-coupe]

Some of you have probably read post and threads I have made in the past, but im stiff kicking around ideas for a powertrain for my 68, hope to get things kicked off next year and get the body work done and start on the rear end and suspension. SO here is what I have been thining about:

I was very impressed with the BOSS 302 build in the last issue of Modified Mustangs and Fords. That got the little wheels in my head started creaking, What about a BOSS 347? Using a $695 block from Summit, SCAT 347 rotating assembly, aftermarket 351C heads, and a nice cam. From a stock spec BOSS 302 the dyno figures read 340+ HP, hotter cam and other tweeks boosted it up to about 525hp, thats where I would like to be (thats where my other options were in terms of HP) I would think that by upgrading to a 347 rotating assemble I could produce more torque, and have a BOSS 347.

Thoughts, opinions?

THANKS

 

[2+2GT]

It wouldn't be a BOSS with that block, though, would it? Building even a clone "BOSS" requires a block that is configured as a BOSS. You'll have to step up about $1000 more to build a "BOSS".

 

[1968-coupe]

According to the article, they just used a 5.0L block, Other than the stonger mains and it being just a stronger block in general why spend an extra grand on a BOSS block?

 

[2+2GT]

According to the article, they just used a 5.0L block, Other than the stonger mains and it being just a stronger block in general why spend an extra grand on a BOSS block?

Well that's the thing, isn't it? The BOSS has four-bolt mains, heavier webs, and screw-in freeze and oil plugs. The cheaper block is just your recycled garden-variety 302 2V engine.

Here's what you get for that extra grand:
Slide Show - Meet the New Boss: Ford Racing

 

[latamud]

The cheaper block is just your recycled garden-variety 302 2V engine.

Agree, why pay $695 when you can probably find a complete engine locally used for less, tear it down to the block and clean it up, you have the same thing Summit is selling.

I like the mock boss idea, if you're going to go that route use a main girdle. You could use a BOSS 302 intake, or Edelbrock has a conversion intake as well.

I used a 69 351W block for my Clevor engine, it has thicker main webbing, not BOSS spec but better than newer blocks.

You'll need to figure out exhaust too.

 

[1968-coupe]

The thought had crossed my mind of a Clevor, whats the advantage of a Clevor over a Boss 302?

 

[2+2GT]

The thought had crossed my mind of a Clevor, whats the advantage of a Clevor over a Boss 302?

Nothing, except cost. The "Cleavor" is a 302 Windsor block machined to accept 4V Cleavland heads. The BOSS 302 was a Windsor block specially cast for high strength, and factory machined to accept the 351C 4V head (which was actually used on the BOSS before it was used on the 351C).

Basically, the "Cleavor" is a poor man's way of sorta creating a BOSS.

 

[latamud]

Nothing, except cost. The "Cleavor" is a 302 Windsor block machined to accept 4V Cleavland heads. The BOSS 302 was a Windsor block specially cast for high strength, and factory machined to accept the 351C 4V head (which was actually used on the BOSS before it was used on the 351C).

Basically, the "Cleavor" is a poor man's way of sorta creating a BOSS.

What about the 408 cubic inches?

 

[1968-coupe]

Im wanting something thats fun to drive, great power, and streetable. I want to be able to DRIVE to shows, Id LIKE to see 500hp out of a BOSS 347 but if I have to settle for less for the engine to be a comfortable driving engine thats OK.

 

[latamud]

Im wanting something thats fun to drive, great power, and streetable. I want to be able to DRIVE to shows, Id LIKE to see 500hp out of a BOSS 347 but if I have to settle for less for the engine to be a comfortable driving engine thats OK.

My BOSS 408 is fun to drive, has great power and streetable. I DRIVE it to shows. I'm getting 24 miles per gallon too.

YouTube - LATAMUD BOSS408 66 Mustang Budget Build dash cam trip#1

 

[2+2GT]

There's always the 351W-based Ford Racing Engine that displaces 427 c.i.d., rated at 535 h.p., MSRP $9249.00. This engine would fit in any Mustang ever made with no modification of the engine compartment.

 

[1968-coupe]

My BOSS 408 is fun to drive, has great power and streetable. I DRIVE it to shows. I'm getting 24 miles per gallon too.

YouTube - LATAMUD BOSS408 66 Mustang Budget Build dash cam trip#1

WOW Thats awesome, whats the HP output on that thing? AThat is GREAT to hear, because im only gettin 27 in my 2007 4.0 V6! :-D

 

[68RCodeConv]

The Clevor concept made sense back when there were not a lot of SBF heads available. There are plenty of aftermarket heads out there that will flow just as well as (if not better) than the Cleveland heads and you can just bolt them on.

A stock block 347 with good SBF heads will put out just as much HP as a Boss 302 motor. Unless you plan on spinning the Boss to 8000 rpm in which case the streetability goes out the window.