cholmes1
400lb Gorilla
First Ford vehicle to my knowledge to be a special variant and then offer an even more limited variant. We were also the reason the TracKey was made available.
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@cholmes1 wouldnt the GT40 be the 1st? At least during the 60s?
Ahh, I see what you’re saying.I am not that familiar with the GT40. What two variants existed in the 1960s? I am aware of the race models (99%) of production and a handful of street prototypes. Were there others created for the street?
Above I am referring to two vehicles intended/eligible for the street under the same unique moniker in the same model year with unique aspects to both (Boss 302 and Boss 302 LS, etc).
What about the '93 Mustang Cobra and Cobra R variants?
What about the '93 Mustang Cobra and Cobra R variants?
The real question, is the Boss still a better car then the gt 350 ? All things considered (race history, more reliable engine). Don't think I could part with mine.So I am sure this has probably been done in the past but was thinking there should be a comprehensive list of items that separate the Boss 302 as a special Mustang. I'l give it a go and try to be as comprehensive as possible.
1. It is a Ford developed product and produced by Ford. Not merely a Mustang carrying a name licensed by another company.
2. It parallels Ford history. Produced by Ford and successfully raced as a factory race car.
3. Limited in production to two years with limited production numbers: 2012 there were 3250 standard Boss 302's produced and 767 Laguna Seca's; 2013 there were 3,553 standard Boss 302's produced and 765 Laguna Seca's.
4. Carries a historically significant name in auto sports.
5. Each car is numbered with an identification plaque. Laguna identification starts with a prefix of "LS####". First 50 Laguna's have the LS# match the last four digits of the Vin#. Laguna Seca's also come with special rear badging.
6. The Boss came with an owners kit matched to its Boss.
7. Optional Boss car cover and floor matts
8. Laguna Seca's came with brake ducting in a box for the track.
9. Each LS came with a more aggressive front splitter and rear spoiler for the track and brake ducting in box for the track.
10. The Boss 302 engine was developed specially for the Boss and is a different engine than the 5.0L found non-Boss Mustangs. Upgrades include forged con rods, forged pistons, race main bearings and rod bearings, larger sodium filled exhaust valves, high lift cam, CNC polished heads, exhaust headers and race inspired clutch.
11. Larger radiator and revised plumbing for cooling.
12. Revised baffles in oil pan.
13. Oil cooler.
14. Under body transmission cooler scoop.
15. Finned aluminum differential for cooling.
16. The Boss 302 revs to 7500 rpm.
17. The Boss 302 could be purchased with "Track Key" an industry first that changed the engine parameters to that of the Boss 302R for track use also resulting in a noticeable muscle car lopy idle.
18. Remapped traction control and ESC compared to the Mustang GT to permit more flexibility and performance on the track.
19. Cold air intake.
20. The Boss 302 came with 5 way adjustable dampers front and rear with higher rate coil springs lowering front and rear of car (11 mm front and 1 mm rear). Laguna Seca comes with slightly softer front springs and stiffer rear springs and stiffer dampers.
21. The Boss 302 came with 4 pot Brembo calipers and 14" vented rotors front and 11.8" rotors rear with more aggressive compound pads for the track.
23. Tuned electronic steering with 3 settings.
24. Low expansion brake lines.
25. 6 speed MT.
26. Optional Torsen differential with 3.73 rear. Laguna Seca came standard with Torsen differential and Recaros.
27. 25mm rear sway and stiffer bushings. Laguna Seca came with a 26mm rear sway bar.
28. Quad Exhaust with removable baffle disc for the side exhaust.
29. LS had rear seat delete and X brace for added chassis stiffness.
30. Strut tower brace.
31. Pirelli PZero summer performance tires and Pirelli Corsa tires for the Laguna Seca. Laguna Seca's also received distinctive Laguna Seca wheels over standard "wagon wheel" design.
32. Optional Recaro bucket seats.
33. Distinctive black "Q ball" shift knob.
34. 2012 LS came with distinctive gauge pod on top of dash (oil temp water temp and lap timer).
35. 11 lbs of sound deadening removed.
36. Alcantara covered steering wheel.
37. Boss only color schemes
38. Unique front fascia with blocked off fog lamp opennings
39. Historically accurate livery striping after the 1969 and 1970 Boss 302.
40. Ford produced a 3 part video on the development of Boss.
Feel free to correct add or delete if I got anything wrong.
REVISED 7/7/19 TO REFLECT CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS
There are a number of vids out there that compare the two cars head to head.I remember one in particular saying the Boss was more of a "brawler" and the GT350 a more refined road/track car.I've owned my Boss from day one and enjoyed every minute of driving it! I've never tracked it, but enjoy the looks it gets whenever I take it out. I have never driven or ridden in a GT350, so I can only go by the Vids I have watched and it seems like a very potent N/A powered car with more horses than the Boss.and maybe better handling with the IRS, lacking in the Boss.......Bottom line, My Boss has everything I need to keep me happy..That may not apply to everybody.....You know who you are...............I hope TMSBOSS chimes in on this...He owns both cars.................The real question, is the Boss still a better car then the gt 350 ?