Hey guys, looking at picking up a low mileage (20K) darn clean 2012 Boss. Not new to mustangs and not new to the 197, but my first Boss experience. My main question is what to look for in regards to any boss specific items and particularly the red key. Car has the key and the dash displays properly with the red key in. Have not seen the car in person to see the actual results. The only thing I don’t like is it has this installed in the vent. How do I check for a tune or anything? Any other thoughts/tips? Thank you guys!

Aeroforce is just a gauge that gets data from the OBD port, it's not a tuning device.

How to check for a tune? No idea. I'd say if it runs good and no Check Engine light it doesn't matter. It's out of warranty anyway

Back in the day when were getting the Boss new, folks would add a gauge to the A/C vent. The other options were the Ford Racing center dash three gauge pod of a pillar gauge. You "May" be able to check codes with this gauge, not certain. Check their site.
Red Key. The one way to know you have the red key, the software is loaded and good to go it to run the car with the red key. The car will need to warm up, I believe 170 degrees for 170 seconds, (Don't quote me on that) and then drive or blip the throttle. If the track activates, the idle will change and the dash will give you a second message.

I would also ask if all the synchros were good and if there were any issues with the transmission.

I will be checking it out before buying, so I’ll pay attention to the trans. But with only 20K even on it, should be safe there.

It also does have (what appears to be a sought after) a Parnelli Jones carbon fiber intake. Usually you’d have to tune for an intake on a 197, but there are exceptions. Guess this should be a safe mod.

Miles are not always the key, the MT82 is a weakness of the Boss , so do drive and you are probably correct but always good to check out known weaknesses. Best of luck. If the car is close to you, you might consider taking it over to Solo Performance Specialties ( www.soloperformance.com) as Dave Whitworth is a member here, does set up cars for some folks on the site and knows Mustangs super, super well!

Bottom line............A Boss302 is a very special car to have and enjoy...........I Know............I've had mine from day one and never had any regrets about my decision to get that mean machine!!!!!!!!!!!.........................Best of luck on getting yours....................................one last question...........Is the seller the original owner????.........Inquiring minds would like to know.......

As far as I know, second owner.

And took this screen shot from a video he sent me. This is right with a cold start.

I'm kinda surprised no one has mentioned this, especially as a lot of us are not young young.
Have you asked "THE BOSS" for permission to "Get a BOSS".
Sleeping in a Boss may not be comfortable long term.

Best of luck with your purchase, look forward to seeing photos.

All about the mt82 and the clutch,the cars are pretty bulletproof otherwise

GAR944 said:

I'm kinda surprised no one has mentioned this, especially as a lot of us are not young young.
Have you asked "THE BOSS" for permission to "Get a BOSS".
Sleeping in a Boss may not be comfortable long term.

Best of luck with your purchase, look forward to seeing photos.

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Sooooo, I get the joke but I don't live in that world, bruv. The only thing I'm coordinating and/or seeking approval for my Boss purchase with is my checking account, LOL

blacksheep-1 said:

All about the mt82 and the clutch,the cars are pretty bulletproof otherwise

Click to expand...

Thanks man, and yeah,I agree. The main thing I'm just trying to brush up on before pulling the trigger is the whole red key topic. New to boss, not new to S197. Currently have a crazy clean, nasty 2012 GT. Love these things. Funny enough, this one is in the air right now still waiting on my Calimer stage 3 to show up in the mail! 115,000 on the stock tranny and it never completely went out. Just time for an upgrade.

If the car was well cared for, only stuff you need to worry about is stuff that wears with time -- and possibly any mods the previous owner did. So rubber; bushings, belts and tires. Maybe shocks. As far as the red key, you can only test to see if it functions, and if you want it, you'll probably want to leave the tune be. If you can swing it, it may be worth checking the mode 6 data from the pcm. That'll tell you if the engine has been experiencing any misfires. The Parnelli Jones intake is just a special edition one of these -- Airaid Boss intake. Tune recommended but it'd probably be fine without.

Great looking GT!