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How much horsepower does a 1974 Ford 302 have?

The 1974 Ford 302 engine was a powerhouse in its time, delivering impressive horsepower and torque for a wide range of Ford vehicles. In this article, we'll dive into the details of this iconic engine and uncover just how much horsepower it was capable of producing.


The 1974 Ford 302 Engine Specifications


The 1974 Ford 302 engine was a V8 powerplant that was widely used in a variety of Ford models, including the Mustang, Maverick, and Pinto. The engine had a displacement of 302 cubic inches (4.9 liters) and featured a cast-iron block and cylinder heads. The 1974 Ford 302 engine was capable of producing between 130 and 158 horsepower, depending on the specific model and configuration.


Factors Affecting Horsepower


The horsepower output of the 1974 Ford 302 engine was influenced by several factors, including the engine's compression ratio, camshaft design, and the type of carburetor or fuel injection system used. Vehicles equipped with manual transmissions generally had higher horsepower ratings than those with automatic transmissions, as the manual transmission allowed for more efficient power delivery.


Horsepower Variations Across Ford Models


The 1974 Ford 302 engine was used in a variety of Ford models, and the horsepower ratings varied depending on the specific application. For example:



  • The 1974 Ford Mustang II with the 302 engine had a horsepower rating of 139 hp.

  • The 1974 Ford Maverick with the 302 engine had a horsepower rating of 130 hp.

  • The 1974 Ford Pinto with the 302 engine had a horsepower rating of 140 hp.


These variations in horsepower were due to differences in engine tuning, exhaust systems, and other factors specific to each model.


The Legacy of the 1974 Ford 302 Engine


The 1974 Ford 302 engine was a significant part of Ford's history, powering a wide range of vehicles and contributing to the company's reputation for producing reliable and powerful engines. While it may not have been the most powerful engine of its era, the 302 was known for its durability, versatility, and the enjoyment it provided to drivers.

How much horsepower does a 302 have compared to a 351?


For Boss fans, know this was a solid 17 hp more than the equally legendary DZ302 offered by Chevrolet (tested in the same configuration). Compared to the larger Boss 351, the smaller 302 was down by 9 horsepower, as the 351 produced 383 hp and 391 lb/ft of torque.



How much HP can you get out of a 302?


About 300 horsepower. The big stumbling block are the cylinder heads which if you spend the time and expense to get them fully ported might yield another 150 horsepower and at that point, you're nearing what is considered safe in power and RPM for the light weight 5.0.



How much horsepower did the Ford 302 have in 1972?


Emission regulations caused a progressive reduction in compression ratio for the 302 two-barrel, to 9.0:1 in 1972, reducing SAE gross horsepower to 210 hp (157 kW). In that year, U.S. automakers began to quote horsepower in SAE net ratings; the 302 two-barrel carried a net rating of 140 hp (104 kW).



How many 1974 Mustangs were made?


386,000
Ford made 386,000 of the 1974 model year Mustangs. There were three body styles to could choose from and no convertible models that year. The consumer could also choose between a four cylinder or V6 engine.



How much horsepower did the Ford 302 have in 1975?


In that year, U.S. automakers began to quote horsepower in SAE net ratings; the 302 two-barrel carried a net rating of 140 hp (104 kW). By 1975, its power had dropped as low as 122 hp (91 kW) in some models.



Can you get 400 hp out of a 302?


What you do need is sound machining; a good set of cylinder heads; the right cam, intake, and exhaust; and meticulous assembly techniques. Read on to find out what it takes to make your 289/302 First On Race Day. The bottom end only needs to be strong enough to live at the desired power level-in this case, 400 hp.



What's the most horsepower you can get out of a 351 Windsor?


Starting at 7 psi, the turbo 351W produced 631 hp and 608 lb-ft of torque, while stepping up to 10.5 psi brought 719 hp and 687 lb-ft of torque. The stock crank, rods, and pistons were all still in place, so we cranked up the boost to 12.6 psi—the 5.8L pumped out 790 hp and 776 lb-ft of torque. 01.



How to tell the difference between 302 and 351?


Visual Difference
The 351 blocks were as much as 1.300 in. taller to allow for a longer Stroke . You can spot the difference pretty easily by looking at the front of the engine. On a 302 (or smaller c.i.d.) blocks, the distributor mount is almost flush with the top of the block (where the intake sits).



How much horsepower does a 1974 Mustang have?


According to Edmunds, the 1974 base engine's 88 hp (66 kW; 89 PS) was "truly pathetic" and the optional V6's 105 hp (78 kW; 106 PS) was "underwhelming" (with the addition of mandatory catalytic converters in 1975 these outputs fell to 83 and 97 hp (72 kW) respectively).



How much HP did a Ford 302 have?


Ford Boss 302 engine

Ford 302 H.O.
Power output290 hp (216 kW) @ 5200 rpm
Specific power59.2 hp (44.1 kW)/Liter
Torque output290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) @ 4300 rpm
Chronology


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.