How much horsepower does a 1982 Ford Mustang with a 302 Cu-in have?
About 157 horsepower.
For the 1982 model year, Ford’s 302 cubic inch V8 (the 5.0 L) in the Mustang was rated at roughly 157 horsepower under SAE net standards, with torque around 240 lb-ft. Those figures reflect the engine as installed in street Mustangs of the era, including emissions equipment and ancillary accessories. Exact output can vary slightly by trim and production date, but 157 hp is the widely cited figure for most 1982 5.0 Mustangs.
Context: How the 5.0 Was Rated in 1982
The 5.0 L V8 used in the 1982 Mustang followed SAE net horsepower ratings, which differ from the older gross measurements. Net ratings account for equipment like alternators, power steering, and the exhaust system, producing a lower number than gross-output figures seen in earlier decades. The commonly cited 157 hp figure thus represents the engine’s real-world output with standard equipment for that year.
Notes on Variation Across Models
Most U.S. Mustangs offered with the 302 in 1982—whether in LX or base trims—shared the same basic engine and rating. Minor differences can occur due to emissions calibration, carburetor tuning, and drivetrain accessories, but the 157 hp figure remains the standard reference for the 302 V8 in the 1982 Mustang.
Summary
In short, a 1982 Ford Mustang equipped with the 302 cu-in engine delivers about 157 horsepower (SAE net), paired with roughly 240 lb-ft of torque. This rating is the conventional benchmark used by historians, enthusiasts, and collectors when discussing that model year’s 5.0 Mustangs.
