What are the specs of the camshaft on a 1969 Boss 302?
The camshaft used in Ford's 1969 Boss 302 Mustang is a high-performance, high-revving profile designed for strong power at elevated RPMs. In broad terms, the profile features substantial duration at fair lift and a compact lobe-separation angle, with the exact numbers varying slightly by build date and production revision. Below are the commonly cited characteristics and how they translate to performance.
The Boss 302 was developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team to deliver competitive performance in a street-legal package. The camshaft was central to its high-rpm breathing capability, enabling the naturally aspirated 302 Windsor engine to reach its peak power in the upper RPM range. The following notes outline typical figures associated with the original Boss 302 cam profile and the considerations you should keep in mind when restoring or verifying a specific car.
Common cam profile specs for the 1969 Boss 302
Before listing the specs, note that these figures assume stock components such as the original 1.60:1 rocker ratio and factory valve-train setup. If you’re working with an engine that has been modified, replaced, or re-timed, the numbers may differ.
- Duration at 0.050 in lift: approximately 284 degrees (range about 280–288 degrees)
- Valve lift (with stock 1.60:1 rockers): intake roughly 0.44–0.45 inches; exhaust roughly 0.46–0.47 inches
- Lobe separation angle (LSA): about 110 degrees
- Cam type: solid/mechanical-lifter design aimed at high-rpm performance
- Operational emphasis: tuned for peak power in the high-rpm band, typically up to around 7,000 rpm
These values reflect the traditional Boss 302 profile and are widely cited by enthusiasts and restoration guides. Since Ford produced several small revisions during 1969 production, exact figures can vary slightly from car to car. For precise reference on a specific vehicle, use the cam’s stamping, the car’s build sheet, or Ford’s period service manuals to confirm the exact profile.
Variations and verification methods
Because the Boss 302 underwent production revisions through 1969, you may encounter small differences in cam timing and lift between early and late builds. The most reliable way to confirm your car’s exact cam specs is to check the camshaft for stamping codes, consult the original dealer build sheet or Marti report, and cross-check with Ford’s era service literature. If you’re restoring, consider sourcing a reproduction cam that replicates the original profile and verify timing with a degree wheel during engine assembly or testing.
What this means for performance and drivability
The combination of high duration, modest lift, and tight lobe separation was intended to improve high-RPM breathing and peak power in a demanding racing-influenced environment. On the street, this translates to a strong top-end pull and a shift in the power band toward higher RPMs, rather than the broad, broad-curve torque you’d see from milder, street-oriented cams. A period-correct Boss 302 typically performs best with the stock intake, four-barrel carburetor, and exhaust system calibrated to the engine’s high-RPM characteristics.
Summary
The 1969 Boss 302 camshaft is remembered for a high-revving, performance-focused profile: roughly 284 degrees of duration at 0.050 in lift, about 0.44–0.45 inches of intake lift and 0.46–0.47 inches of exhaust lift with a 110-degree lobe separation, using solid lifters to support its high-RPM operation. While these figures capture the core characteristics, exact specs can vary by build date. For precise verification, inspect cam stamping, consult build sheets, and reference Ford’s period manuals or reputable restoration guides.
