Boss 302 Rods or ?

cs67gt · March 3, 2009 at 12:14 AM

After many years of waiting, my motor has finally made the journey to the machine shop for a full and complete rebuild. I'm using a set of Boss 302 rods, as these were service replacements for the 289HP. But, the set I purchased several years ago has only 7 good rods; the 8th is slightly twisted. It could be straightened, but I'd rather not.

I've already purchased one additional rod, which also will not work; it was been drilled for a floating pin. So now I'm looking for another one that is still a press fit --

I know I can buy one from Perogie for $100, but once I look at the cost of machining, ARP rods bolts, etc. I'm wondering if a set of aftermarket rods (e.g. Eagle) would be a wiser investment?

I'd like to get a few opinions on the use of aftermarket rods versus using the Boss 302 rods. I know both option are not "original" but since the Boss 302 rods were service parts, that might be a little truer to form.

Or, does someone has one extra Boss 302 rod they want to sell?

C6ZZKGT · March 3, 2009 at 10:40 AM Official Post

Chris, I just sent you a PM with my contact information. I have an extra standard Boss 302 rod to complete your set.

-Fred-

pprince · March 3, 2009 at 11:19 AM

I must be missing something.

How can the Boss 302 rod be considered a service replacement for the 289 rod?

dunc289_old · March 3, 2009 at 12:30 PM

The only difference was the shape of the bolt where it rests in the notch of the long part of the rod. the Boss' bolt end is football shaped with a curve also forged into the rod itself, so the two mate and the bolt won't rotate. Hope that answers your question.<img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=images/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

C6ZZKGT · March 3, 2009 at 1:16 PM Official Post

To further explain the Boss 302 and Hipo 289 connection I will add the following information. The 289 and 302 have a different stroke. Ford decided to use the same pistons for both rather than changing the pistons for the standard 302. This made a shorter rod the answer to keep the piston where it belonged for a standard 302. The Boss 302 went the conventional way of changing the pistons being that they needed a different dome anyway. By moving the piston pin hole closer to the top of the piston they can accomodate the longer rod like the 289 has. This is actually better as it cuts down on the critical angles that the rod attains to the piston throughout the stroke putting less stress on the skirts. This also gives more horsepower. The Boss 302 used 3/8 rod bolts and the same forging as the 289. Ford replaced the 289 Hipo rod with the Boss 302 rod around 1969 as a service part. As Dunc stated, the real difference is in the finish of the upper part of the rod where the bolt seats as the bolt heads differ in shape.

-Fred-

pprince · March 4, 2009 at 8:34 AM

Thanks guys....there is always something to learn

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