Ford Racing announced today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) that it was bringing back the legendary “Boss” moniker for a new line of crate engines. The line is based on an all new version of the 5.0L pushrod V8. The 302 cubic inch blocks feature four-bolt nodular iron main caps, cross-drilled Siamese bores, and are made of diesel grade heat-treated cast iron. Other improvements over previous versions of the 5.0L block include screw-in o-ring sealed freeze plugs, improved lifter bore diameter, and a lifter galley front oil crossover.

The block is stronger than Ford Racing’s currently available R302 block, yet weighs in at 165 lbs. compared to the R302’s 185 lbs. The block is capable of being stroked and bored up to a limit of 363 cubic inches. The blocks will feature a special Boss stamping, and crate engines will include “Boss” or “Boss 302” valve covers based on the engine’s cubic inches. The crate engines will utilize many of Ford Racing’s existing 5.0L components including their line of performance aluminum heads.

Suggested retail pricing starts at $1,759 for the short block alone, and is expected to near $10,000 for a complete 500 horsepower crate version of the motor. The line should be available to consumers in early 2007.

Along with the rebirth of the Boss engine come rumors of a new version of the Boss Mustang. Many are predicting that Ford will bring back the Boss Mustang for the 40th anniversary of the original 1969 Boss 302 for a 2009 model. It is unknown if this rumored vehicle will make use of the Boss line of crate engines or an overhead cam modular motor more similar to those in current production Mustangs.

You can check out the pictures of the Boss 302 block or view the block at the official site Ford Racing Parts Boss 302 Engine.