I have a new to me 2012 KB Boss 302. Other than the Blue Coil Covers and Boss 302 manifold, is there a way to determine if the replacement engine is indeed a Boss engine without tearing it down to see what is inside?

 

On the vintage engines, there was a 4 digit number stamped below the distributor on the block.. More than likely, I would assume there's also some sort of identification number stamped somewhere on the current Boss engine as well.. I just don't know exactly where it would be located.. Perhaps someone on here who owns a 2012-13 Boss 302 can provide more info.. Meanwhile, welcome aboard and apologies for not being very helpful

 

yeah I was also hesitating to reply because I am can't give a real concise answer . . . but i guess any reply is better than no reply, right M?

I believe the engines still have serial numbers, and there must be some list of those serial numbers somewhere that gives the specs for the engine, but I don't know where to find it!

 

Does your VIN number contain the letter 'B', I believe it's around the 6/8th digit then you've got a Boss. If it's just the motor do you have two oil coolers connected to it?

 

if I understand correctly, he has a Boss car with a "new" (not original) engine, and he is trying to figure out whether the new engine is a "real" boss engine, or a regular GT engine with Boss valve covers, boss intake manifold . . . and Boss oil coolers, since those would have been in the car and would have been hooked-up to the new engine

 

Exactly 100% spot on.. The OP purchased a 2012 Boss 302 from someone who replaced the original engine and wants to find out if the replacement engine is an authentic Boss 302 4v engine or standard Coyote GT engine which has been modified with Boss 302 cam covers, Boss 302 intake manifold and Boss 302 oil coolers

 

The VIN code on the engine needs to contain the letter ‘U’ This is the only designation from Ford that you have a roadrunner v. a coyote engine.

The sequence in the center of the VIN should be P8CU. P8C is the chassis for the Boss and U is the engine code. This is universal for all 2012 & 2013 Boss models (street and Laguna Seca)

Hope this helps