302 Ford Intake Torque Specs

by Justin Cupler

Ford's 302 engine was a very common V8, available in many different Ford vehicles including the F-150 pickup and the Mustang muscle car. During the 1980s and early 1990s the 302 engine was commonly referred to as the "five-point-oh," or 5.0, though its combustion chamber displacement by volume was actually 4.9 liters, not 5.0. No matter what vehicle a 302 was in, the torque value and process were exactly the same. Setting the intake bolts to the proper torque and in the proper order is imperative to prevent engine damage or performance problems.


All bolts have a recommended torque ratings, which are regularly ignored if known at all. However, there are some components on the engine that absolutely must be torqued to specification by process. Failure to follow these values and processes can lead to damage to the engine block or intake, poor running due to vacuum leaks, or internal engine damage if debris is able to enter the engine.


The tool used to assure a proper torque is applied is called a torque wrench. It resembles a long ratchet but it has an adjuster knob at the bottom where the desired torque value may be set. On some newer models, the desired torque is set digitally. This tool lets out an audible signal when the proper torque is reached, typically a clicking noise.


Torque is measured in foot-pounds. On the 302 intake, the final torque value is 25 foot-pounds. Keep in mind that the torquing sequence is just as important as the final torque value.


There is a exact sequence required when torquing the 12 intake bolts on a 302 Ford engine. You cannot simply go straight down the line and torque the bolts in order. This will cause a poor seal at one end of the intake. Starting from the passenger-side bolt farthest forward in the engine bay and work clockwise (in other words, map the passenger side front to back, then up the driver side toward the front), The front passenger side bolt hole is No. 5. The next is No. 1. The entire sequence is 5-1-9-11-3-7-8-2-10-12-4-6. No. 7 is the rear passenger-side bolt. No. 8 is the rear driver-side bolt. No. 6 is the final bolt, the front driver-side bolt. Now that you've mapped it, begin torquing bolt No. 1. Then No. 2, then bolt 3, then bolt 4, and so on to end at bolt 12. You must work through the sequence twice; the first time through the bolts, torque them to 17 foot-pounds. The second time, torque them to 25 foot-pounds.

About the Author

Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.

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