1969-2007 Ford Boss Mustang History: Shinoda, Engine, and Performance

The 1964 Ford Mustang was introduced as an instant success, though few trim lines or options were offered. By 1969, however, Ford recognized the desire for faster and more powerful Mustangs, shown by the vast interest in the factory backed and modified Shelby Mustangs. In accordance with their theme of “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”, they released a collection of new Mustang trim lines; a move that conceived the Boss Mustang, thought up by the head of Ford’s Special Design Center, Larry Shinoda.

1969
When introduced, the Boss Mustang was offered in two
variants: the Boss 302 and the Boss 429. The Boss 302 was basically a
high performance fastback Mustang, with some aesthetic upgrades to
accompany the beefed up 302 cubic inch engine. The standard 302 (F
Code) made 220 horsepower, but the Boss 302 (G Code) engine offered an
extra 70 horsepower. Along with the upgraded engine the Boss 302 trim
line included a partially blacked out hood with a raised center
section, a front air dam, a rear spoiler, the side scoops were deleted,
and along the sides of the car were prominent decals which held the
Boss 302 logos. Production of the 1969 Boss 302 was limited to 1,628
units. However, the Boss 302 was only the tip of the iceberg for the
Boss lineup.

The bigger news for the 1969 Ford Mustang was the
Boss 429. This trim line appeared to be more like a standard Mustang;
aesthetically it packed a whole lot more punch. It did not carry the
wing, front air dam, or dramatic side decals like the Boss 302, but it
did feature a large functional hood scoop, and the only extra emblems
on the Boss 429 were small decals on the front fenders. While the Boss
429 did not have the standard non-functional scoops in front of the
rear wheels, it did have the opening mounted high on the rear quarter
panels. The most important upgrade was where the Boss 429 derived its
name, and that was the NASCAR inspired 429 cubic inch hemispherical
head engine. This ‘street version’ of the NASCAR engine offered the
driver 376 horsepower, making it the most powerful Mustang offered to
date next to the 11 GT350S models made in 1966. Each of the 867 Boss
429 Mustangs were hand built by Kar Kraft of Brighton Michigan, and
production ran from January to July of 1969. The lucky owners of those
limited units could chose from Raven Black, Royal Maroon, Black Jade,
Candy Apple Red, or Wimbledon White, and all of the Boss 429s came with
black interiors.

1970
1970 brought about some physical
changes, such as the new headlight covers, and the Boss 302 and Boss
429 were still offered. The Boss 302 got itself some new stripes, that
came along the side of the car and up across the hood, and the hood
stripe was now narrower. The Boss 302 now had the option of the Shaker
hood, originally only offered on the Mach1. Along with these new
modifications came much bigger production numbers, and with over 7,000
units made in 1970, the Boss 302 was now much easier to acquire. The
Boss 429 now offered 1 less horsepower from 1969, but there was little
real difference. The suspension of the Boss 429 was changed from
regular Mustangs in order to accommodate the added size and weight.
Like the 1969 Boss 429, there were less physical differences from the
Boss 302, with the exception of the large hood scoop and fender badges
similar to the 1969 badges. The Boss 429 also had the badges on the
c-pillar, similar to the ones found on the Mach1. Only 499 units were
produced in 1970, and they were offered in Grabber Blue, Grabber Green,
Grabber Orange, Calypso Coral, and Pastel Blue, and either white or
black interiors could be chosen. Sadly, this would be the last year for
the mighty Boss 429, and the lower level Boss 302. There were 2 special
Boss 429 Mustangs built in 1970, and these 1200 horsepower monsters
were named the Boss 429 Lawmen Mustangs. Originally built as touring
show cars for United States Armed Forces troops, only one of the Lawmen
Mustangs exists today, and it is owned by ex-national football league
player and ex-WWF wrestler Bill Goldberg, who is a collector of vintage
high performance cars.

1971
In 1971, the Boss 302 and Boss
429 were no longer offered, but the Boss name was still present on Boss
351. The 351 had been present in 1970, but it had only made 250
horsepower, where the new Boss 351 made 330 horsepower. The Boss 351
was now mostly up upgrade package and all of the Mustang’s colors could
be chosen. Many of the appearance upgrades of the Boss 351 were the
same as the Mach1 of 1971, from the ram air hood to the stripe that ran
the length of the car. The Mach1 now had the 429 cubic inch engine
formerly found in the Boss lineup, which secured the Mach1 as the
premium performance Mustang, and marking the beginning of the end for
the Boss lineup. When the 1972 models were rolled out for the public,
there was no longer a Boss model, and the most powerful engine offered
was a 275 horsepower 351. There were no big blocks offered (and there
never again would be) due to new vehicle emissions laws, and the drop
in horsepower on the returning engines, such as the 351 high output
dropping from 330 to 275, was contributed to by the new performance
testing requirements set forth by the US government. Engines were now
required to be tested under load, with the accessories, so that there
was a more reasonable horsepower rating for the consumer. The Boss
model was only one of many fabled performance names which fell along
the wayside due to new restrictions, but the Boss name would not be
gone forever.

Boss in the Aftermarket and the Shinoda Legacy
There
would never be another factory or dealership-offered Boss Mustang, but
family members of Larry Shinoda have created Team Shinoda, and this new
company is working to continue the legend of the Boss name. The new
Boss Mustang is similar to that of a Saleen or Roush Mustang, as it is
offered only as a variety aftermarket upgrade packages, starting with
the 1994-1998 models (SN95), these packages include things such as
basic appearance modifications as well as performance upgrades, and
once the various packages are installed, the car is then eligible to be
registered as an official Boss Mustang. Once a Mustang owner has
purchased and properly installed all of the upgrades for the given
package, including a choice of wheels from an ‘approved wheel list’,
the car must then be photographed and those photos must be submitted to
Shinoda to ensure proper application for the appearance packages, and
for the performance minded packages the cars must be inspected in
person, and at that point, the car is made official.

SN95 Boss Mustang Packages
The
1994-1998 Boss Mustang is offered in there forms; the Boss Shinoda Gen
I, Boss Shinoda Gen II, and the Cobra Shinoda. The first package, the
Boss Shinoda Gen I, is an appearance package based on the items added
to the original Boss Mustang, and requires the following items for
registration:
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Shinoda by Budnick Wheels
•    Export Wheel Flares
•    Boss Shinoda Super Spoiler
•    Must be inspected via photographs for registration

This
package is the best for someone who wants to display the proud Boss
name, but is less concerned with performance upgrades. However, a
driver who wants more than just some appearance modifications can opt
for the Boss Shinoda Gen II package, which includes the following items:
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Approved Shinoda Wheels
•    Export Wheel Flares
•    Boss Shinoda Super Spoiler
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Shinoda Spring Kit
•    Must be inspected in person for registration

The
Gen I and Gen II items apply to the Mustang GTs made from 1994-1998,
but for Cobra owners of those same years, there is an option for them,
although it does not carry the Boss name. The Cobra Shinoda package is
similar to the Gen II package, and includes the following items:
•    Cobra Shinoda Graphics
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 18 x 9
•    Cobra Shinoda Fender Flares
•    Cobra Shinoda Super Spoiler
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
•    Must be inspected in person for registration

New Edge Boss Mustang Packages
Much
like the SN95 Boss upgrades, Team Shinoda offered upgrades for the
1999-2004 Mustangs (New Edge), which corresponded to the packages for
the previous generation but there were more options for more
performance minded Boss enthusiasts. The first package, the Boss
Shinoda Legacy, is a simple appearance upgrade, once against based on
the original Boss Mustang. This package includes the following items:
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 17 x 8
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Must be inspected via photographs for registration

The
next package is another appearance package, but it takes it roots from
the 1971 Boss Mustang, thanks to the addition of the Shaker hood. The
complete list of items for the 1999-2004 Boss Shinoda Legacy GT package
is as follows:
•    Boss Shinoda Legacy GT Graphics
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Mustang Bullitt Wheels 17 x 8
•    Hurst Retro Kit
•    Rear Black Out Panel
•    Side Scoop Delete Panels
•    Shaker Hood Kit
•    Rear Window Louvers
•    Must be inspected via photographs for registration

Similar
to the 1994-1998 Gen II packages, the 1999-2002 Boss Shinoda Level 1
offers suspension upgrades along with the familiar Boss appearance
upgrades. The complete list of required items for the 99-02 Boss
Shinoda Level 1 is comprised of:
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 17 x 8
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
•    Must be inspected in person for registration

The
first of the in depth performance upgrade packages was offered on 2003
and 2004 Mustang GTs, and is accompanied by the appearance and
suspension upgrades similar to the 99-02 Boss Shinoda Level 1. The
03-04 Boss Shinoda Level 1 packages includes:
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics (offered in white, black, silver, or gold)
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 17 x 8
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Boss Shinoda Lowering Springs
•    Custom Tuned Engine Control Unit Program
•    3.73 Differential Gears
•    2.5″ Cat-Back Exhaust System
•    Boss Shinoda High Flow Air Filter
•    Must be inspected in person for registration

The
Cobra Shinoda package from the SN95 years returned for 1999 and 2001
models, and this included similar modifications to the Boss Shinoda
Legacy package:
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 17 x 8
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
•    Must be inspected in person for registration

While
the 1999 and 2001 Cobras received only basic appearance and suspension
improvements, the 2003-2004 Cobras, which were so powerful and popular
that they earned themselves the nickname “Terminators”, had the option
of three different packages. These packages range from a basic
appearance and performance package to a full high performance package
including replacing the supercharger setup with the Shinoda twin turbo
package. The items included for each of the three levels are as follow:
Level 1 2003-2004 Cobra Shinoda
•    Cobra Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Cobra Shinoda 03 – 04 side Graphics and hood paint mask
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 18 x 9
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Custom Tuned Engine Control Unit Program
•    3.73 Differential Gears
•    2.5″ Cat-Back Exhaust System
•    Boss Shinoda Lowering Springs
•    Boss Shinoda High Flow Air Filter

Level 2 2003-2004 Cobra Shinoda
•    Cobra Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Cobra Shinoda 03 – 04 side Graphics and hood paint mask
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 18 x 9
•    265-35-18 BFG KDW Front Tires
•    295-35-18 BFG KDW Rear Tires
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Custom Tuned Engine Control Unit Program
•    3.73 Differential Gears
•    2.5″ Cat-Back Exhaust System
•    Boss Shinoda Lowering Springs
•    Boss Shinoda High Flow Air Filter
•    Performance Shocks (Bilstein or Koni)
•    Hurst Shifter
•    Boss Shinoda Floor Mats
•    Aluminum Trim Ring
•    Aluminum Pedals
•    Aluminum T Handel
•    Shinoda Cold Air kit
•    Supercharger Pulley Upgrade

Level 3 2003-2004 Cobra Shinoda
•    Cobra Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Shinoda Rear Super Spoiler
•    Cobra Shinoda 03 – 04 side Graphics and hood paint mask
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 18 x 9
•    265-35-18 BFG KDW Front Tires
•    295-35-18 BFG KDW Rear Tires
•    Hotchkiss Caster Camber Plates
•    Custom Tuned Engine Control Unit Program
•    3.73 Differential Gears
•    2.5″ Cat-Back Exhaust System
•    Boss Shinoda Lowering Springs
•    Boss Shinoda High Flow Air Filter
•    Performance Shocks (Bilstein or Koni)
•    Hurst Shifter
•    Boss Shinoda Floor Mats
•    Aluminum Trim Ring
•    Aluminum Pedals
•    Aluminum T Handel
•    Shinoda Cold Air kit
•    Shinoda Twin Turbo Kit
•    QA1 K member
•    Performance Clutch
•    Shinoda Brake Upgrade

The
performance upgrades which are offered for the 2003-2004 Cobra make
those Shinoda Mustangs the most powerful up to 2004, with the exception
of the Boss 429 Lawman models, but with the introduction of the wide
variety of packages offered for the popular new “retro-look” 2005 and
newer Mustang, Shinoda was back to the drawing board, and they did not
disappoint.

S197 Boss Mustang Packages
When Ford
redesigned the Mustang for the 2005 mode year, it was no secret that
they were going for a modern look to the original design, and they hit
that right on the head. Enthusiasts, both old and new were instantly in
love with this new Mustang, so it would make perfect sense that the
Boss Mustang lineup would return, and as with the original, the new
Boss is better than ever. The 2005-2006 Mustang has the option of 5
different trim lines, starting with the Boss Shinoda Legacy, then the
Boss Shinoda Levels 1, 2, and 3, and finally the Boss Shinoda Stroker.

The
2005 Boss Shinoda Legacy includes the following items, and is available
in a variety of colors, allowing the owner some customization for his
or her Boss Mustang.
•    Boss Shinoda Front Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Graphic package (Vibe Stripe or Hockey Stick style)
•    Boss Shinoda Engine Cover
•    Boss Shinoda Pedal Covers
•    Boss Shinoda Floor Mats
This package, like previous Legacy packages, gives the owner the classic Boss look.

The
next group of packages are levels of the Boss Shinoda Package, and like
the packages offered for the 2003-2004 Cobras, these range from
appearance and minor performance upgrades to all out performance. The
level 1 kit adds some power along with suspension upgrades, allowing
the car to perform better and carry the Boss look. The level 2 kit adds
a supercharger, which greatly improves the car’s power, and level 3 is
a full engine rebuild accompanied by Shinoda’s high performance twin
turbo kit.

The 2005-2006 Boss Shinoda Level 1 includes:
•    Boss Shinoda Front Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Graphic package (Vibe Stripe or Hockey Stick style)
•    Boss Shinoda Engine Cover
•    Boss Shinoda Pedal Covers
•    Boss Shinoda Floor Mats
•    Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
•    Underdrive Pullies
•    Hurst Shifter White Knob or T Handle
•    JBA Axle Back Exhaust System
•    Shinoda Cold Air Kit
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 18 x 9
•    Shinoda Tire Package 255/45 r18
•    Shinoda Programmer by Diablo

The 2005-2006 Boss Shinoda Level 2 includes:
•    Boss Shinoda Front Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Graphic package (Vibe Stripe or Hockey Stick style)
•    Boss Shinoda Engine Cover
•    Boss Shinoda Pedal Covers
•    Boss Shinoda Floor Mats
•    Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
•    Underdrive Pullies
•    Hurst Shifter White Knob or T Handle
•    JBA Axle Back Exhaust System
•    Shinoda Cold Air Kit
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheels 18 x 9
•    Shinoda Tire Package 255/45 r18
•    Shinoda Programmer by Diablo
•    Supercharger by Vortech
•    Tokico Adjustable Shocks
•    Shinoda Sway Bar Kit
•    Shinoda Lower Control Arms

The 2005-2006 Boss Shinoda Level 3 includes:
•    Boss Shinoda Front Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Graphic package (Vibe Stripe or Hockey Stick style)
•    Boss Shinoda Engine Cover
•    Boss Shinoda Pedal Covers
•    Boss Shinoda Floor Mats
•    Eibach Pro Kit Lowering Springs
•    Underdrive Pullies
•    Hurst Shifter White Knob or T Handle
•    JBA Axle Back Exhaust System
•    Shinoda Cold Air Kit
•    Shinoda Tire Package 285/40 r18 Rear and 255/45 r 18 Front
•    Shinoda Programmer by Diablo
•    Shinoda Twin Turbo System
•    Tokico Adjustable Shocks
•    Shinoda Sway Bar Kit
•    Shinoda Lower Control Arms
•    Shinoda Performance Clutch
•    Shinoda Performance Gauge Kit
•    Shinoda Brake kit
•    Forged Engine Assembly

The
ultimate performance package from Shinoda for the 2005-2006 Mustang is
the Boss Shinoda Stroker Edition. This package, like the Boss Shinoda
Level 3, is a high performance package, and comes with accompanying
upgrades to make the most of the engine improvements, but unlike the
Boss Shinoda Level 2 and 3, this kit does not include a forced
induction kit. It does, however, include a “Stroker” kit, which changes
the engine displacement by altering the travel of the pistons in the
cylinders. The Boss Shinoda Stroker Edition includes the following
items:
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Wing
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics (Reflective Hockey Stick Style)
•    BCS Stroker Suspension (springs, Adj. Shocks Sway bars, Lower Control Arms)
•    High Flow Axle Back Exhaust
•    Boss Shinoda 4 Piece Floor mats
•    Shaker Hood System
•    Pedal Covers
•    Hurst Shifter with White Ball
•    Shinoda Fender Emblems
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheel Package, 18×8 Front & 18×9.5 Rear
•    Shinoda Tire Package, 285-40-18 Rear and 255-45-18 Front
•    Shinoda Ceramic Coated Shorty Headers by JBA
•    Shinoda Performance Programmer by Diablo
•    Twin 62mm Throttle body
•    Forged Engine Assembly
•    Shinoda Brake System from Baer (14 inch Front &Rear)
•    Rear Window Louvers

2007
brings about some very minor changes to the Mustang, and with it, the
reintroduction of the mighty Cobra. This new Cobra, however, carries a
vintage name itself, the Shelby GT500. This new 500 horsepower beast
went on sale late in 2006, and is already a big hit. Along with the
news about the 2007 GT500, Shinoda has released the 4 new kits for the
Mustang, and the Boss Shinoda Stroker Edition returns in the same form
as 2005-2006. The four kits for 2007, not counting the Stroker Edition,
includes the 2007 Boss Shinoda Legacy and the Boss Shinoda Levels 1
through 3.

The Boss Shinoda Legacy for 2007 is an appearance
package, both inside and out, along with some minor performance
upgrades, and includes the following items:
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Wing
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics (Vibe or Hockey Stick Style)
•    BCS Spring Kit
•    High Flow Axle Back Exhaust
•    Boss Shinoda 4 Piece Floormats
•    Shaker Hood
•    Pedal Covers
•    Hurst Shifter with White Ball
•    Shinoda Fender Emblems
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheel Package, 18×8 Front & 18×9.5 Rear
•    Shinoda Tire Package, 285-40-18 Rear and 255-45-18 Front

The
Boss Shinoda Level 1 through 3 are similar to the previous year, and
start with minor performance improvements, working their way up to high
performance models.

The Boss Shinoda Level 1 includes:
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Wing
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics (Vibe or Hockey Stick Style)
•    BCS Level 1 Suspension (includes Springs, Shocks, Sway bars)
•    High Flow Axle Back Exhaust
•    Boss Shinoda 4 Piece Floor Mats
•    Shaker Hood
•    Pedal Covers
•    Hurst Shifter with White Ball
•    Shinoda Fender Emblems
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheel Package, 18×8 Front & 18×9.5 Rear
•    Shinoda Tire Package, 285-40-18 Rear and 255-45-18 Front
•    Shinoda Ceramic Coated Shorty Headers by JBA
•    Shinoda Performance Programmer by Diablo
•    Underdrive Pulleys
•    Twin 62mm Throttle Body

The Boss Shinoda Level 2 includes:
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Wing
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics (Vibe or Hockey Stick Style)
•    BCS Level 2 Suspension (includes Springs, Shocks, Sway bars, Lower Control Arms)
•    High Flow Axle Back Exhaust
•    Boss Shinoda 4 Piece Floor Mats
•    Shinoda Engine Cover
•    Pedal Covers
•    Hurst Shifter with White Ball
•    Shinoda Fender Emblems
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheel Package, 18×8 Front & 18×9.5 Rear
•    Shinoda Tire Package, 285-40-18 Rear and 255-45-18 Front
•    Shinoda Ceramic Coated Shorty Headers by JBA
•    Shinoda Performance Programmer by Diablo
•    Underdrive Pulleys
•    Twin 62mm Throttle Body
•    Performance Gauge Kit
•    Supercharger by Vortech

The Boss Shinoda Level 3 includes
•    Boss Shinoda Chin Spoiler
•    Boss Shinoda Rear Wing
•    Boss Shinoda Graphics (Vibe or Hockey Stick Style)
•    BCS Level 3 Suspension (includes Springs, Shocks, Sway bars, Lower Control Arms)
•    High Flow Axle Back Exhaust
•    Boss Shinoda 4 Piece Floor Mats
•    Shinoda Engine Cover
•    Pedal Covers
•    Hurst Shifter with White Ball
•    Shinoda Fender Emblems
•    Shinoda 5 Spoke Wheel Package, 18×8 Front & 18×9.5 Rear
•    Shinoda Tire Package, 285-40-18 Rear and 255-45-18 Front
•    Shinoda Performance Programmer by Diablo
•    Underdrive Pulleys
•    Twin 62mm Throttle Body
•    Shinoda Ceramic Coated Turbo Headers by Turbo Horsepower
•    Performance Gauge Kit
•    Twin Turbo System by Turbo Horsepower
•    Forged Engine Assembly
•    Shinoda Brake System by Baer (14 inch Front and Rear)

The
Boss Mustang ripped onto the scene in 1969, setting the pace for high
performance Mustangs on the road course or the drag strip. Boss Mustang
is likely to keep making a name for itself for generations to come with
high performance upgrades and sporty interior and exterior upgrades.
While Larry Shinoda is no longer with us, there is a pretty good chance
that he would have been very proud of these new ultra high performance
Boss Mustangs, which carry his name as well as the Boss legacy that he
helped to introduce in 1969.