ConcoursMustang Forums
1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1970 Boss => Topic started by: hopey on May 16, 2025, 01:41:02 PM
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The issue of what is a real 1970 BOSS 302 engine timing pointer comes up every couple of years, so I thought I would put together a quick guide on how to spot a fake vs an original. Thanks to Craig Johnson and William Kiner for help putting this together and some excellent photos.
1969 BOSS 302
This is easy, so is not the topic of this discussion. The 69 BOSS 302 uses a stock 302 timing pointer C8AZ-6023-B. It was used on all Ford 302 engines from 1968 and 1969. It is a very simple design, just a basic flat folded piece with a triangular shape at the end and no complex profiles or ribs. Consequently supply is plentiful and no one fakes them. There is a replica available for under $10 or expect to pay $30 or less for an original.
1970 BOSS 302
The '70 BOSS 302 part number D0ZZ-6023-A uses a one year only special timing pointer that is different to the regular 302. Specifically it is profiled to clear the BOSS only smog pump mounting bracket. It is quickly identified by having two different size mounting holes, with the UPPER hole being the smaller and the lower hole being larger. It also has a pronounced straight edged triangular pointer with a rib. The stock 302 pointer has a rounded edge. The vertical distance on the BOSS pointer from the top edge to the first bend is longer than a stock 302 pointer, again to clear that smog bracket. Ford only serviced this pointer in 1970 and discontinued it thereafter.
Replicas & Fakes
For many years guys have been creating replicas and fakes of the '70 BOSS 302 pointer. Currently there is one accurate replica that a guy over on the BOSS Forum made a few years ago and sold as such. It has the correct shape, holes and profiles but it made from aluminum rather than steel. It works well.
Fakes are typically made by cutting up a stock 302 timing pointer to resemble a D0ZZ-A pointer. They are quickly identified by having either two equally sized mounting holes or a large upper mounting hole, as opposed to the correct small upper hole, the vertical distance from the top edge is shorter and the width of the horizontal face is narrower. These will not work with a BOSS 302 as they do not clear the alternator & smog pump mounting brackets and will not indicate TDC.
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How to identify the fake-
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Thanks for posting and contributing your time and effort. Great effort