To determine if a Ford 302 engine is a roller motor (equipped with roller lifters), you can follow these steps:
- Check the engine code: The engine code is usually stamped on the side of the engine block. For a roller motor, you should look for the letter “R” in the engine code. The engine code can be found near the starter motor or on the lower front of the block.
- Look for roller lifters: Open the valve covers and inspect the lifters. Roller lifters have a cylindrical shape with a roller at the bottom, which contacts the camshaft lobes. Non-roller lifters have a flat bottom with a curved surface that contacts the camshaft lobes.
- Check the camshaft: If the engine is assembled, you can inspect the camshaft to determine if it is a roller camshaft. Roller camshafts have lobes with a more rounded profile and are designed to work with roller lifters. Non-roller camshafts have flatter lobes and are compatible with flat-tappet lifters.
- Consult the vehicle documentation: If you have access to the vehicle’s original documentation, such as the owner’s manual or service records, it may provide information on whether the engine is equipped with roller components.
- Seek professional assistance: If you are uncertain about the type of engine you have, it is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or a Ford specialist who can inspect the engine and provide a definitive answer.
Please note that the information provided here is specific to Ford 302 engines and may not apply to engines from other manufacturers or different model years.
How Can You Tell If a 302 Has a Roller Cam
If you’re looking at a 302 engine, there are a few ways you can tell if it has a roller cam. First, you can check the valve covers. If they say “Ford Racing” on them, that’s a pretty good indicator that the engine has a roller cam.
You can also look for aftermarket rocker arms, which is another sign of a roller cam. Finally, you can remove the oil pan and look at the timing chain cover. If there’s an extra gear on the cover, that’s another indication that the engine has a roller cam.

Credit: restomod63falcon.blogspot.com
How Do I Know If I Have Roller Lifters?
If you have a roller lifter, it will be very apparent. You will likely hear a ticking noise coming from your engine, and feel a vibration as well. Your car may also run poorly, and produce less power than usual.
If you suspect you have a roller lifter, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.
When Did Ford Start Using Roller Lifters?
In the early days of Ford’s production, they used a flat head engine design. This meant that the valves were actuated by pushrods and rocker arms, which in turn were actuated by the camshaft. The problem with this design was that it didn’t allow for very high revs due to the limitations of the pushrod/rocker arm setup.
In order to improve upon this, Ford began using roller lifters in their engines. Roller lifters allowed for higher revving engines because they could follow the cam profile more closely than pushrods could. This meant that less power was lost through friction and heat build-up, allowing for more power to be made at higher engine speeds.
Ford first introduced roller lifters in their FE series engines in 1958 and they’ve been used in most of their engines ever since.
Is the 302 And 5.0 the Same?
The short answer is no, the 302 and 5.0 are not the same. The 302 was a V8 engine produced by Ford from 1968 until 1996. The 5.0 is also a V8 engine, but it was introduced in 1987 and is still in production today.
There are many differences between these two engines, but the most notable difference is that the 302 was designed for use in performance vehicles while the 5.0 was designed for use in daily driver vehicles.
The 302 engine was first introduced in 1968 as a high-performance option for the Ford Mustang. It quickly became popular among muscle car enthusiasts due to its high power output and relatively low cost of ownership when compared to other V8 engines of its time.
The302 remained largely unchanged until it was discontinued in 1996, making it one of the longest running engines in automotive history.
The 5.0 engine was introduced in 1987 as a replacement for the aging 302 engine. It featured an updated design that improved fuel efficiency and emissions without sacrificing power or performance.
The 5.0 quickly became popular among Mustang and truck owners alike, thanks to its reliability and versatility. Today, the 5.0 remains one of the most popular engines available from Ford, with over 8 million units sold since its introduction nearly 30 years ago!
What is a Roller in an Engine?
A roller in an engine is a rotating cylindrical object that helps to create a smooth surface for the engine’s pistons to move up and down in. The cylinders in an engine are often referred to as “bores,” and the rollers help to keep these bores smooth and round. Roller bearings are often used in engines to keep the crankshaft from wobbling, and they can also be found in gearboxes and other mechanical systems.
Flat Tappet vs Roller Cam – The Factory 302/5.0 SBF