Hi, after some searching on google for a simple answer I decided to come and ask here. I am wondering how high or low should a 5.0 302 engine idle at? 1000, 900, 800, what? Also, how high does a 302 run at while warming up?

Thanks,
Michael

 

This is from my experience with EEC controlled engines (FBC and EFI).

The EEC does a pretty good job of maintaining relatively low idle while the engine is warming up; usually around 800-1000 rpm.

Cold idle can get to 1200 rpms, depending on how cold it is outside.

Hot idle should be around 700. On EFI cars, the EEC can vary the idle by a couple hundred rpms continuously.

These are also good numbers to use for regular carbureted engines. Those with automatic chokes can keep the throttle opened with the cam, so you need to tap the throttle to get it off.

 

ok, so if an engine is idling at 1500 on a cold start then idles down to 1000 until it reaches normal temperatures then drops down to 800 durning warm idle is idleing too high?

 

What year 302? When my 86 was stock SD setup it idled very much like you described. With the A9P MAF setup it idles much lower as xlt describes. I suspect computer calibration makes a difference.

 

its a 94 or 95 302