Mexican Block Identification

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jas24zzk
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Mexican Block Identification

Post by jas24zzk »

My turn to ask a Q :fap:

I have an older engine available for sale, with a potential buyer at a price that has me considering a direct VB order....


He is chasing an early build mexican 302 block.

I need to identify what mine is.

What i do know is that its an early 1968 302.
casting numbers confirm that it being a mustang engine is more than plausible.]

But how to tell if if its a mexican one?

Cheers
Jas
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mikes68
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by mikes68 »

Tap around the block to see if you can hear a different sound where they will have at some stage bondo'd over the rust...!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
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boofhead
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by boofhead »

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Windsor_engine

"Hecho en Mexico" casting marks are present in the lifter valley.

Image

Also lumps case into the block

Image
I will someday think of something clever to say.
jas24zzk
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by jas24zzk »

Cheers
Jason Pigdon
Pigdon Automotive Services
Historic Smash Specialists
3/1 Burgess Road, Bayswater Nth, Vic.
(03) 9761-4801

PS: Forgive me for I was jilted by peterp
xpconnor
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by xpconnor »

mikes68 wrote:Tap around the block to see if you can hear a different sound where they will have at some stage bondo'd over the rust...!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
I thought you were going to say to look for the drugs hidden inside it. :rotfl:
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Shaunp
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by Shaunp »

How much do you pay for Mex block if you can find them? I've never seen one.
boofhead
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by boofhead »

The only real advantage is the thick main caps. Same as the 289 hipo caps. They are basically same as the early block as far as main strength goes. In the us they appear to be worth 200 - 300 dollars. Mostly found now from the trucks they were used in. In my mind not worth the trouble over a pre 74 block.
I will someday think of something clever to say.
ozbilt
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by ozbilt »

They bring a high $ in the US as the casting has a higher nickle content as well. They are sought after by the weekend racer crowd.
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boofhead
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by boofhead »

Sorry to say I understand the Higher Nickle content is a urban myth. It is not true.

Luckily today, if you want a super strong block get a new Dart block (or equivalent as there are alternatives to Dart out there). Otherwise in the 302 family range the early 289 hipo, then any other early pre 74 block, then pre roller block and lastly the thinner castings of the post 84 roller blocks.

Today, we can build a totally new small block ford engine in every respect without using a single ford component.
I will someday think of something clever to say.
ozbilt
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by ozbilt »

The type of events I described in the US, they are not allowed to use "new cast" blocks. Basically concourse racers.
Kerry

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Shaunp
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by Shaunp »

I think they make the new Boss Windsor blocks in Mexico, I think they are made on the truck diesel line with the truck engine iron which is certainly better.
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Re: Mexican Block Identification

Post by boofhead »

Understand. If your under such a restriction to use used factory parts for block and heads then (assuming capacity is allowed) then a early 351 Windsor block with Cleveland heads is the best combination.
I will someday think of something clever to say.
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