Mexican Block

snkmug · 05-10-2001, 01:29 AM

How can I tell if i Have a mexican 302 block?
I have a 302 block and cannot tell, it came from a 1974 truck...this one has some weird indentations on the side by the freezeplugs,
what are the differences?

LX XLR8R · 05-10-2001, 08:00 AM

im not sure on how to tell them apart but the mexican blocks have thicker webings to make them stronger but ive heard that the metal of the block is cheaper so it crosses out any benifits of being thicker..

------------------
1987 black notch(ex 4 banger)
DSS 306 w/ main support...Elderbrock 6028 heads..gt-40 intake..24# injectors...70 mm tb..77 pro-m...accel 300+..mac full legnth..tremec w/ pro5oh...full MAC exhaust,off road h-pipe,long tubes, catback...ron davis radiator..subframes, control arms...CFDF II..o yea holley FPR sucks..dont buy one..
AIM=onesillynotch

snkmug · 05-10-2001, 10:38 AM

if i use this block the only difference is the cam and dipstick in the front timing cover correct, the cams for the flat tappet motors are cheaper than roller, whats the major difference?

05-10-2001, 04:00 PM

If you have the intake off, it has "hecho en Mexico" cast in the lifter valley.

------------------
91 coupe
3.73's,long tubes,2 1/2" exh,ported stock t-body,ProM-77mm
cobra intake,edelbrock heads,B303,1.72 rr's
36lb inj's,tremec, & a Paxton NOVI 2000!!!
11.020 @128.95 on BFG Drag Radials (275/60/15)

05-10-2001, 04:31 PM

I believe the only way to tell is by smelling the exhaust - does it smell like refried beans? LOL J/K to any and all Mexican members.

------------------
'90 LX 5.0; 12K original miles (no sh*&); 3.55 gears; pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads; BBK shorties; MSD 6AL box w/ blaster 2 coil; Motorsport E303 cam; Pro-M 75mm MAF; BBK 70mm TB; Eibach spring kit; Southside welded subs; K&N cone filter charger; Hurst shifter; fiberglass turbo hood; A/C-less; rear seat-less; cat-less; 2 chamber Flos; Corbeau racing seats (fronts);
30# injectors; 190 lb fp; FPR; TFS track heat Intake - 12.513 @ 112 mph (Pre-inj/fuelpump/FPR/intake)

Capri306 · 05-10-2001, 04:51 PM

The rumor was that the Mexican blocks have more nickel in them, making them theoretically stonger. However, the higher amount of nickel is not even worth it. If a block is going to crack, then by God it's gonna go. All of the 302's I've built have been American made, and I've had absolutely no problems with them ever. If you require a stronger than stock block, you'll have to get a main girdle and other such things, but by then you'd better be running a hefty shot of juice and/or boost. Hope this helps!

------------------
Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online
1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73
1987 Mustang LX Notch

05-10-2001, 01:29 AM	#1
snkmug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Hatteras,NC,USA Posts: 108	Mexican Block How can I tell if i Have a mexican 302 block? I have a 302 block and cannot tell, it came from a 1974 truck...this one has some weird indentations on the side by the freezeplugs, what are the differences?

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05-10-2001, 08:00 AM	#2
LX XLR8R Dirk Diggler Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: SLOATSBURG, NY Posts: 1,931	im not sure on how to tell them apart but the mexican blocks have thicker webings to make them stronger but ive heard that the metal of the block is cheaper so it crosses out any benifits of being thicker.. ------------------ 1987 black notch(ex 4 banger) DSS 306 w/ main support...Elderbrock 6028 heads..gt-40 intake..24# injectors...70 mm tb..77 pro-m...accel 300+..mac full legnth..tremec w/ pro5oh...full MAC exhaust,off road h-pipe,long tubes, catback...ron davis radiator..subframes, control arms...CFDF II..o yea holley FPR sucks..dont buy one.. AIM=onesillynotch

05-10-2001, 10:38 AM	#3
snkmug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Hatteras,NC,USA Posts: 108	if i use this block the only difference is the cam and dipstick in the front timing cover correct, the cams for the flat tappet motors are cheaper than roller, whats the major difference?

05-10-2001, 04:00 PM	#4
SisuStang Guest Posts: n/a	If you have the intake off, it has "hecho en Mexico" cast in the lifter valley. ------------------ 91 coupe 3.73's,long tubes,2 1/2" exh,ported stock t-body,ProM-77mm cobra intake,edelbrock heads,B303,1.72 rr's 36lb inj's,tremec, & a Paxton NOVI 2000!!! 11.020 @128.95 on BFG Drag Radials (275/60/15)

05-10-2001, 04:31 PM	#5
bada$$lx Guest Posts: n/a	I believe the only way to tell is by smelling the exhaust - does it smell like refried beans? LOL J/K to any and all Mexican members. ------------------ '90 LX 5.0; 12K original miles (no sh*&); 3.55 gears; pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads; BBK shorties; MSD 6AL box w/ blaster 2 coil; Motorsport E303 cam; Pro-M 75mm MAF; BBK 70mm TB; Eibach spring kit; Southside welded subs; K&N cone filter charger; Hurst shifter; fiberglass turbo hood; A/C-less; rear seat-less; cat-less; 2 chamber Flos; Corbeau racing seats (fronts); 30# injectors; 190 lb fp; FPR; TFS track heat Intake - 12.513 @ 112 mph (Pre-inj/fuelpump/FPR/intake)

05-10-2001, 04:51 PM	#6
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	The rumor was that the Mexican blocks have more nickel in them, making them theoretically stonger. However, the higher amount of nickel is not even worth it. If a block is going to crack, then by God it's gonna go. All of the 302's I've built have been American made, and I've had absolutely no problems with them ever. If you require a stronger than stock block, you'll have to get a main girdle and other such things, but by then you'd better be running a hefty shot of juice and/or boost. Hope this helps! ------------------ Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73 1987 Mustang LX Notch