I just saw this "Ford Mexican 302 Block" on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEBWA%3AIT

Now what are the advantages of these, just the better wear-qualities of high-nickel content blocks, correct? Now 2nd and main question, what years and models of Fords got these? That'd sure be nice if my '72 Econoline has one

-Rob

 

I also would like too know if there is any truth behind this auction, it has ended and got 9 bids.

 

The mexican block is stronger. I can't recall if the casting is heavier or the nickel content is higher. I do know that the main caps are thicher like the 289 hipo motors had.

 

The nickel content is definately higher... not sure about being beefier than an A4 block though.

 

It is not beefier than an A4 block.

 

I didnt think... I dont know if the A4s have as much nickel in them as the mexican blocks do...

 

If the mexican block was stronger than an A4 block the prices would be much higher for the mexican blocks. i have seen them sell for around $200. Now find an A4 block for $200.

 

The Mexican block can be identified by, for example, C8AM stamped on the block (unlike the C8OE or C8AE). The M in the # is for the Mexican block. They have a higher nickle content for strength and wider main bearing caps. Buying a Ford racing block might be a better option. They are available for under $300 if you can't find the mexican block. They are fairly rare.

 

easy Id on a mexican block is the two large humps cast into the block, right below the heads. They only had a higher nickel content.

 

Mattsbox99, are you saying the main caps weren't thicker?

 

The only information that I have on the block comes from George Reid, he only mentions a higher nickel content block. It does weigh more than a regular 302 (albeit negligable). It is possible that the main caps were thicker, yet I doubt it.

 

I have seen pictures of the stock block and the mexican block on the mustang site visit every day like this site. The main caps are thicker just like the 289 HIPO main caps were. I have seen people just selling the main caps before because they are thicker. What I mean by thicker is they are the same thicknest from top to bottom unlike the stock caps where they are thinner near the top of the cap which you can see based on the casting bumps from the sand. The thicker caps are machined from top to bottom.

 

My info came from George Reid's book "How to Build Max Performance Ford V-8s on a budget"....pg 16.

 

why did the mexican block get cast? Just wondering what reason ford had too cast a higher nickel block.

 

Well here is somemore added info
Identified by casting numbers C8AM-B, 75ZY-AA, D1ZM-AA, among others, these blocks may be spotted by the "Hecho En Mexico" cast in the lifter valley. An extra unmachined boss protruding from the front of the driver's side cylinder bank can be easily spotted at the junkyard.
They also used the 289 main bearing caps