Motor building...

[Sparx]

Thanks for all the information. I do appreciate it.

[Gilligan (Premo)]

Finished up today...

302 (Mexican block, .030 over, bore and torque-plate hone work and crank turned by BI Mattingly in Compton) w/ worked over 351W heads (stainless valves, studs, guide plates, roller rockers).

[Toxick]

I thought this thread was titled "motor boating".



Now, all I can think about is blowing raspberries between boobies.
And MrsToxick won't be home for a couple hours.

[Gilligan (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Toxick

I thought this thread was titled "motor boating".



Now, all I can think about is blowing raspberries between boobies.
And MrsToxick won't be home for a couple hours.

Can't help ya. I got nothin'...

[Sparx]

Originally Posted by Gilligan

Finished up today...

302 (Mexican block, .030 over, bore and torque-plate hone work and crank turned by BI Mattingly in Compton) w/ worked over 351W heads (stainless valves, studs, guide plates, roller rockers).

What's a Mexican block? Was it cast in Mexico? Anything special about it?

[glhs837]

They are beefier in a few places than US blocks.

[Gilligan (Premo)]

Originally Posted by glhs837

They are beefier in a few places than US blocks.

Beefier in several places (main bearing caps in particular) and a higher quality casting pour all around. The boring machine loves those blocks. A general rulle of thumb that racers have been using for many years is that to go over 400HP with a 302, you better use one of the Mexican castings as your build foundation.

[Sparx]

Originally Posted by Gilligan

Beefier in several places (main bearing caps in particular) and a higher quality casting pour all around. The boring machine loves those blocks. A general rulle of thumb that racers have been using for many years is that to go over 400HP with a 302, you better use one of the Mexican castings as your build foundation.

How do you know if you have one? Any clear markings?

P.S. I saw your post with the Ford engine and transaxle. I keep thinking how cool that would be in the bed of an old F-100 to make a mid-engine pick-up. That was until I looked up some prices on those set-ups.

[Gilligan (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Sparx

How do you know if you have one? Any clear markings?

P.S. I saw your post with the Ford engine and transaxle. I keep thinking how cool that would be in the bed of an old F-100 to make a mid-engine pick-up. That was until I looked up some prices on those set-ups.

That ZF transaxle alone goes for 7 to 8 grand in good running condition.


The Mexican blocks are fairly easy to spot. First..the block casting number above the starter has a "Z" in the third postion..like D1ZE, for example. The US blocks all have an A or a T instead of the Z. Then there are the unique bumps..casting spru bumps sticking out each side of the front of the engine. None of the US blocks have those. Finally, there is indeed "hecho in Mexico" cast on the bottom surface of the lifter valley..but of course that requires removing the intake manifold to see.

They are most commonly found in 70-73 Broncos, pickups and vans that had the 302.

[GURPS (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Gilligan

Finished up today...

302 (Mexican block, .030 over, bore and torque-plate hone work and crank turned by BI Mattingly in Compton) w/ worked over 351W heads (stainless valves, studs, guide plates, roller rockers).

do they know AMC ?