Is a Mexican Block Worth the Trouble?

SStockDart · 02-09-2014, 12:06 AM

I read up on Mexican Blocks before using one in my street rod...(55 F100)....please understand that this engine is intended to "sound good" and I don't care how fast it it.....it is a 302.....I understand that the Mexican block is better because it has more nickel (SP) content....I don't know why that is better, it is just what I was told.....I never run the streetrod over 6,000 so this might not be a good example...no sleeves, no light weight parts....."It sounds really fast........but it isn't".....LOL (that is what street rods are supposed to do)

SStockDart · 02-09-2014, 12:34 AM

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.

Many have the belief that Mexican means something sub-standard to US standards....that is not the case...These blocks meet the standards of Ford Motor Company or they would not use them....it is that simple.

goinbroke2 · 02-09-2014, 01:17 AM

.050 on a windsor? I'd be sonic checking the thrust side before I laid any coin down, I don't like over .030. they're thinwall castings.

Ed Fernandez · 02-10-2014, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SStockDart

I read up on Mexican Blocks before using one in my street rod...(55 F100)....please understand that this engine is intended to "sound good" and I don't care how fast it it.....it is a 302.....I understand that the Mexican block is better because it has more nickel (SP) content....I don't know why that is better, it is just what I was told.....I never run the streetrod over 6,000 so this might not be a good example...no sleeves, no light weight parts....."It sounds really fast........but it isn't".....LOL (that is what street rods are supposed to do)

Gary,they also should have a "green card" also.

SSDiv6 · 02-10-2014, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Fernandez

Gary,they also should have a "green card" also.

02-09-2014, 12:06 AM	#1
SStockDart VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Arizona, Texan forever Posts: 1,176 Likes: 879 Liked 574 Times in 212 Posts	Re: Is a Mexican Block Worth the Trouble? I read up on Mexican Blocks before using one in my street rod...(55 F100)....please understand that this engine is intended to "sound good" and I don't care how fast it it.....it is a 302.....I understand that the Mexican block is better because it has more nickel (SP) content....I don't know why that is better, it is just what I was told.....I never run the streetrod over 6,000 so this might not be a good example...no sleeves, no light weight parts....."It sounds really fast........but it isn't".....LOL (that is what street rods are supposed to do) __________________ Gary Hansen - SS/FA 4911, B/SA 4911

02-09-2014, 12:34 AM	#2
SStockDart VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Arizona, Texan forever Posts: 1,176 Likes: 879 Liked 574 Times in 212 Posts	Re: Is a Mexican Block Worth the Trouble? 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. Many have the belief that Mexican means something sub-standard to US standards....that is not the case...These blocks meet the standards of Ford Motor Company or they would not use them....it is that simple. __________________ Gary Hansen - SS/FA 4911, B/SA 4911

02-09-2014, 01:17 AM	#3
goinbroke2 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: NS CANADA Posts: 892 Likes: 1,624 Liked 393 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Is a Mexican Block Worth the Trouble? .050 on a windsor? I'd be sonic checking the thrust side before I laid any coin down, I don't like over .030. they're thinwall castings.