93tripleWhiteLx

Ok, several people have told me that earlier 351W blocks have a higher nickel content. I was wondering if this was true as well for the early 302 blocks. Now, I am familiar with the 302 Mexican blocks being a beefier block but, what about American made 302 blocks?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone wants to just send me a link or info to my email that would be great too.

OBCGuitaristJ@aol.com

Thanx in advance, Jay

93tripleWhiteLx

Also, I have a few 302 blocks from the late 80's and early 90's but have a chance to get a 1968 302 block for cheap so I want to know if the 68 block would be better than the 87+ blocks. Thanx again.

Gary H

The earlier block is stronger, but probably not a big enough difference to warrant the added cost of the retrofit roller cam conversion. If you want to go with a regular flat tappet cam, then go for the early block.

93tripleWhiteLx

Ok, I guess I should have made my statement a little clearer when I said I had several 87-93 blocks... I have 6 302 complete roller motors. I have heard that they are only good for up to around 450 HP... is this true? I'm trying to get 350 at the flywheel and then add a 150-200 shot of giggle juice on top of that.

So, in essence, I don't think doing the conversion would be too expensive unless I have to do some major mods to the earlier block. Will I have to do anything to the early block besides take the parts from the late model blocks and install them on the early block?

I would give a complete list of mods but I think they would be pointless since all I am concerned about is the strength of the block itself.

Thank you.

7upedition

For what you want to do the 87-93 would be fine, i'd use a wet kit and have it tuned. There are varying figures on what the stock block can hold, I've always thought 500ish, i've heard of 600 with a seriously good tune, and I've heard them cracking at 450... so it's all in the build and tune. I'd stick with the roller motor and put a 150 shot on it.

Gary H

Late model parts wont just bolt on the early block. Crankshaft has to be modified to work in the early block with the 2-piece rear main seal. Lifter bosses are taller on the later engines to support the taller roller lifters.

luckythirteen13

it cost me $20 to retrofit a roller cam into my 68 302 block. i had the lifter valley drilled and tapped for that thing that holds the lifters from twisting. the line honing was included when i did the crank.

you can always just get linked lifters for a couple hundred bux

and the crank doesnt have to be modified


as far as the stregnth goes.........well, ill let you know because in the next month im going to push my 68 block to hold 650+hp. we'll see how long it lasts before i have to buy a dart block but for now, its holding 500hp with no problems

jeependhs

I have a mid 70's 302 and dont really know a lot about the for 302s is that a new style block or the older style

Joel5.0

And that is a no-no if you're using a regular base circle HR cam.....you could use the spider/dog bones retrofit kit, but you would be limited to small base circle HR cams like the one to the right......regular HR cam to the left.



Or risk the engine.......

my77stang

i can get ya a mexican short block for 275 plus shipping from mexico city - but i have no idea how much that would cost