difference between 302
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 38
From: Sunny Florida
The mexican blocks did not have higher nickle in them. There was a post on this a while back. That is know as a myth. The blocks did have thicker main bearing caps and a thicker cast block making them stronger and it's my understanding there were used in buses and trucksdown there.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 16
From: Milwaukee USA
I stand corrected. I do have a pushished book that does state this as fact and goes the other way saying the myth rebuttle is really the myth. The book has some Ford authenticity to it in the way of foreward and stuff. My problem right now, is the book happens to be a "myth" somewhere in my house.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 16
From: Milwaukee USA
I know that this past year I picked up a book about rebuilding small block fords - it stated that the Mexican blocks did in fact have higher nickle content and the stronger mains. it did state that most of the blocks ended up in trucks/buses. it sort of went out of it's way to make a point of finding a block where, if I remember right, the casing number ended up with an M signifing that it was a Mexican block.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 38
From: Sunny Florida
Well since you have a source of information I will now speak with more knowledge on the subject.
Trending Topics
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 16
From: Milwaukee USA
Maybe, I have a source but not every book is 100% accurate also. He who wants to think there is more nickle in a Mexican block and can get his hands on it great - If I don't have one in hand, it doesn't really matter if there is more nickle in the block or not. Thanks for the comments!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 0
From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
no all the internals are the same. And the Mexican block did have more nickel, Ive got a book that also says so. Its SA Engine designs Performance parts interchange manual. It goes into great detail, and all information in their book is from Ford.