67-69 302's have special high nickel content blocks?

Hey guys, I have a 68 ford 302 and I was told that this is fairly rare because from 67 to 69 the blocks have a high nickel content that is desirable? Any truth to this? Does the nickel content make it stronger?

if this is true, are these blocks worth more?

Any help or leads are appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

 

I was told by a machinest that high nickle content will keep the cylinder's straighter, and it is harder to bore. And I would take Ginger over Maryann.

 

High nickel is supposed to wear better, i've always heard they tend to be truer when cast. I know with Caddy 500's they wear extremely good, even at 100k miles many don't need to be honed.

 

is there any truth to the 67-69 302s having more nickel?

 

I don't know about the 67-69 302, but I do know that the "mexican" blocks are highly prized by the 5.0 crowd for their high nickel content for the above stated reasons. Plus, the deck tends to distort less under stress and they tend not to split up the center of the main webing under high boost or big snoots of nitrous like some of the other 302's.

 

That is the same thing I've always heard too about the mexican blocks. I never heard anything special about 67-69 in general though. Actually the 302 came out in '68 and late 289's use 302 blocks, but I don't think they were noticably stronger or better because of that.

 

289 and 302 blocks are the same - same bore, crank journal diameter, etc. Nickel content is higher on the 60's blocks compared to later blocks. I believe 60's blocks around 20lbs heavier than later versions. '69 & '70 Windsors pull the most money for this reason. Either way, Mexican or not, They all crack down the middle w/ extended N20 or boost is applied. Generally speaking, they could be worth more because of strength, but later versions have OEM roller cam bosses which make it a lot easier (most importantly, cheaper) to run hydraulic roller cams. That's worth more to me.

**What should be noted here is that for naturally aspirated applications, they are a good choice.

FWIW, the guy I knew that ***embled the 347 mexican block w/ N20 ripped the front corner off the block instead of cracking down the middle.