1970 Boss block

[Sparky714]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1970 Boss block. I've been looking into buying or building a 347 for my '89 and a friend of a friend told me about this block he may be willing to sell. I don't have any details bore or anything yet, but I could get it for a decent price. Is it worth pursuing? Would all my accessories from my '89 302 bolt up to it? I'll still need heads, cam and maybe a different intake. And I'm guessing I'd need link bar lifters to run a hydraulic roller cam with this block? Or would I be better off sticking with my original plan of an assembled long block from Fordstroker or someplace with a newer block? Car is street/strip with a Vortech supercharger. Any advice appreciated.

 

[89ripper]

Personally, id stick with your original plan, even if you got a good deal on that block. While it was strong for its day, just think of all the innovations that have been made since then.

 

[Bullitt347]

That 70' Boss block is only worth anything if it is in a 70' Boss 302.
Otherwise, get a more modern, stronger offering.

 

[LILCBRA]

From what I understand the Boss blocks are stronger than late model blocks, have more material in the webs, cylinder walls, etc, and had 4 bolt mains. And, as far as I understand again, they can take everything another earlier 302 block can. I think, if it were me and I was going to push the envelope, it may be worth looking into. I'd venture to say that it'd take more abuse than a standard block - probably somewhere in between a roller block and an aftermarket block. But I also agree that it'd be best suited for a 70 Boss Mustang and probably worth some money for someone looking to restore their car. I think I'd have to do some serious research and make a pros/cons list.

 

[Noobz347]

Right off the bat... Convert to roller.

 

[FastDriver]

Uh... That depends on price and condition, but if those two check out, hell yes it's a step up from a stock block. The problem is it's never gonna be a dart, man o' war, R302, or new boss block. It'd be like getting an A4. But it is still the best 302 block Ford ever put into a production car. I don't think you can go over 4.040 or so without a sonic check.

If it works out though, you can rev higher, and handle more power with that block, for sure.

Converting to roller is not a big deal. You'd just need link bar lifters. They're a few hundred bux. Factor that into your calculus.

 

[Mac131]

I'd grab it if it's in good shape. 4 bolt mains. How much HP are you planning on making?

 

[Sparky714]

I'd grab it if it's in good shape. 4 bolt mains. How much HP are you planning on making?

Not huge power. I'd like to be around 600 wheel.

 

[FastDriver]

Not huge power. I'd like to be around 600 wheel.

That's a perfect application for an intermediary block like a Boss 302. It's pushing a stock block pretty hard, especially if spinning over 6.5k, and would not push a Boss block at all.

The trick is making sure it's in good shape. The other trick is getting a good deal when it will always be worth more to someone trying to restore a Boss Mustang.

 

[85GTStangGuy]

Converting to roller is not a big deal. You'd just need link bar lifters.

I thought there was something about "roller blocks" having taller lifter bores for the roller lifters?

 

[General karthief]

I thought there was something about "roller blocks" having taller lifter bores for the roller lifters?

My understanding is the 'roller' blocks have taller lifter bores, that's why the 'non roller' blocks use/need link-bar type roller lifters.

 

[Noobz347]

Yeah... roller lifters rotating sideways is bad, Mkay?

 

[FastDriver]

I thought there was something about "roller blocks" having taller lifter bores for the roller lifters?

That's true. 4-bolt mains and thicker webs, too. Plus, I would feel a car is more special with a boss block in it. Very cool!

 

[85GTStangGuy]

You'd just need link bar lifters. They're a few hundred bux. Factor that into your calculus.

Looks like they're many hundred bux now. On my quick glance at a few sites, the cheapest set I saw was $700+, with several sets going for upwards of $900 to a grand.

 

[FastDriver]

Well, you're right. They've gone up quite a bit in recent years, like everything has. Look up the Morel 7699 link bars. They're still going around $600 and will be going into my winter build. Not saying they're the cheapest, but at least cheaper than what you mentioned.

Looks like even stock hydraulic roller replacements would cost 170-260 from steeda depending on whether you want "high-performance."

 

[85GTStangGuy]

Gotcha. Those are for "roller-capable" blocks though, right? The lifters I was looking at were the retrofit sets.... what I thought would be required for the OP's Boss block. Or I could just be confused. If so, then I blame it on having one too many (6-packs) today.

Is Father Time your winter build?

 

[LILCBRA]

It seems that I read somewhere that you could use stock roller lifters in an older block by drilling/tapping for the retainer and just shimming it to the proper height?

 

[Noobz347]

Gotcha. Those are for "roller-capable" blocks though, right? The lifters I was looking at were the retrofit sets.... what I thought would be required for the OP's Boss block. Or I could just be confused. If so, then I blame it on having one too many (6-packs) today.

Is Father Time your winter build?

I think you have it right.

Retrofit Style

Non Retrofit Style used to eliminate the dog bones from a roller block.

 

[Mac131]

Not huge power. I'd like to be around 600 wheel.

Definitely use the boss block. Any other 302 block will likely split.

 

[FastDriver]

Gotcha. Those are for "roller-capable" blocks though, right? The lifters I was looking at were the retrofit sets.... what I thought would be required for the OP's Boss block. Or I could just be confused. If so, then I blame it on having one too many (6-packs) today.

Is Father Time your winter build?

This is for black jack on an, I hope, 350+ rwhp fuel-injected, stock-stroke, 2-bolt block, mild cam build.

Ed Curtis sold them to me. I think he knows what he's doing...

Father time is a completely different, but already finished motor. Only changes on it, this year, are a lower intake ported to match to AFR205s and an upgrade from a 76mm turbo to an 80mm.