How strong are the older 302 blocks??

[caseywan]

I've always heard the that the 68-72 302 blocks were stronger than the 302's put in our Foxes, especially the Boss 302 blocks. So what's the skinny on them, 4 bolt main? What kind of hp will they hold up to?

 

[Roland69]

I would like to know too....I know the Chevy blocks from that age were stronger my boss has a 68 or 69 block in his car pushing 600+ without the 200 shot...and I have seen it upwards of 8000+RPM

 

[RS200]

The Mexican 302 blocks are the strong ones, and the 1969-1974 351W blocks are also strong. The other non-exotic blocks of the area aren't great. Boss 302 blocks..aren't cheap. You'll be paying over $1000 for one that needs work, and no one really knows what they stand up to. Around that point you're better off buying a Dart, which has a proven track record.

 

[ms93gt]

The Mexican 302 blocks are the strong ones, and the 1969-1974 351W blocks are also strong. The other non-exotic blocks of the area aren't great. Boss 302 blocks..aren't cheap. You'll be paying over $1000 for one that needs work, and no one really knows what they stand up to. Around that point you're better off buying a Dart, which has a proven track record.

Correct about the mexican however the older non roller blocks are a lot stronger than a new roller block. As far as the boss block, they can handle whatever you decide to throw at it. They are 4 bolt main and strong as hell!

 

[caseywan]

So I guess the new Boss block that Ford Racing just released is the pretty much the same as the old Boss block. So why the hell is Ford just now remaking it??

 

[RS200]

Big nostalgia trip..everything 60s is big for them now. They're just riding the wave.

 

[ms93gt]

So I guess the new Boss block that Ford Racing just released is the pretty much the same as the old Boss block. So why the hell is Ford just now remaking it??

Well the old boss block is very rare but it has been a very big demand because of it's strength and price/value. However, it is non roller and I believe the new boss block is roller which would elminate the use of the retro fit lifters to convert to roller. I believe it also needs less machining than an r block and dart.

 

[caseywan]

Well the old boss block is very rare but it has been a very big demand because of it's strength and price/value. However, it is non roller and I believe the new boss block is roller which would elminate the use of the retro fit lifters to convert to roller. I believe it also needs less machining than an r block and dart.

How much would it cost to convert an old Boss block to roller?

 

[ms93gt]

How much would it cost to convert an old Boss block to roller?

I think the crane kit is $450.

 

[caseywan]

What exactly is the difference/s between a roller block and non-roller? I am looking at a Boss 302 block right now, if I got it would I have to convert it to roller?

 

[caseywan]

I think the crane kit is $450.

Is this the kit your talking about?

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CRN-36806-16&N=700+115&autoview=sku

 

[fastranger347]

roller blocks have taller lifter bores to accomodate the taller roller lifters and have two holes drilled in the lifter valley for the lifter retaining plate, older block dont, but you can use roller harware in the older blocks if you use a reduced base circle cam so that it allows the lifter to sit lower in the lifter bore for proper oiling, then you can either use linked lifters or factry style with the retaining plate