Ford’s Mexican 302 Engine
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| Mexican 302 engine |
After a Mexican 302-equipped Ford Torino crossed the block at Mecum Auctions recently, I've received a boatload of questions about these unique engines, their collector value, and how to identify them. Mexican 302's are a bit of an oddity, so I thought I'd pass along the answers publicly for Ford enthusiasts.
What is a Mexican 302?
When Ford's domestic plants were transitioning to the 351 engine in the late 1960's, it became necessary to obtain V8 engines from other plants to augment supply. For a time, Ford relied a bit more heavily on their Cuautitlan Stamping and Assembly plant in Cuautitlan Izcalli, located in south central Mexico, about an hour north of Mexico City. A number of these engines were installed in vehicles destined for car dealerships in the United States primarily between 1969 and 1975.
Hence, a "Mexican 302" is an American term for a Ford 302 engine originating from the Cuautitlan facility during this period.
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| Ford Torino with Mexican 302 engine |
How can a Mexican 302 be identified?
Mexican blocks are distinguished by two iron knob-like protrusions just below each head on the front of the engine casting. The tips are circular and slightly larger than a half dollar. The left knob is not entirely circular, but usually has a flat bottom. Also, if the engine is disassembled, the designation "HECHO-EN MEXICO" will be visible and stamped into the block.
Is a Mexican 302 more desirable, and if so, why?
From a performance standpoint, the Mexican 302's are perhaps a bit more desirable. They are said to have a higher nickel content in the iron used to cast the blocks, although some debate this claim. What is known is that the main bearing caps are wider and the block is thicker, forming a stronger base. The Mexican blocks weight a bit more than their northern counterparts, although the difference is negligible (usually 7-10 lbs).
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| Mexican 302 |
The Mexican blocks offer no advantage over modern aftermarket short blocks, but they are a low-cost alternative for purists who want original Ford factory parts with a bit more overall strength.
How likely am I to find a car with an Mexican 302 engine?
Not very. Many of the Mexican 302's were installed in non-collectible vehicles and saw their eventual demise in a junkyard. Most of the junkyard Mexican 302's have long ago been salvaged by backyard mechanics looking for a bit more performance and strength from an engine that was available at second-hand prices.
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]If you do find a Mexican 302-equipped car, it is likely to be a late 60's or early 70's Torino or Ranchero, both of which were occasionally outfitted with such engines and have some collector value. Most of the vans and trucks so equipped are long gone.
Does a car's value increase it if it was originally equipped with a Mexican 302?
No. The few Mexican-equipped cars that have crossed the block at Mecum Auctions recently have carried the same collector's premium as any other similar vehicle.
Budget-minded performance enthusiasts may find some advantages with the Mexican block, but it won't bring any additional attention from collectors. The Mexican 302's biggest value is simply as a fun, obscure curiosity that brings back the waning days of the muscle car wars.
Stephen Cox
Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions
Co-host, Mecum Auctions on NBCSN
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