My 1977 302 has only 80,000 miles on it, and at the advice of other members, I may look into rebuilding it. However, I've heard that the older ford smallblocks are "weaker" than the late 80's and up roller motors, what IS the real difference between my 140hp '77 302 and a '87 roller for example?
Don't know what is meant by weaker, was told that the early models ie 69-70 had more nickel in their castings and the main webbing may be a litttle different. Also the deck height will vary in the mid to late 70's, the later 80's blocks are one piece rear main seals and are also set up for the roller lifters and retainers. They are also supposed to be the weaker of all the 302's as far as casting and webbing goes???????? The mexican block or the SVO blocks are choice for high horsepower and torque. Personnally, for under 500hp they will all be ok if built right and use ARP main studs, head studs and rod bolts. I also run a good main girdle for extra peace of mind, after seeing a few main webs give out in some very high hp engines. Very prevalant in std. shift cars doing 5000rpm clutch dumping, gear jamming, race applications. JMO
Someone told you wrong. The newer the block, the thinner the casting. Roller blocks have thin webbing and hollow main caps. The earliest blocks are strongest. Through the 70s and 80s, Ford made the castings thinner and thinner every year as they needed to lose weight for mileage and emissions regulations. I agree with Dave, you should be just fine with that block. For cheap insurance, ARP fasteners and careful machine work are a good idea... just as in any performance build. Always remember that the absolute weak spot on SBFs are the rod bolts. No matter what you do, use good rod bolts. Dave
I suppose I ought not speak like it is "fact"... I am just going by what I have read and been told on it. It is fact that I have never cut one open to find out. I do know the sources I got it from were reliable, but only human. Dave
