Picked up a mexican 351w shortblock recently and upon tearing it down found a small chip at the rear seal (see pics). I'm not sure if this will reduce the structural integrity of the block, or just leak oil. I didn't notice any oil leakage coming from the area when I took it apart.
I plan on building it up to and possibly over 500hp, so I would like to know what you guys think. I'm already into this block a couple hundred and don't like the idea of finding a new one. Should I...
Build it?
or
Scrap it?
I don't know much about mexicano Ford blocks. But the area that is chipped off doesn't really have any effect on the overall strength of the block itself.
If it were me I wouldn't worry about it.
Don't even worry about it, it is more cosmetic than anything else. It doesn't pose a sealing problem as it isn't a surface that is the direct seal point.
Doesn't impact HP capability either, the block will split down the middle through the lifter valley before anything would ever happen at the rear of the casting.
from what i've read that is a very good block and a couple of hundred was a good price.. i'm in agreement with 72. but look closer and make sure it didn't leak at that point.. don't look like from pic's..
Structurally not a problem. The only thing I would advise is that when you install the new seal rotate it 10 degrees CCW so that the seam is in an area where there is no break.
. X 3... just don't butt the seal ends together in that spot... otherwise, fine...
. I have a mild 425 HP 351W if you have any other questions/inquiries about building one...
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