Hecho en Mexico...

[Dennis C.]

Ya know, I don't want to cause any trouble over this, simply vent a little. I am putting a 383 SBC crate motor in my '57 Nomad w/a TH 400 and a 12 bolt. For the most part, I am really enjoying this and look forward to the net result and pleasure of driving this cruzing and vintage Airstream towing vessel.

Tell me, is it OK to be checking the casting #'s on the back of the block and have to read "Hecho en Mexico" ??? Somehow, "it just ain't right"...

Buenos Noches,
Dipstickeo

[Tracy C.]

Ross Perot was a looney...but he was right about

the forthcoming GIANT SUCKING SOUND as our jobs leave the country for cheaper labor. Interestingly enough, the price we pay for goods don't seem to be that much cheaper.

tc

[mike mccagh]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

dipstickeo? love it. just send that made in mexico block to ole cumberland above the border. think i know how to create a made in the usa casting.mikie

[Joe L.]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

Dennis-----

All Gen I and Gen II small block engines currently in production (for SERVICE-only as none of these engines are used in PRODUCTION vehicles anymore) are cast and machined in Toluca, Mexico. Some are assembled in the US, though, from the Toluca-manufactured components.

Toluca is not a new engine plant. It's been around a long time. However, for many years it was not up to "world class" standards. I believe that it is now, though.

After the shut down of the Flint V-8 engine plant several years ago, all Gen I and Gen II small block manufacturing was consolidated at Toluca. Toluca casts and machines all of the major components, including cast crankshafts, cylinder heads, blocks, and cast iron intake manifolds. Most other components of the basic engine are manufactured in Toluca, too. So, if you want a NEW, complete small block V-8, the Toluca-manufactured engines are the "only game in town".

Actually, I believe that these engines are now a very high quality product. They had problems years ago with some SERVICE engines, but I think that's all behind them now.

Toluca also manufactures all of the 305 and 350 cid engines sold by GM to marine engine manufacturers.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

OH NO, That engine will only run North not South.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Ross Perot was a looney...but he was right abo

the cheaper labor was one reason but the cost to comply with all the EPA stuff in the USA was another.

[Craig S.]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

Joe - I had heard that the nickel content of the iron was not as high on the castings from the Toluca engine plant. Is that untrue, or still the case?.....Craig

[Chas Kingston]

Re: Ross Perot was a looney...but he was right abo

If it weren't for H. Ross Perot, we wouldn't have had eight years of Willie Clinton.

[Donald M.]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

Craig, Toluca uses recycled Corona cans to alloy with cast iron. At least the "T" in the engine # will look good !?

[Duke W.]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

If they DID use recycled Corona cans, the result would be some nice aluminum castings.

Duke

[G B.]

No way to go but up.

The quality of the early Goodwrench 350 engines was very low. I installed two in customer cars about ten years ago before I learned my lesson. Both engines ran fine for about 20,000 miles. Then they started to go downhill fast. By 40,000 miles they were rough running oil-burners. I think the pistons were swapping holes as they went up and down.

[Craig S.]

Re: Hecho en Mexico...

Sounds like a great alloy Choice.....and I thought Corona came in clear glass bottles....... Craig

[Tracy C.]

Very true statement !! *NM*