Hi fellow Victorian windsor warlords

Curious if anyone on here has taken out a late model EFI windsor block and replaced it with a Mexican block, then given the engine number to VicRoads to get it all legal etc?

Without sounding too naive about it, I'd presume earlier model mexican blocks from the 60s could have different number ranges from later models - I'd be interested to know if there is a certain number range that automatically deems the swap illegal in the eyes of VicRoads.

Any info appreciated !

Thanks,
Steve

As most mexican blocks come from the U.S. they generally don't have engine numbers on them. So you can just stamp your engine number on there.

Also remember that Mexican blocks don't have the extended lifter bores or 1-piece rear main seal machining that the later "EFI" blocks have. So if you were thinking of doing a block conversion and swapping everything else, the costs will be quite high because you'll need to machine the block to suit the crank and purchase a new camshaft, pushrods and lifters. A BOSS block is probably a better option for not much extra cost, unless your Mexican is very cheap.

But if you plan to do what I did, a full shortblock conversion, it works out OK if the old shortblock is sold to recover some money. Just remember the imbalance factor if you're running an early crank, as the flywheel & balancer will need to be replaced. And if your front end dress is AU V8, you'll need a balance job to get the balancer down from 50oz-in to 28oz-in as I don't believe there are any suitable 28oz-in aftermarket balancers available.

half the pits dont even question the different engines, as long as it came out with a v8 and still retains the same capacity and emmision componets they'll just record the engine number.

thats what happen to my 220engine into a EF

Steve, I remember with my block that Vicroads had me pop the bonnet and looked for the number. When they found it was new and had no number, they went back inside, generated a new VR number, gave me the paper and said get this number stamped on the block and then come back for them to check it.
It didn't have to be on the normal plate where the engine number traditionally sits on AUS blocks, just as long as it was on the block itself and visible.
I remember I couldn't get anyone to stamp the number on the normal plate under the head as it was inaccessible with all the regular engine parts in place so I had the new VR number etched onto the side rear of the block where the bellhousing sits. Vicroads then checked it and approved it.