I am looking to buy a used 351C from the local classifieds to put in my 67 coupe. Doesanyone have any hints on what to look for when I check it out (casting numbers etc ...)?Also, does anyone have a preference or know which one would be a better buy ... a351C or 351W?

 

A C and the W are both very good engines, the C can make more naturally aspired horsepower alot easier then the W, but the drawbacks are parts are a little more expensive. the W has a large after market, terefore parts are cheaper. and pretty much every ford between 70 and 74 had C's in them. its easy to check just to see if the radiator goes to the block and not the intake manifold. or if you can pulll the starter off and post the block number here, one of us could decifer the code.

 

A friend put a 351C in his 67 hardtop and only encountered exhaust pipe problems, he had to have a custom 'H' pipe made, other than that, it worked.
Jim

 

One more thing, if you are looking for an upgrade from an I-6, 1967 engine mount brackets, mounting holes in the frame and insulatorsare unique to 1967. You cannot use another year's materials.
Jim

 

Look how much aftermarket stuff there is for a Kleveland, then look how much stuff there is for the WINdsor. The clevelands had **** poor blocks and marginal oiling systems (maybe Im thinking of the modified here...) on top of being heavier. They are also wider, and so not nearly as many header options. Unless your car came with a cleveland AND you have some reason to keep it, go windsor and dont look back. Theyre cheaper, lighter, and have WAY more parts available. Sure the heads may not be as good, but thats a whole lot cheaper and easier to replace than finding out your cleveland block has pourosity and core shift problems.

 

Why not just use headers for a 70 351'C'....are the chassis not the same?

 

The exhaust manifolds were Cleveland, the problem was the stock 70 (and the 71 that was also tried) 'H' pipe had too many interferences. It was more practical to have a muffler shop make one.
Jim

 

unless you really want a cleveland id probably get a windsor...used c's are usually pretty abused.

 

my pop's had a 70 mach 1 with a clevelend......he wishes it had been a windsor....said it was too pricy compared to the windsor....and that was back in late 70's

 

Windsor is the way to go if your trying to put something together that is strong and cheep. I was going to build my 351C until the price to build for the same HP was more for theC then the W. If you would have said something about 2 weeks ago I would have sold you mine. If you need some headers for your 67 I can help you, I still have mine.....