Can i get some comments about what people think about this engine? please does it give good horsepower?

 

Please try the search function.

I have a Cleveland in my 71', you can build one to any reasonable performance level you would like. It is a love or hate engine, and most of it is driven by ignorance.

 

I'll just get my popcorn for now. I don't think I feel like sounding off on the impending internet argument just yet but I might have to smack down anything that smells of old disproved rumor and conjecture if it pops up

PS it's kinda nice being able to swap intakes without pulling a radiator house.

C dedication:
http://www.network54.com/Forum/119419/

 

what do u mean when u say it is mostly driven by ignorance?

 

The C wasn't around for many years in the states so some urban myths started about in the 70s that just kept growing and growing and growing and new myths get added all the time. Just like any other motor if you put a mismash of crap from the local speedshop in it without planning out what you want to actually do and set goals you can end up with a real dog of a motor.

 

The only downside I'm aware of with the design is an oiling issue where the crank can get starved out during high-rpm (6k+) operation. This issue is easily corrected by the installation of a restrictor during a rebuild.

It used to be that parts were kinda scarce, and therefore expensive, but that's becoming less of an issue now that aftermarket heads and intakes are readily available. It's still usually going to be a slightly more expensive build than an equivalent 351W, but if going with the stock heads, you usually have more performance potential. The stock heads flow amazing and generally need very little port work. There are different versions of cleveland heads though, and each will work with a different engine build.

 

www.ausfordparts.com for heads and intakes etc

 

There are good and bad things about the Cleveland engine. Do a search like suggested above to read the many many many threads about Clevelands vs. Windsors. I had a '70 351C in my '69 for a while. I ended up pulling it for a 383Dart stroker. Clevelands have smaller diameter main journals which is desirable. Stock Cleveland heads are not great compared to modern heads, but were great back in the day. If you are performance minded, you can build a nice motor from either a Cleveland or Windsor. The downside of picking a Cleveland over a Windsor is the availability and cost of performance parts. It is cheaper to build a Windsor, IMHO. A Dart 351 is a combo of the two (NOT A CLEVOR). They have a Cleveland crank and Windsor everything else. IMO, it is the best of both worlds and you get a very strong block. If you are interested in a Cleveland, look into CHI heads and intake. They are often considered the leaders in Cleveland performance topends.

 

One more thing. Stock Cleveland heads flowed well for the early 70s. That is why they got a good reputation, because the Windsor heads were very restrictive back in the day. The problem is the runners are so big that the velocity is crap, which is as important if not more important that potential air flow, unless you are running a blower or turbo. In that case, the turbo and blower create the air velocity for you.

Where to go from hear. Are you wanting to build a stock motor or a performance aftermarket motor?

 

My 71 is a mostly stock rebuilt 351C with the 4v heads. Only engine mods so far have been a new 4v carb (Edelbrock Performer 750) and Flowmaster mufflers. It is very fast, especially in the higher revs.