The main reason (and it is a big one) to go for a windsor block is because the aftermarket is so huge for it. The same just isn't there for cleveland blocks. Plus nothing sounds like a built 351w!

 

Yeah, like on a Pantera... Has to have the Cleveland.

My 70 Cougar came with it , mated to the FMX.
Both are long gone in exchange for a Windsor stroker and a 5spd Tremec
Prolly shaved 300lbs off that front end too

 

Best to forget a couple of things you learned on the other side of the tracks (I've got one of their cars too). BB/SB will mostly confuse everybody due to the many variations. And "posi" is a GM trade name, not a generic one-word shorthand for "limited slip diff".


Norm

 

Most of us use either one most of the time is whatever we found.Most now a days use a windsor block and chi heads which are cleveland style heads.Both parts are easy to get summit jegs etc etc sell anything you need.

 

It is true that you can find parts much more available for the Cleveland these days, but I bet there are twice as many intakes and heads for the Windsor series than the Cleveland series. That does not mean the Windsor parts are better...just more people making and selling them. I think it is a demand thing. Sort of like there are many more people selling and making parts for Chevy engines than Ford. They are not necessarily better, but the demand for Chevy parts has been more than Ford due to the racing industry using predominately CSBs and CBBs.

 

Nearly not as much stuff available for the C for sure...
Edelbrock came up with their aluminum head for it, about 3 or 4 years ago only.
The Windsor aftermarket ones were available in the mid 90s and now you prolly have 20 different companies that make them.
Intake manifolds etc... are plentiful for the W.

One part that need to be reproduced for the C, is the timing chain cover plate...
Hard to find in good shape nowadays, often corroded.

 

A proper cleveland will walk away from a typical inline headed windsor. You need to have built clevelands to know what you are doing though. Plenty of aftermarket cleveland parts and the demand is growing especially due to the eventual blocks being made in iron and aluminum. There is nothing that sounds like a 9500 rpm cleveland, nothing. The reason the windsor is hot is because it was made for decades, the cleveland was started in 1970 and done in 1974. For a first timer, leave the cleveland alone.

 

I had a Cleveland and went with a Cleveland mated to an AOD vs the FMX just because its what came in the car and its not such a common motor. Most folks dont understand the difference other then one is built here or there. There are a few companies that produce aluminum heads for the Cleveland, of which I have the Edelbrock heads which came on the motor otherwise I probably would have gone with another brand. Aftermarket intakes, cams and ignition systems are plentiful enough for most if not all applications. Or you can just use the stock heads and have them ported for great gains without the weight savings, visit the 335 forum for die hard Cleveland info.

 

Cleveland engine are distinct in a few ways...

1) Came from the factory with canted valve heads (the valves are parallel in every other small block Ford).

2) Have an oddball coolant bypass system that requires a Cleveland specific thermostat. (This can be retrofitted, you just have to purchase a kit that a lot of the Pantera guys use to run a conventional thermostat).

3) Lots of little differences, don't be scared by one. Seems like most of the Cleveland fear is driven by ignorance, old or bad information. IMHO they are one of the best engines for your ride if you just want to be a little different. If you don't have time to research and carefully build an engine you might want to stick with a windsor since they seem to be more idiot proof. (not meant in a bad way)

If you are looking for something wild research Clevors, they are pretty easy to build with off the shelf parts from CHI if you have a few thousand dollars to spend.

Peter

 

the cleveland is and oddball motor but it has a much stronger block and such. and a set of jon kaase aluminum heads will go a long way........add that and a 393 or 408 stroker kit and it will walk away from any windsor i know of, and this includes mine, they are wicked when they are build right........and if you really want to get wicked with it you can get the even stronger aussie block and do the same build except with low comp. pistons and a bds 8-71 with enderle big and ugly injectors and hat.......depending on fuel and cam think 1200 should be an easy number with this set-up