I am going to start looking for a 351 motor/block to build. Which is better to build the Cleveland or Windsor? and should I look for a new year motor or stick with the 60's era? Thanks, David

 

Do a search on this, we have discussed it at length.

Sorry, was in a rush earlier. Either one will work, it depends on what you have or can find as to which way you should go. The Cleveland needs fewer aftermarket parts to make good power than the Windsor, but the Windsor is much easier to find. Still check the forum with a search and you can get a ton of information.

 

If you get lucky an find a 351C 4V very little modification is needed for a killer engine. Use hoses, radiator, etc for 1970 Mustang.

The 351W is a lot easier to support, aftermarket parts-wise. You can configure that with 67-69 gear and end up with stock 67 stuff, just specify everything for 69 351.

 

I say cleveland...that will leave more windsor stuff for me.....just kidding. From what I have seen, the cleveland needs to be wound up. It has to be up in the higher rpms to make its power, where the windsor makes power on the botttom to mid range. So, it depends where you want to make power.

 

i have the 351c 4v cobra jet (4 bolt main). it currently has the open chamber heads with .40 over dished pistons, i am figuring 8.3-8.5:1 compression. it drives well and runs great on the I-road but is no powerhouse off the line.

i have a set of close chamber heads that have been decked .025 with 120 lbs. springs waiting to go on. the heads are measured at 61cc's and should have me near 9.5-9.6:1 compression. i am also getting some port plates (helps smooth out the flow of the heads) +20 hp and 20 tq. and a slotted timing set to advance my cam 4-6 degree.

i have been told by the guy that set my valve springs and smoothed the runners on my heads that with the cam, intake, port plates, timing set and head work that i should have a solid 350-375 hp engine. i am hoping for more. more is better... right?

i am holding off on the install for a few weeks until i see what i am going to do with the car. it is killing me seeing them sitting there and knowing how much better the car will run.

the cleveland motor is a very strong motor but does have some oiling issues at the rear of the motor at sustained high rpms. the windsor does have a stronger aftermarket following so the rebuild and performance parts should be more plentiful as well as cheaper.

i dont know if this has been of any help but there ya go.

 

not reall esp with the 2v heads....

 

Even the 4V heads with the right cam, carb, and a set of headers can blow the tires off super easy. One of the most traction limited cars I have ever owned was a 72 coupe with a 4V, stock intake and carb, comp 270 magnum cam, and hooker headers. With 3.00 gears it would smoke them from idle just by mashing the throttle, no need to hold the brake. That was with 275 60 15 BFG radials under it and a stock FMX behind it. You could drive that thing sideways. It beat up on lots of chevys even with the spinning.

Really though, whatever you can find cheap in your area will work. Windsors will make power but they need the aftermarket heads or they are slugs. They would work good for a driver/cruiser and you can get a later one with the roller cam out of a pickup. Silly easy to build with the aftermarket.

Minimum budget with both available, go Cleveland if you want power. If you have a budget over $4k for the engine, either one will work for you.