Hey there ya'll...I've got a 73 F100 with a 360/4-speed and I was thinking about sticking a fresh 351C I aquired recently.
So naturally I have questions...1) will the 351C bolt to the 360 bell housing, flywheel ??? 2) Motor mounts??? 3)other gochas

I have reservations knowing this is a "car" engine, so if anyone else has done this switch and wish they did not...Please speak up!

Thanx!!

 

1) No. You will need a bellhousing for 300,302,351w. Flywheel from 82 or earlier 302.

2) Frame brackets for 302,351w,351m,400. Rubber mounts for 302/351w.

 

The 351C is not known as an engine made for low end torque. It is better suited for a light vehicle. If it is a 2V head motor with a stock or very very mild cam it will probably work. For a heavy truck you want the torque curve to peak at 2000-2500 rpm, not 3500 rpm

 

I say go for it and show how good a 351C can be in a truck! I have considered performing this swap, but just haven't had the right opportunity yet. I am sure I will be happy with it if i ever get to do it. If you do it right and come up with the right setup in gear ratios and can get traction with all that torque you'll be puttin to the rear tires it will out perform some small block equipped trucks easily.

Use a 2V 351C from 1970 - 1971. Since you already have one it is important to make sure it has a 1970- 1972 351C timing set in it. Starting about 1973 on the timing sets are built to where the cam timing is retarded because of laws tightening up on automobile emissions.

Be aware of the smaller crankshaft main journals of the 351C. They are 2.75 inches compared to 3 inches of the other engines in its class like a 302 and 351W. I think the 351M and 400 have the 3 inch crankshaft main journals as well. It is possible that this smaller journal is a weak link for serious pulling. I don't know this to be fact but it is a possibility. On the other hand this design creates less friction and allows the Cleveland to rev up faster with less heat buildup.

Some say the 351C has thin cast cylinder walls while others say they are not. Well I am not sure who is right in the light that no one in my eyes has presented a single solid piece of evidence. If someone will get some evidence like photos with measurements and present them I would call that fact. Otherwise I am just aware of the argument.

 

Peterson wonders if you can just change the bell housing, clutch kit, and flywheel. etc. I took out a 300 6cy and put a 390 on the tranny doing this.

 

DON'T DO IT NOT WORTH THE AGRIVATION. I HAD TO MAKE MY OWN HEDDERS AND USE 76.5 MOTOR MOUNTS DRILL HOLES AND LOTS MORE BULLSH** KEEP THE OLD WAR HORSE FE NOT WORTH THE AGRIVATION, OR GO FOR THE 460. JUST MY 2 CENTS WORT BECAUSE I DID IT.

 

THE 240, 300, 289, 302 AND 351w w w AS IN windsor have the same bell housing. the 351M 351C 400 429 and 460 have the same bellhousing. Oh yeah the 352 360 390 361 391 406 410 427 428 and all the other FE engieng as well as the old Y block 292 etc..... engienes have the same bolt paterns.

 

"THE 240, 300, 289, 302 AND 351w w w AS IN windsor have the same bell housing. the 351M 351C 400 429 and 460 have the same bellhousing. Oh yeah the 352 360 390 361 391 406 410 427 428 and all the other FE engieng as well as the old Y block 292 etc..... engienes have the same bolt paterns."

The 361 and 391 are not FEs' but FTs'..Just being picky..Keep the 360 and rebuilt it to a 390, you will be happier..

 

351c has the smallblock bellhousing.