351 windsor
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Alabama
First off Welcome to FTE! The BEST sight EVER! There is more information on here than you will be able to process at one time, so browse around, and ask questions, someone is ALWAYS willing to chime in.
The Letters Are:
M = Modified 351/400
C = Cleavland
W = Windsor
I have a Windsor in my 78 as well, but mine was transplanted into my 78 by me, from an 85 Ford...
Each person you talk to will have opinions on each model...some HATE them, some will FIGHT you to the DEATH over them...I personally have had the 351M (was in my truck originally), I have a '74 that has the Cleavland, and my '78 has the Windsor...I also have another '78 that has a 302 in it (which may be what you have, if you're 100% positive it is the stock engine)...as far as telling the differences, post a pic and someone will tell you very quickly what you have...(use photobucket or another picture hosting sight. Copy the image code then paste it in the comment box. It will show your picture when you finalize your post). Also if you post your VIN, and your door tag, someone will decode it, and let you know how your truck came from the factory, engine, paint color, etc...
The Letters Are:
M = Modified 351/400
C = Cleavland
W = Windsor
I have a Windsor in my 78 as well, but mine was transplanted into my 78 by me, from an 85 Ford...
Each person you talk to will have opinions on each model...some HATE them, some will FIGHT you to the DEATH over them...I personally have had the 351M (was in my truck originally), I have a '74 that has the Cleavland, and my '78 has the Windsor...I also have another '78 that has a 302 in it (which may be what you have, if you're 100% positive it is the stock engine)...as far as telling the differences, post a pic and someone will tell you very quickly what you have...(use photobucket or another picture hosting sight. Copy the image code then paste it in the comment box. It will show your picture when you finalize your post). Also if you post your VIN, and your door tag, someone will decode it, and let you know how your truck came from the factory, engine, paint color, etc...
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 1
From: Alston, MI
the letters are the different style blocks. the windsor block is the lightest one, which lots of people compare to a chevy small block. the 351 windsor is just a 302 with a taller deck.
the 351c is the cleveland block, which is a sort of mid-sized block.
the 351m is a destroked 400, and is basically a cleveland block with a taller deck (to make up for the 400's 4" stroke).
the windsor is a good motor, light, and really cheap to modify. and they're a dime a dozen, being used from the late 60's up until (correct me if i'm wrong) 2001.
the 351c is the cleveland block, which is a sort of mid-sized block.
the 351m is a destroked 400, and is basically a cleveland block with a taller deck (to make up for the 400's 4" stroke).
the windsor is a good motor, light, and really cheap to modify. and they're a dime a dozen, being used from the late 60's up until (correct me if i'm wrong) 2001.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
There is no such thing as a 400M and 351W's weren't factory installed in F150/350's & Bronco's until 1981. 1980/83 F100: The largest available V8 was the 302.
351C: 1970/74 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
351C: 1970/74 Passenger Cars/Ranchero's only.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2011
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I have been after this truck for about ten years. It was restored on the exterior after first owner passed, by son (family friend). It is all original and stock. Just found the VIN decoder on site and it is a 351. Previous shop said that it was a windsor so just going off what they said. I don't claim to be up on all ford things but decoder said what it said so i think that they were available from factory in 78'. Any body else agree with this? Also the shop could have been wrong they told the P O not me.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,503
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From: Southaven,Ms
in 78 the original engine would be a 351m, NumberDummy is right no 351w's came stock in dentsides. count your valve cover bolts 6 means w, 8 means m. If its a 351w it is not original equipment
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 313
Likes: 93
From: San Antonio, TX
Sadly 351 Windsors were not offered in 73-79 Ford trucks, but they should of been. My '77 came with a 302 and I swapped in a '72 model 351 Windsor. If you decoded the VIN and it came back as a 351 then your truck had a 351 Modified originally, however, it could of been swapped for a 351 Windsor, a picture is worth a thousand words...hint, hint.
My '79 4X4 originally had a 351 Modified according to the VIN decoder but when I pulled it apart it had a 400 rotating assembly so you can't tell if you have a 351M or 400 just by looking at it. If your has been rebuilt it might very well be a 400.
My '79 4X4 originally had a 351 Modified according to the VIN decoder but when I pulled it apart it had a 400 rotating assembly so you can't tell if you have a 351M or 400 just by looking at it. If your has been rebuilt it might very well be a 400.
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I agree with NumberDummy. My truck has a 351W but it's not original, the truck came with a 300 I6. From what I could find these trucks didn't come with 351W but since they did come with 302 (which is basically the same block) its easy to put them in. 351M did come in these trucks and if the engine is original that must be what it is. This is the way to tell the difference:
"The 'W' has 6 bolt valve covers and the radiator upper hose connects to the intake manifold. The 'C' has 8 bolt valve covers and the upper radiator hose does not connect to the intake manifold."
Below is a picture of my valve cover, its not a good one to see the bolts but its the factory tag that tells what it is. The "W 1" on the left tells you its came from the Windsor plant. If you truck has the original engine it might still have this tag, the same one is on the front of the oil pan.
The thing that I haven't been able to decode it the "440", from what I've found it means that this engine is a 400 but that doesn't really make sense, so if anyone can decode this tag that would be great. The casting # is D4AE-6015-AA 2 below that is 5K15
"The 'W' has 6 bolt valve covers and the radiator upper hose connects to the intake manifold. The 'C' has 8 bolt valve covers and the upper radiator hose does not connect to the intake manifold."
Below is a picture of my valve cover, its not a good one to see the bolts but its the factory tag that tells what it is. The "W 1" on the left tells you its came from the Windsor plant. If you truck has the original engine it might still have this tag, the same one is on the front of the oil pan.
The thing that I haven't been able to decode it the "440", from what I've found it means that this engine is a 400 but that doesn't really make sense, so if anyone can decode this tag that would be great. The casting # is D4AE-6015-AA 2 below that is 5K15
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Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Just found the VIN decoder on site and it is a 351. Previous shop said that it was a windsor so just going off what they said.
I don't claim to be up on all ford things but decoder said what it said so i think that they were available from factory in 78'. Any body else agree with this?
I don't claim to be up on all ford things but decoder said what it said so i think that they were available from factory in 78'. Any body else agree with this?
The 4th digit of the VIN is the engine code.
1977/79 F100/350: B = 300 1V I-6 / G = 302 2V (F100/150 only) / H = 351M 2V / J = 460 4V / S = 400 2V.
1977/79 F100/350 V8 valve cover bolt holes per side: 6 = 302 2V / 7 = 460 4V / 8 = 351M/400.
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