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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

54 Ford pickup

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Old Oct 24, 2012 | 10:52 PM
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54 Ford pickup

I have this 54 f100 pick up I was going to put in A 351 Cleveland And someone told me That they were junk Motors If someone has some input Whether it's good or bad Will you please Reply I would like to know Oh by the way I am new to this forum And hope I'm doing it right I heard the guys On here Were a great bunch of guys And very knowledgeable On fords
 
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Old Oct 24, 2012 | 11:13 PM
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The Cleveland can make some great power. Parts are not as wide spread as ones for a Windsor, but none the less, they are great engines from everything I've ever heard. They have better factory heads as well.

It's by no means a junk motor.

However, if you're going to be putting in a motor and don't already have the engine, it's possible there is another choice that will better suit what you want from the truck. Also depends on if you're leaving it stock or building it into a monster or anything else. But the 351C is a good choice, it's not as common as a 351W now a days because windsor parts tend to be cheaper. From what I've come across the 351w is like a lot like a 302, and the 351C is more like a big block, but someone will chime in shortly that will really know.

You might try this question in the engine section as the 351C didn't come in one of these trucks originally and there are guys in there that can tell you as much if not more than the people who built it it seems, lol.
 
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Old Oct 24, 2012 | 11:24 PM
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Thank you I would like to show y'all pictures of it But I have not figured out how to do that yet It has a Tunnel ram With Two four on it Rollercam And lifters Roller rockers And Pop ups But I am Going to put It in my Ford Just for show And to drive around
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 07:19 AM
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Im putting a Cleveland in my 54 f100. It isn't the engine to put in to "get in running" You have to know you want to put a Cleveland in it.

The parts are pretty much only available online. The Cleveland is more or less a rumor at a swap meet. But as far as "junk"? No way. The Cleveland heads have monster ports and valves and can make some real power. It just not the cheapest way to make hp and there aren't parts at every other vendor.

Sounds like the work on yours is already finished. You will have more horsepower and torque with that motor than most put in these trucks. Plus the Cleveland sounds different than any other v8, it screams.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 08:22 AM
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There's always somebody saying this or that is junk. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Cleveland engine. Just be forwarned that parts and accessories for it may be less readily available and possibly more expensive...
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 09:54 AM
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The Cleveland is a good motor. You can find parts you just have to be willing to search. My first F100, a 53, had a 351C with 2 barrell heads connected to an AOD tranny. I liked it. I would go with 2BBL heads for street use unless you plan to race or something. Matter of fact I still have the spare set of 2BBL heads from mine. Now on the other hand a 302 or 351W are very good choices and parts are as near as your local part house. They can provide pretty good power as well. Keep us posted on what you decide.
 
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Old Oct 25, 2012 | 10:39 AM
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The issues with the Cleveland are the oil system was known to have issues for high performance/high RPM use and the 4bbl heads most people want are not conducive for street use. The ports are to big for producing good low end torque. I built several for customers when I worked at a speed/machine shop in the bay area. They run good, not any better or worse than a similar built engine. But parts are expensive so get your wallet out. If this going to be a drag truck, go for it otherwise I would sell it,if you own it, and use the money to build a nice cruiser motor.
 
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