Free 351c!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 2
From: Santa Fe Tx
Free 351c!
I was given a free 351c, its already seen the machine shop, new pistons, rings, gaskets. Just need to get bearings a cam and intake. Just wondering the best way to go with it. I have beautiful 86 f150 and have been considering building it for my truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 974
From: Tri Cities, TN
I have a 71, 351C 4 bbl engine in my 65, 10.2-1 compression, no shortage of throttle response or torque at any speed. But forget about gas mileage they don't do that. Which heads do you have and what pistons do you have? Because depending on those two things your static compression could be as low as 8.6-1 or as high as 10.5-1. That will determine what cam will work best. As far as bolting it in it has the same engine mounting geometry as the 302 and 351W and will accept the same engine mount isolators.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 2
From: Santa Fe Tx
I have a 300i6 with a 4 speed standard in it now. I plan on running this till the motor is done.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 3
From: In the woods of Oregon
I maybe wrong but the 351C should fit the tranny and all you should need is motor mounts. I believe from a 302 or 351W.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Bull Crap. It's a perfect drop in. Small block mounts, small block bell pattern. Headers are available. Nothing wrong with this swap. Seen more'n a few Clevelands in pickups.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
The transmission may not stand up to it, but it's a straightforward swap. If it's the iron 3+1 OD Toploader it'll handle it. Be a better idea to use an older 4 speed Toploader. Or go automatic if that's your taste. Sanderson I believe makes shortys for this. Mustang longtubes may fit. FPA might also have options for this.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 349
From: Albuquerque
I'm calling bull crap on you! The cleveland never came in an american truck period. There's a reason. It was designed as a high rpm horsepower motor. What a heavy track need is cubic inches and torque. Sure it can be done.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Same heads, same bore & stroke, same 2 bbl carb. 
Now you say in "American trucks" What's that supposed to mean ? A 2wd mid 80's F150 isn't a heavy truck.
The Cleveland was killed prematurely purely due to emissions regs, then brought back in the form of the hermaphrodite 351M. Why's that ? 
The only difference being the long rods and heavy pistons.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4,474
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From: Tri Cities, TN
The 351M was created for two reasons. When Ford dropped the 351 Cleveland the demand for 351 ci. engines outstripped the ability of the Windsor plant to build 351W's. Simple solution turn the existing 400 into a 351M, presto, the customer won't know the difference. But hey we're talking about the middle to late 70's a dark and dreary time for the auto industry. I remember because I bought a 1978 C10, diesel
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,452
Likes: 2
From: Santa Fe Tx
The transmission may not stand up to it, but it's a straightforward swap. If it's the iron 3+1 OD Toploader it'll handle it. Be a better idea to use an older 4 speed Toploader. Or go automatic if that's your taste. Sanderson I believe makes shortys for this. Mustang longtubes may fit. FPA might also have options for this.
Its an iron 3+1 no granny gear. Im not looking for 500+ hp. Id be happy with 350-400 at the crank. I just want something different and i know the 351c is a great motor. I have 2v heads. If i built it id put a small cam, 4 barrel intake, headers, port and polish work and let it run.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
The 351M was created for two reasons. When Ford dropped the 351 Cleveland the demand for 351 ci. engines outstripped the ability of the Windsor plant to build 351W's. Simple solution turn the existing 400 into a 351M, presto, the customer won't know the difference. But hey we're talking about the middle to late 70's a dark and dreary time for the auto industry. I remember because I bought a 1978 C10, diesel