When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey guys. I'm attaching a pic as I hope this helps. But i'm looking to buy headers for this truck and I'm struggling to understand which ones I need. When the truck was given to me after the fire it was in, I was told it had a 351W in it. But someone the other day who say it in person thought it was a 351 Cleveland. Is there a stamp somewhere on the motor that'll tell me this? The motors super dirty from the fire but I'll try my best to find it if you can give me direction. Second, how do I know what year the engine is so I make sure I buy the correct headers that fit? Based on how low the truck is I think they will have to be shorty's, but regardless it'd be super helpful to know what year specifically this motor is. Thanks in advance for your help!
It's a 351 Windsor. The Windsor and Cleveland engines are so physically different you don't need a code or stamp to tell the difference. You can check google images to learn the differences.
As for year, you can dig around for casting codes. The block code is behind the starter, and the head codes are in the lifter valley on the block mating surface. You'll have to take the intake off and look under the edge of the head with a mirror to find it. All you really need to know for buying headers is all 351W's are the same from that standpoint.
Good luck with your project! And if we haven't told you already, welcome to the forum.
Awesome thank you. So even if the header is marketed for a specific year 351w mustang, it will still fit my engine?
Any headers for a 351W will fit on the heads, but whether or not Mustang headers will work in your truck is another matter. That part will take some research, if not trial and error.
Any headers for a 351W will fit on the heads, but whether or not Mustang headers will work in your truck is another matter. That part will take some research, if not trial and error.
Do you just mean whether or not they will fit? Or is there something else I should be aware of? Sorry, total newbie here just trying to figure it out on my own. Thanks
The thermostat housing is built into the block not the intake manifold on the 351C...it points upward (as opposed to outward on the SBFs) from the timing chain enclosure. As for the differences between the 302 and the 351W...I look at the width of the intake manifold, the 351W is noticeably wider due to the taller decks on the 351W. This brings up another point with regard to the headers...the taller deck on the 351W moves the header flange farther up and away from the side of the block. If you attempt to bolt 351W block hugger headers onto a 302 engine you will find that the collectors will contact the block/oil pan...how much and where depends on the header manufacturer. Good luck...
Any 351W/302 headers will bolt to the engine, but might not work because of the location of the steering gear and maybe the transmission. For example a C6 is fairly wide where the headers or exhaust pipe would route. Tell us what type steering gear, and transmission your truck has and someone with that combination can give you some choices of headers to start looking at.
Do you just mean whether or not they will fit? Or is there something else I should be aware of? Sorry, total newbie here just trying to figure it out on my own. Thanks
The bolt pattern and port spacing for the exhaust manifolds on the heads are the same for 289/302/351W engines. (with the exception of some Explorer GT40P heads which we won't get into here for the sake of not confusing the discussion) So any header you find that fits small block Ford Windsor engines will bolt up to your heads. Depending on the space available and obstructions you'll need to work around in your engine compartment, some headers, due to shape of the tubes, outlets, etc., may or may not fit into your space constraints. That's the part I was talking about above, and others may have touched on. In your picture it looks like you've got a Mustang II style front suspension, so that will be a consideration. Headers made to fit with a stock steering box may not work as well with IFS.
You pretty much have your answer from the above responses. Some additional info.
Actual usage date may be stamped on the block in front of the drivers head.
manufactured date code and type might be found under the valve cover.
(302 in the pictures) Codes Codes Manufactured date stamp Manufactured date stamp and type of head (different head) Actual usage date (drivers head to the right and oil pressure sender below)
First, do not use 302 headers on a 351W. Most often (maybe not always) 351W headers will have larger diameter tubes, collectors, etc.
To not be confused, 52 Mercs small block Ford picture is a 302 not a 351W. On a 351W motor, the block area where the front rail of the intake seals is noticeably above where the distributor mates to the block. The 351W has a much taller deck than a 302.
Any header that fits a 351W might not fit your chassis. If you want fitment, try looking at Sanderson headers. They offer headers for classic cars and trucks with engine swaps.
You have been answered multiple times. Just to summarize what was already said in one spot - you have a 351W. Any 351W or 302 or 289 (Windsor) style headers will fit the heads. Style/shape beyond that will vary, and you'll have to figure that part out. A mid length header is generally easier for fitment, FYI. Full length headers are much more difficult to fit around all the obstacles as mentioned.
A quick google search of 351W and 351C, you will see the difference in the shape of the valve covers, and it is very obvious.
First, do not use 302 headers on a 351W. Most often (maybe not always) 351W headers will have larger diameter tubes, collectors, etc.
To not be confused, 52 Mercs small block Ford picture is a 302 not a 351W. On a 351W motor, the block area where the front rail of the intake seals is noticeably above where the distributor mates to the block. The 351W has a much taller deck than a 302.
Any header that fits a 351W might not fit your chassis. If you want fitment, try looking at Sanderson headers. They offer headers for classic cars and trucks with engine swaps.
Not to be confused, the picture I posted above that went along with that conversation was to show the head and exhaust ports, which are all the same for 289, 302 and 351W engines. Your commentary on the incorrectness of the photo is adding confusion.
SBF headers can come in many tube sizes, but larger tube size does not make it a 351 header. Saying it is so doesn't make it so, and can add confusion to the discussion. I think you'll find a lot of headers will show a fitment for both 302 and 351. Correct tube size has more to do with engine tuning, and meeting the needs of the breathing characteristics of the particular engine build. Stock engines will benefit better from smaller tubes. Fitment is more dependent of the shape and length below and going to the collector due to chassis interference concerns/issues.
The "much taller" deck height difference, by the way, is only about 3/4".
I will agree Sanderson makes a good product and is a good place to research.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
