I looked at the engine, it says on a sticker there it has a 351W "C" - I assume this is a 351 Windsor but what's the "C" there for?

 

It could be the engine code. For example, the 1965 Mustang's code for a 2V 289 is C.

 

the windsor code is H. maybe its code for california emission. is the sticker on the engine?

 

If the radiator grill has a badge on it that looks like a gear then I think the "C" stands for Cleveland

 

the cleavland wasn't an option for that year. not in the U.S anyaway

rbastedo, you should give us somemore info. are you sure its the stock engine? you checked the vin #

 

Here is a bit of information regarding the 351M/400:


"...Beginning in 1977 Ford decided to offer the newer 351M/400 engines in its place. Again, Ford could have used the smaller 302/351 Windsor engine since it was being offered in the F-100, however, it was decided that since all F-150, F-250, and F-350 trucks were equipped with the heavy duty 390 in the 2wd trucks and the 360 in the 4x4 trucks that the torque laden 351M/400 would make an excellent replacement. The “M”, by the way, does not stand for anything. Ford only used the “M” designation to distinguish it from the 351 W (Windsor) and the now discontinued 351C (Cleveland). The “M” designation has now become know to mean “modified” or “Michigan”, even though the 351M was produced at both the Cleveland foundry and Michigan casting center..."

More info can be found here:
http://www.projectbronco.com/History..._ford_351m.htm

Basically the motor you have is a 351M/400, which was originally a 351C. The 351C was discontinued / redesigned into the 351M/400, which can was can be either a 351 or 400 cid. Hope that helps some.

 

Weird, of course that's just something on a lable on a valve cover.
I guess I should find some identification on the engine to be sure.
Anyone know where to look on this thing?