351C or W?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by wilddog
What is the difference between a 351 c and w? What application is each better for and why?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
A 351C was not built to be a workhorse, but built for higher RPMs and speed whereas a 351W is a better all around workhorse. The 351C has smaller main crankshaft journals which is better for high RPMs (less friction and heat buildup). The 351W crankshaft has larger main bearing journals which are good for heavy load pulling applications like trucks.
Even though the W was a better workhorse, they never came with a 4 bolt main block like some Cs did.
The higher performance of stock 351C was never paralleled by a stock 351W in the 70s. Also, both C and W engines suffered from emissions requirements simultaneously not to mention all of the other engine families as well.
To sum it up, a 351C has better high RPM breathing abilities and a 351W has better low RPM towing abilities.
Even though the W was a better workhorse, they never came with a 4 bolt main block like some Cs did.
The higher performance of stock 351C was never paralleled by a stock 351W in the 70s. Also, both C and W engines suffered from emissions requirements simultaneously not to mention all of the other engine families as well.
To sum it up, a 351C has better high RPM breathing abilities and a 351W has better low RPM towing abilities.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
Originally Posted by Titantis
The 351 cleveland is a big-block engine isn't it?
Ford engines are identified by families or series. If one had to label a 351C as a big or a small-block it is neither of them really, but more precisely an intermediate block. It is a wider engine than a 351W, but uses the same motor mounts as a 302, 351W. Also, the bell housing bolt patterns are identical for a 351C, 302, 351W, 240 I6, 300 I6. There may be a few other engines with the same bell housing and motor mount bolt patterns, but I can't recall them right now.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 541
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From: Fleming Ga
Originally Posted by Titantis
The 351 cleveland is a big-block engine isn't it?
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