I'm considering buying a beater '70 Ranchero with the 'M' version 351C motor. It's really rough, and been sitting outside for 4 years. An inch of rat turds on the intake, horse blanket on the bench seat, etc. I haven't heard the motor run yet, but it only has 31,000 miles on it. I had a '75 Ranchero for 20 years with a 351W, so this would be a cool project to do a Cleveland.

Anyway, I thought there was a common problem with 351C motors. Can't remember whether it was weak bottom ends, thin-walled cylinders prone to cracking, or whatever. Any help on what to look or listen for?

 

A 70 Ranchero would not have a 351M in it. Sounds like you need to talk to the guys in the Ranchero forum about this.

 

It would be a 351C if it is original to the car in 1970. Clevelands can take about 500 HP before you have to worry about splitting the Cyl walls. They are a bit thin webbed. If you plan on tearing it down and making a Beast out of it, most use Block Filler to strenghthen it. The oiling system is sometimes knocked but it is basically no different than any other system. Just basically listen for ticks and knocks after it has got up to operating temp, watch the oil PSI and temp. A lot of people think that the M code in the Vin means M motor but it is a Cleveland and if it is original should have a 4 stamped on both cyl. heads in the top corners. M code was 351C 4V.

 

The "M" refers to the VIN code (0A47M142129), so it's a 351C-4V.

 

The 4V cleveland has huge ports wich makes for high rev fun but it gets real boggy at the lower rpm range. I had one in a 66 Econoline I built and would launch at 3300-3500 RPM with good results 13.10s@98 in the quarter mile colum shifting a 3 spd sitting over the front tires. What a ride,translated what a crazy idiot. Low RPM power thats the only weakness I found.

 

Congrats on 1,000 posts. I test-drove it last weekend, and couldn't break loose the skinny tires (posi + leaf springs = hippy hippy shake). Otherwise the drive train was okay, just not overwhelming. Too many other things wrong for me to buy it - electric and body work are not my forte. Plus, the wife said I didn't need another car to cuss at.