Well Guys, I`m slowly developing a dilemma. I`m running a 312ci in
my `56. It`s going to have to be torn down soon, to fix some nagging
problems. I have another 312ci and a 351c with a C4 on it. Now my
dilemma. Should I have my 312 or the 351 rebuilt? From what I can
determine, both engines have build parts that are hard to come buy.
I looking for dependability and mileage but may add a little heat on
the rebuild. Tell me your opinions and experiences. I`m leaning toward
the 312 but could be easily be talked into the 351c.
Thanks for all your input.

Gary

 

Gary,

Well, it seems to me like the simpest thing to do is to overhaul the spare 312 in your spare time, and then when your current engine finally gives up the ghost its a straight forward swap, no changing engine mounts, tranny mounts, etc. Plus there is the cool factor of having a 312ci.

Is the 351 a Cleveland or a Windsor? A Windsor is probably cheaper to build with more readily available parts.

You could always bite the bullet and stuff a big Caddy engine in your gorgeous truck.....lol (just kidding, I had to toss that out there to maintain my smart alek image)

Bobby

 

What Bobby said....except replace "big Caddy" with "Ford 434".

 

Ya, Bobby. The 351 is a Cleveland. The mileage I was talking about could come with a
AOD xmission which would bolt up to a 351 without a $800.00 adapter I would need
to mate it with a 312. Anyone know if a 351c is any more dependable than a 312 after a rebuild? BTW, the 351c is a 2v engine. I`m going to have one of them rebuilt regardless, I`m just poking around for all the info I can get. Keep it coming.
Thanx

Gary

 

For what it's worth, I also like the re-built 312 idea, the swap would be a couple of weekends at the most..
On the other hand, with the Cleveland/Aod combo, ..your starting almost from scratch,
exhaust,,trans,pinion-angle,eng/trans mounts,driveshaft,AOD T.V linkage/shifter.....
Dark enough for ya yet???...Does the 351c have some more appeal than say...a 351w?
More stuff available for the windsor...As long as you keep it a FORD!!..LoL!!!!
Good Luck with the choices!

 

Y-NoT Y-Block $700
RPM Machine - Domestic Engine Rebuild Kits » Ford 8 Cylinder Engine kit

 

I really wouldn't waste mytime with the 351 Cleveland big block. I had one and the best I can say for it was BORING. As the guys have said, unless you want to get into complete redesign for the Cleveland ie exhaust; mounts; trans; drive shaft etc. stick with the 312. If you really don't like the 312 and are willing to go through the redisign for a new engine, then why not get something that you really like. A 351 Windsor small block is a great choice. Remember, your not elliminating a 351C engine, it's just a $200 core at this point. There is a third choice 351 that is a derivetive of the Cleveland and that was the 351M used as a later big block replacement for the Clevelands. But I never liked them either.

 

If it was mine I would go toward the 351C...

 

tee hee - this poor guys gonna end up putting a Volkswagen engine in this thing with all the stick and rudder we're giving him!

 

Sandidande,
Let me assure you this poor guy is not putting a volkswagon engine in
"this thing". If you read my first post you will see I asked for opinions
and experiences. Thanks for yours.

Gary

 

I'd vote for the Y-block. It reduces the amount of modification work ahead of you and retains some good character. There are several dedicated Y-block parts sources out there and a growing aftermarket.

A buddy of mine had a 351C in a Mustang and he was always wishing he had a 351W when it came time to upgrade it or find parts for it. The Cleveland stuff was generally more expensive and harder to find.

 

Rob

I just looked in your gallery. That's a gorgeous yellow Y-Block. Is it in your `56?

Gary

 

Everyone has their personel opinions on the choice of engines, here's my two bobs worth. Go with the Cleveland, wouldn't you like one of these under the hood of your 56.
Cheers Aussie 53

 

I have a Cleveland and an AOD in my '56. Clevelands are kind of legendary, lots of potential that never got a chance to be developed because Ford stopped making them here in the US. Our Aussie friends knew a good thing when they saw it though and built them for many years. It is a challenge to find performance parts, but Edelbrock is now making aluminum heads for it.

I actually bought a rebuilt unit off of craigslist (not my list!) that had a new intake manifold and a few other choice parts and things for real cheap and am almost ready to fire it up for the first time.

I would probably go for the 312 if I hadn't bought this truck with the 351C in it already. Even with the crossmember set up for the engine I was changing out the old FMX for the AOD and things just aren't in the same old place. The Y block looks very cool in there and can produce enough GO to be good around town for sure. If you do stuff the C in there, kind the 2 barrel heads, they make more bottom end torque than 4 barrel heads and are better suited to the streets.

By the way, Aussie, where did you get that thermostat housing? I really would like a 90 degree angled one like that to clear the distributor better.

Craig in Campbell

 

Gusso, that's not my motor but the example I intend to use when I get around to mine. Right now I've got a 292 with the old, square style 4bbl intake (-9425A), a Carter WCFB carb, and the old crossover exhaust. I've already sourced a later style 4bbl intake (-9425B) that will take the modern carbs and a pair of ram horn exhaust manifolds.

There are three things I love about the Y-blocks:
1) They have a really cool exhaust note
2) Good torque
3) They are original Ford and not very common

Cheers,
Rob