Hey guys, i am planning to look at some engines in a week and i want to gather some info. Does anyone know the differences between year made for windsor 351 and 302 block. My plan is a stroked 351 in my 56 f100 that i can use to be a fun driver and still tow a car trailer in the future for future project builds.

Also what do you think about cleveland motors?

 

302's and 351's use totally different blocks. Although they look the same, and share many of the same parts, the 351 has about an inch taller deck height. If you want a 351 stroker, a 302 won't help you much.

The 351 Cleveland is a different engine unto itself. It shares no connection with the Windsor family except for the displacement number and the flywheel.

 

well as stated the 302 wont help if you want a stroked 351. I have a 302 and happy with it but if you can fit a 351 why not go for it. I hear they dont cost much more to build one anyway.

As for the cleveland motors, I have had a couple. I really liked them and the power was good but performance parts are usually expensive. I think they are good out of the gate but if you want power and not something "different" go for the 351 windsor.

PS if you go to any basic parts house and ask for a 351 part it will almost always be for the windsor family

 

I'd definately go with the 351 Windsor!

 

Is this where the question if the 351 fuel pump mounting bolts are horizontal or vertical is asked? Stay tuned!

 

I agree with the others. The Cleveland motors were where it was at in their day, but IMHO, they are dinosaurs now - and expensive ones at that. The 351W stayed in production for almost another 25 years after the C's ceased to be and the technology and design continued to be refined for the entire production run. The aftermarket support is tremendous for the W's also.

As for years to look for, I'd suggest looking for a '94 or later engine with the F4TE casting number on the block. Those engines will either be already equipped with a roller camshaft or are machined for it. I'd strongly suggest running a roller cam. There are numerous reasons for doing so with the most important reason being compatibility with modern motor oils. Flat tappets are rapidly going the way of the dodo. Earlier blocks are fine but will require either an expensive small base circle cam or expensive retrofit roller lifters to run a roller camshaft. In any case, it should be noted that the '69-'70 351W blocks had a slightly shorter deck height compared to all other years. I'd steer clear of those early blocks as the correct shorter pistons are tougher to find and there isn't nearly as good a selection - especially for a stroker.

 

Here's a link to a site about the 351

Stroking the 351W

 

I have had two 351's. The older one had a fuel pump and the oil dip stick went through the front cover. The new one (Crate Motor) has no fuel pump and the dip stick goes into the side of the oil pan. The pan was what is called a Fox pan with two sumps, and I changed it to a front sump and had to weld in part of the Fox pan to get a dip stick. I think basically if your donor motor is newer or fuel injected, you will have to go with an electric fuel pump.

 

Joe, you could have saved yourself a lot of trouble by simply using the early style timing chain coiver with the dip stick tube, to go with your front sump pan. Using the early timing cover and adding the eccentric to the front of the camshaft will allow the use of a mechanical fuel pump, too.

 

thanks guys. That is exactly waht i needed to know. Im going to go with a 351w. hopefully a 94+