351 2v to 4 bbl

[mymach]

Hi,

I have a 1970 Mach1 w/351 C 2v only mod is headers. Had the car since 1978 and it is my pride and joy for sure. Two questions if anyone is interested.

1. I always had a problem with the engine starting very sluggishly when hot. Sounds as if the battery is weak. The last time I went in for a sticker, shut her down for 5 minutes and when the sluggish starting was ocurring, I noticed the positive battery cable was glowing red! Could this be due to a bad ground? Starter? or are these cleveland motors notorous to swelling in the piston/combustion chamber.

2. Just purchased an autolite 4100 from pony carbs. also purchased a edelbrach performer 4 Brl manifold for the 2v motor. Can I expect a decent increase in performance over the 2 brrl autolite at present? Anything I should be aware of?

THANKS!!

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

As to question #2; yes, you will see a noticeable increase in power. And you shouldn't expect anything as far as intallation goes, it should be pretty much straighforward. Just make sure you still get the appropriate intake gaskets for a 2V engine.

 

[69 Rustang]

Question #1: Both of my Clevelands do the exact same thing on hot starts. Cooling down a while and they start fine. I am getting ready to put on new cables and re-check the timing. Looking forward to other replies.

 

[Max Power]

I would research a permanent magnet starter for your Cleveland. It's great for cars with headers and heat soak.

 

[D.Hearne]

You need new cables, (bigger the better) and a starter with NEW high torque field coils. Some are fans of Autolite carbs, but I've found them always difficult with hot starts.

 

[dodgestang]

Heat shield is missing around the starter most likely and if you are using the stock starter replacing it with a high torque will fix the problem. You also won't need to add back the heat shield then most likely. I run a mini starter with long tubes on my 351c and have had no issue.

 

[darkhorse70]

I agree with D. Hearne -- if the battery cable is getting hot, it means the connection where it heats up has too much resistance, meaning a bad connection. Maybe you just need to clean the battery contacts, but most likely the connection between the battery cable wires and the battery terminal connector is corroded or damaged. Put on some new heavy-duty cables and your starting problem and hot cable problem should both go away.

 

[RogerC62]

Q1. I've always had that problem with mine. It seemed to have an issue with vapor-lock (heat soak through the intake). The other suggestions will definately help though since your cable is getting hot.

 

[mymach]

Thanks '73! Sorry about the late acknowledgement. I'm new to this site and didn't think I was posting correctly. I'll be in touch!

mymach

As to question #2; yes, you will see a noticeable increase in power. And you shouldn't expect anything as far as intallation goes, it should be pretty much straighforward. Just make sure you still get the appropriate intake gaskets for a 2V engine.

 

[mymach]

Thanks Dave! looks like we received some great replies!

Question #1: Both of my Clevelands do the exact same thing on hot starts. Cooling down a while and they start fine. I am getting ready to put on new cables and re-check the timing. Looking forward to other replies.

 

[mymach]

THANKS D.!

As I mentioned to '73, sorry about the late reply, I didn't think I was posting the question correctly (being new to the site) and didn't check back enough times. I appreciate the input and let you know how things work out.

GREAT SITE!!! I'll be in touch!

mymach

You need new cables, (bigger the better) and a starter with NEW high torque field coils. Some are fans of Autolite carbs, but I've found them always difficult with hot starts.

 

[mymach]

351 2v to 4v hot starts

APPRECIATE THE REPONSE! sORRY FOR BEING LATE WITH THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Didn't think I was posting correctly.
I'll let you know how things work out!

THX!!

mymach

Heat shield is missing around the starter most likely and if you are using the stock starter replacing it with a high torque will fix the problem. You also won't need to add back the heat shield then most likely. I run a mini starter with long tubes on my 351c and have had no issue.

 

[mymach]

THANKS darkhorse!

I appreciate the reply and suggestions. Will let you know how things work out!

mymach

I agree with D. Hearne -- if the battery cable is getting hot, it means the connection where it heats up has too much resistance, meaning a bad connection. Maybe you just need to clean the battery contacts, but most likely the connection between the battery cable wires and the battery terminal connector is corroded or damaged. Put on some new heavy-duty cables and your starting problem and hot cable problem should both go away.

 

[mymach]

THANKS RACERX!

Appreciate your response! Looks like I have some things to run with. This is great!

THANKS!

Q1. I've always had that problem with mine. It seemed to have an issue with vapor-lock (heat soak through the intake). The other suggestions will definately help though since your cable is getting hot.

 

[mymach]

THANKS MAXPOWER!

I would research a permanent magnet starter for your Cleveland. It's great for cars with headers and heat soak.

 

[mymach]

351 2v to 4v hot starts

THANKS NICK!!!

Heat shield is missing around the starter most likely and if you are using the stock starter replacing it with a high torque will fix the problem. You also won't need to add back the heat shield then most likely. I run a mini starter with long tubes on my 351c and have had no issue.

 

[D.Hearne]

One generic reply would have sufficed No need to bend over backwards here.