OT: 351w vs 351c
- Thread starter rudeone707
- Start date
StangerJon
New Member
I thought that in stock form the 351c was better performing, but the 351W had a better aftermarket.
GTJake
Founding Member
Windsors have a better oiling system. The only sweet thing about Clevelands were their insane flowing heads from the factory. My friend has a 393 Cleveland in his fox and runs 11's N/A on Nittos with 130 mph traps.
Jake
Jake
89 blue lx
Founding Member
SorsCode
20+ Year Stangneter 
A Cleveland motor would run it's ass off, and thats all there is to it. There is nothing similar between the W and C motors. Blocks, heads, oiling systems, fuel systems, manifolds, they were all different. The only thing I'm unsure about is cams (which I think were different) and rotating assemblies.
The Cleveland aftermarket never made it like the Windsor market did because there was no real "better" design of any part, back in the day. What ever part was used on the Cleveland motor, was used for raw power. No one could make anything that out performed the factory Cleveland part.
Joe
The Cleveland aftermarket never made it like the Windsor market did because there was no real "better" design of any part, back in the day. What ever part was used on the Cleveland motor, was used for raw power. No one could make anything that out performed the factory Cleveland part.
Joe
Actually not all 351C's are 4 bolt main, the majority of them are 2bolts just like the windsor, however all Boss 351C's and 1972 351HO's (a fairly rare mustang) are 4 bolts. All 1970 MAch1's that have a 351C in them are 2bolts. As for modifying them my dad has tons of old articles on buliding 351 C's for more power and specifically for drag applications. Its just hard to have a large aftermarket when the motor was only made from 1970-74 (maybe 75). The windsors were way more readily produced and our aftermarket technology has way surpassed the technology available in the 1970's. If your going to build a 351 now you might as well go with a windsor.
Car Nut
Founding Member
What did Saleen use in there S-351 Mustangs? I believe it was a windsor. I've not heard a negative word about the Saleen 351, pretty much a very desired car. That's my motivation for considering a 351.
Aftermarket power never hurts much either, which sure has helped the 302.
Aftermarket power never hurts much either, which sure has helped the 302.
408stroker5.0
The world would be a better place if all males jus
SorsCode said:
No offence man, but you are dead wrong and so is MOST of the other reply's.
A Windsor block is definetly tougher and can widstand higher RPM especially the Windsor 69' Blocks. The reason for this is the fact that the Cleavlend Bore's are not very thick and thus can not stand high amounts of power or RPM. Infact you are are asking for trouble when you start making over 500HP with these blocks or running Nitrous. Back in the day the Cleavlend would have been better because of there high flowing heads right out of the factory. Windor's never really came out with a great head out of the factory. Not only that but the 351C are heavier, wider and taller. The Windsor blocks may only be a 2 bolt main, but the main caps are quite thick (especially 69') and are very strong. The Block's also have a descent oiling system and are quite tough as well. When you use a girdle and ARP studs W Blocks are known to handle upwards of 700HP. There is no way a Cleav. could handle that for long. Overall a Windsor has a way better aftermarket availability, is lighter, stronger, and more compact. Cleavlends were definetly a good engine back in the day and are a part of the mustang heritage, but they are a thing of the past man. Stroked Windsor's are in, and with name's like AFR, Edelbrock, Scat, Trick Flow, etc. it's pretty darn hard to beat em.
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