351 Cleveland or Windsor ??

LM14 · Post by **LM14** » March 9, 2011, 7:16 pm

We used to run a Clevor in out dirt late models. Made 685HP and turned 8200 all night long. It was a 9.2 deck Motorsports block, closed chamber heads, dry sump and 13:1 compression. No expenses spared.

That being said, and with our experience with all things Windsor and Cleveland, go Windsor. The Cleveland has a crap oil system and the heads are way to big for a decent street motor. There are so many nice parts available for the Windsor family, it's the only way to go.

We turn stock crank 351W to 7800 in our dirt modifieds now. Put 22 nights on the last motor combination we tried and it still looks new inside. Plenty of power and a much better oil system. We have them in stock 351W blocks with stock cranks to 383" in Motorsports blocks with Bryant cranks and Carrillo rods. If you notice, all Motorsports blocks have Windsor oil and water systems, none copy a Cleveland.

The Cleveland probably carries more of a "look" than the Windsor but the Windsor is actually a better motor.

JMO,
SPark

jamesdfo · Post by **jamesdfo** » March 9, 2011, 7:20 pm

Sully: If you look again, you will notice I said most flow of SBF (windsor) heads.....the cleavland without argue flows a ton more air.....

James

sully5 wrote:That's why I said *most* stock windsor heads. But if I were a betting man, I'd say that the cleveland 2V heads outflow even the GT40 windsor heads. I wouldn't be shocked to lose that bet, but I would be mildly surprised. The 4V heads are way beyond the ballpark.

sully5 · Post by **sully5** » March 9, 2011, 11:19 pm

Yeah, I see that now.

64 f100 · Post by **64 f100** » March 11, 2011, 11:33 am

Be carefull about the Clevelands. I've found too many people claiming they have one , and then find out it was a Modified. The engine is old enough, that a lot of younguns don't know the difference. My two cents , sell the wife and kids, hock the house, go inbto debt for all you can, and buy an aluminum 427 block and Sohc heads. Otherwise go with 351w, these are fine engines and get some decent fuel mileage plus parts are easily had and fairly reasonable. As to which engine is better, it's just what standpoint your looking at it from. Bang for your buck , I would say the Windsor. A little work, 4 barrel intake and a good cam and your in business.

Rich

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » March 11, 2011, 10:31 pm

Leeroy wrote:Hmmmmm.... whats on the broil Alan?

Well!, you know that green slick a mate bought!, we`ve done some horse trading and it looks like it has a new home!, not done yet!

Leeroy · Post by **Leeroy** » March 11, 2011, 10:46 pm

coool! 3 slicks? I could be persuaded into another if you want one off your hands! haha Has to have a bed though!!

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » March 11, 2011, 10:52 pm

Leith, you were waiting for me to reply to your question weren`t you!

, the bed is a bit of a problem at the moment, I wounder if Lyn will leave the CX7 out side!

Leeroy · Post by **Leeroy** » March 11, 2011, 11:07 pm

Hahaha, I just walkied in the door from 5 days in Darwin so it was merely 'co-incidental'

The mustang has prime position in at my place in our single car garage so the mrs focus is OUT-SIDE! Maybe I can take some pics for Lyn if you need??

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » March 11, 2011, 11:19 pm

Leeroy wrote:Hahaha, I just walkied in the door from 5 days in Darwin so it was merely 'co-incidental'
The mustang has prime position in at my place in our single car garage so the mrs focus is OUT-SIDE! Maybe I can take some pics for Lyn if you need??

DARWIN!, what were you polishing up your tan!, or croc wrestling?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2011/03/10/3161034.htm

Leeroy · Post by **Leeroy** » March 12, 2011, 2:26 am

No work, it was damn hot too!
I've stumbled on two good uses for Australian 2+ meter crocs.... boots for the blokes and handbags for the ladies!

Now before I get in trouble for the

Back to the mighty wheezer and cleveland debate (Hey I've got 1 of each so it's hard NOT to sit on the fence!)

STOFFER · Post by **STOFFER** » March 12, 2011, 6:17 am

for the record, I replaced the 390 in my '65 F-250 with a 351 cleveland, 4v closed chamber heads and it runs like a scalded ape empty but it doesn't tow so well

BarnieTrk · Post by **BarnieTrk** » March 12, 2011, 9:47 am

As it's been mentioned, the smart decision depends alot on the intended useage.

In my case, I like to use my slicks for towing/hauling. I think I would steer away from both a Windsor or a Cleveland. Around these parts, IF you can locate Cleveland parts - you'd think they are made of platinum considering the costs being asked for them. They are a cool-looking engine and (IMO) are best suited for street rod status/use. Windsors are like chevies, too common for me. Yeah, I have FEs in both of my slicks and I like them. But FE came in '65/'66s & are fairly common in many slicks today.

Personally, I lean towards the different path - I would be seriously consider building a 400 for a slick.

First thing is I'd have to confirm that a 400 wouldn't be a problem with fitment. I mean, I'd need to confirm I could easily locate some engine mounts for it, that exhaust manifolds would work without having to chop up stuff, that it wouldn't interfere with my steering box and that the 400 would allow my transmission/bellhousing of choice to bolt up without too much hassle. Since I prefer 4-speed grannys in my trucks, I'd need to determine how easily the clutch linkage would bolt up.

I know that FoMoCo made a bunch of 400s & put them in their trucks during the mid-70s to early-80s, but one would be different in a slick. The 400 engines made gobs of torque, but are not typically recommended to spin over 5,000 rpms; which would be fine with me, because I wouldn't need to spin it that fast anyway.

With an rpm redline of 5,000 rpms, headers wouldn't be necessary as exhaust manifolds would flow just fine and would reduce underhood temps, reduce floorboard temps and be slightly quieter in the cab versus headers. I'd still run 2" true dual exhaust, turbo mufflers exiting with turndowns behind the rear axle, I'd locate a camshaft with an RV-type profile (power range off idle to 4,500 rpms), I'd try to locate a good, used aluminum Edelbrock Performer intake (#2171), put a Holley #65-1850 600 CFM 4-Barrel Remanufactured Carburetor on it, and a good MSD ignition (#8477 distributor/#8205 coil).... I think you see where I'm going with the build..... 'nuff said.

Good Luck with your project and keep us all posted on your decisions & progress!

BarnieTrk