I saw that as well however, Ford never made a 351M in 70 or 71 and they never had 10.7:1 CR or 4V heads. Agree that the 351M is a dog. Basically a low compression, de-stroked 400 that couldn't push water downhill.
M code Cleveland in 70 was the 300 HP closed chamber motor. I got one in my 70 Torino GT. Not to be confused with the 351M. - Matt
It is the M "code." You guys make several important points. That Cleveland is probably the wrong motor for my car. The difficulty factor, coupled with the fact that I would not be gaining power over a Windsor + aftermarket, added to increased weight in the front.......I think I would be happier with a stroked Windsor. I like the power that happens between 3500 and 5500 the best. I am 55 years old, and the last motor swap I did was putting a 69 Pontiac big car 428 into a 69 Firebird in 1984. It was an easy swap, and had power at every RPM. This Comet is my first Ford, and the more research I do the more intrigued I get with the brand. (Chevrolet disappeared into a bowl of alphabet soup as far as Im concerned) I have just spent so much time on the sidelines, that the car world looks ten times the size I remember it. I really appreciate ALL of your input, experience is usually quite expensive and you guys are sharing it for free. Thank you. Stuart
If you want to see some headers on a cleveland in a maverick,check out Craig Hjedas car who runs with the Ozark Mountain Super Shifters.When he pulls a wheelie it looks like spahgetti under the car.
Ok, that's it.. now I'm moving to Australia. Seen lots of CHI and Yates headed stuff rolling around in "street cars" and one thing is for sure. Doesn't really matter where you drive them.. badass cylinder heads make badass power.
Old thread floats to top... A 351M is a different engine than a Cleveland "M" code(a M Cleveland is the engine ID in VIN) ... Those were the 4bbl engines installed in '70-'74 intermediates & '70-'73 Mustangs... In '75 Ford discontinued 351C and began producing 351 Modified which is a destroked 400, mostly worthless... If it's gonna be size of 400, might as well be a 400... To muddy the water a bit more, the 4bbl 1969 351W also used the M identifier in VIN...
The 400 and 351M (DESTROKED 400) are created from the Cleveland block design except they have BBF bell housing bolt pattern and taller deck height. They fell short because the gas crisis of the day forced ford to de-tune them (5° timing retard), small induction and exhaust. I feel it necessary to share one thing with you. Take a 351W and a 351C (2V heads), build them with the same compression, cam, induction, exhaust, and the Cleveland will make more torque and horsepower. I ran a 79 fox body with a 351W ported heads, Aftermarket 9.5:1 forged, 268 comp cam, performer intake, 650 CFM Holley, and headers. I ran the same fox body with a 351c (4v heads) Stock 8.5:1 cast pistons, 268 comp cam, Torker intake, homemade headers, and same 650 CFM Holley. It preferred larger jets and later I switched to 750 Holley. No comparison. The Cleveland was a beast in comparison. Less compression, more intake. I became a believer.
I just got the car and don't have any specs other than its OEM heads and an E303 cam, Performer RPM intake, Hooker Stainless competition headers, 2.5" exhaust w/ (Loud series) Flowmasters. Runs great. I haven't checked the carb #'s out yet to see what CFM it is. I assume its a 650 dual feed double pumper. This is a light weight car. Love mavericks. Had a 71 straight 6 Comet in high school. Never got over it.
I didnt pull the trigger on the 351. I decided to get what was in the car when I bought it to run as good as I could, and then contemplate an upgrade. I have not taken it to a drag strip yet, but I think this iron head 302 (some sort of cam) is going to run 14 flat or better. It has got enough power to give me a good grin anyway. The advantage of a light car is truly a big plus for a short stroke.
True. I just had a talk with a guy at work. The new mustang will run 12 flat. Man....I want more power and I haven't been to the strip yet.
Lol...yes, but once the engine goes that fast, everything downstream from there has to take it too.... expense and work. I am happy to go slower at the moment.....
