Howdy all! I got my car running again and took her to the local car show last weekend. Currently she has a 200 in it. My step brother has a 351 cleveland he's willing to part with and was wondering if the amount of work needed for the swap would be worth the swap. I was originally wanting to leave this car as is, but the more I think about it - the car is not original (My grandpa was T-Boned on the way home from the hospital several years ago, the car was totaled and rebuilt and the engine was replaced due to the damage...thankfully the car took the majority of the damage). I'd definitely like not only a fun project to learn and explore, but also a car that has some more show under the hood (My hood NEVER opens at car shows...she just looks pretty) and a higher performance. What are the pros/cons in your opinions and have any of you ever made the swap/how did it turn out? My brother is willing to part with the 351C for the cost of clearing out the shed that's at his mom's house and delivering it to him (maybe 10 mile trip) because his mom is crazy and doesn't want him around due to his marriage. All opinions are welcomed and appreciated! -Tyler
In some ways the Cleveland fits better than 351 Windsor... Mainly exhaust is angled downward at approx 45* vs 90* for the W...
Pro's: * Cool factor * Sound. 4V Cleveland's have a throaty exhaust note right up there with a modular. * Good power with few mods. ** This assumes you are starting out with an early 4V version of that motor. Con's: * Heavier than both a 302 or 351W. * Tight fit requiring specialty Tubular Automotive headers. * Cleveland aftermarket parts are more expensive on the average than Windsor related stuff.
You will probably want to cut the shock towers. Even with a 302, you have so much more room if they are cut. I did my 351W swap in the mid-1990s. It was the way to gain cubic inches back then. It is a squeeze and there are no really good exhaust options. The Cleveland is even bigger. Now, 302-based strokers are common, and that is the path I would take if doing it today. It will fit well and there are big-tube headers to be had. Free engine doesn't mean you won't spend more in the end getting it done.
a 351 to me has a...truck motor...impression to it. a 347 has...high performance...written all over it. my 347 was mistaken for a 351 several times...one Guy wanted to fight because he thought I was trying to make him look stupid in front of his friend,he knew it was a 351... http://mmb.maverick.to/threads/351-windsor-motor-not-fitting.114392/#post-1114238 post #13
Are you sure it it the "c" engine? The "m" engine is often referred to as A Cleveland. They share architecture, but are very different. Research building the engine. It seems the "C" blocks are prone to cracking, and expensive to build. Maybe the engine is all good and ready to run. Mod the engine bay and stuff it in there. Without the shock towers, just about any engine will fit. It will be cool no doubt.
This is a very good point... The 351M looks like a C but block is taller, same block as 400... No fittie a Maverick without major surgery... BTW there were no Cleveland's after '74, from '75 on they were M...
Good luck with your swap - it is a bit of a tight fit in a stock engine compartment but many have done the swap using the Tubular Automotive headers - I did mine the first time that way but now it is changed a lot
