Cleveland motor to replace 351ci Windsor?

[jakerock]

Would there be much difficulty/excessive $$$ versus HP gain and performance to replace the stock 351W + 2vv carb with a stock or mildly modified Cleveland engine with 4 barrel - but reconnecting the extra police cooling stuff, switching to a distributor vs stock electronic firing module? I'd want to have it done in a N.San Diego County shop, as I don't do this stuff anymore.. mostly can tell if I'm being BS'd or not, 'fya know what I mean. Any info, tips, good area shops, etc will be appreciated. Thanks

[radioman2002]

Assuming wew are talking about 5.8l and 351 cid engines I don't believe there is that much difference between the Cleveland and Windsor anymore. As far as replacing the other parts on the engine to make it work, You can still use the distributor electronic ignition, since it handles only the spark control, not like the 5.0l which has a half dozen sensors to make it run. In fact removing that terrible venturie carburator and putting a good 4-bbl is easy, and makes the car run a lot better.

[jakerock]

Originally Posted by radioman2002

Assuming wew are talking about 5.8l and 351 cid engines I don't believe there is that much difference between the Cleveland and Windsor anymore. As far as replacing the other parts on the engine to make it work, You can still use the distributor electronic ignition, since it handles only the spark control, not like the 5.0l which has a half dozen sensors to make it run. In fact removing that terrible venturie carburator and putting a good 4-bbl is easy, and makes the car run a lot better.

I'd have to get a used 4-bbl intake manifold, not sure if it's worth it. One of the guys in the "old car guys" club here said you get more torque from the 351W taking off with a 2-bbl, and a 4-bbl would just waste gas until you're up to pretty good speed.

[radioman2002]

The 351 W engine has been the staple of the large body Fords for about 20 years or even more. When I was in the service I had a 1971 Galaxy 500 (basically the Crown Vic) with the 351W. The only differnce and I am not absoulutly sure between the C and W engine, is I see a lot of the W engines in trucks. Like I said the 5.8 will pull a house down but the 5.0 is quicker and better in the top end.
As far as a manifold , I just saw one on E-bay for $150 new. I myself would love to find another 91 in good shape to try some tricks to. My last one burned from what Dinero's phrase was in Backdraft MICE WITH MATCHES! The car had sat over the winter, mice built a nest in the air plenum, when I started it up, and left it running the blower moter was jammed up, overheated and started the wiring harness on fire. When I finnally noticed, it was quite a sight, the entire engine compartment was burning.

[cobradude360]

did u try to put the fire out?

[radioman2002]

Yea, I got it out before the whole car got going and MY F D had to respond. I figured it was not worth the effort to try and rebuild the car again. I had just put a motor and trans with 40k in it, but to fix the fire damage I would have to pull it all out again. So I just pulled the drive train out, it's sitting in my garage while I wait for a nice clean 91 CVPI that needs it.