Now a 351 Windsor is really a slightly enlarged 289/302, as it's name implies it
comes from Fords "Windsor" engine family (a.k.a. the 90-degree V engine family).
The thin-wall cast SMALL BLOCK accepts regular sized spark plugs, uses a timing
chain in the block, routes water through the intake manifold, features thin
main-bearing caps, a very good oiling system, and uses the same heads for 2V &
4V versions. The heads are are small, utilizing in-line valves with relatively
small ports. The valves are 1.78" intake and 1.54" exhaust, i.e. the same size
as a 289/302. The valve covers are straight (front to rear), attached by 5
bolts, and when removed you can see 351 cast in the lifter valley. The small
side-by side (in-line) valves are the dead give-away.
The 351 Cleveland, on the other hand, belongs to Ford's 335 engine family.
This thin-wall cast BIG SMALL BLOCK uses the smaller 14mm spark plugs, has a
separate front cover (bolted to the block) housing the timing chain and routing
water - so that water does not go through the intake manifold, features beefy
main caps (wide enough to drill for 4-bolt mains), a poor oiling system, and
uses different heads for 2V & 4V versions. The heads make all the difference and
these fire breathing babies make this motor the legend it is. On the 4V, the
valves are HUGE, measuring 2.19" intake and 1.7" exhaust (don't remember
exactly). Valves this large are only possible via a canted valve arrangement,
forming what Ford refers to as a "poly-angle" combustion chamber. The valve
covers are not straight - the front is flat and parallel to the ground, but a
curve twists the rear parallel to the head. They are attached by 8-bolts and
when removed, there is a 4 cast into the corner of the 4V and a 2 cast into the
corner of the 2V (at least in 1970). The canted valves are the dead giveaway.
Summary of
Quick ID
351 Windsor
351 Cleveland
5-bolt
straight valve covers
8 bolt
2-plane valve covers
radiator hose
to the intake manifold
radiator hose
does not connect to intake
regular 5/8"
spark plugs
small 14mm
spark plugs
My Cleveland will eat your Windsor!
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