Ford Muscle Forums : Ford Muscle Cars Tech Forum - View Single Post - 351 Cleveland Build vs 351 Windsor Build??

Stanley Superior · 05-22-2002, 02:28 AM

Lets clear one thing up, the Cleveland engine is a SMALL BLOCK, not a big block...even the FRPP and the old Motorsport catalogs list the engine in their small block sections. Also, there is no such thing as a 400M, only a 351M. The "M" does not belong to the 400 cu. in. motor, it only applies to the 351 size of motor. But Im getting off topic (see what you guys are doing to me? LOL).
The Windsor has the better parts availability and support going for it. If you're gonna build one with plenty of aftermarket parts, then the Windsor is the clear choice to make.
However, when it comes "stock vs. stock", the Cleveland will walk all over the Windsor because it has the ability to breate, as to where the Windsor's stock heads are strangling it to death!
If aftermarket heads are just not possible on your budget, then I'd go with the Cleveland because its got the better heads already (even the open chamber 2V heads flow more than any common 289/302/351W head). But if the aftermarket is a reality for you for heads, then build the Windsor!

05-22-2002, 02:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Stanley Superior Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 557	351 Cleveland Build vs 351 Windsor Build?? Lets clear one thing up, the Cleveland engine is a SMALL BLOCK, not a big block...even the FRPP and the old Motorsport catalogs list the engine in their small block sections. Also, there is no such thing as a 400M, only a 351M. The "M" does not belong to the 400 cu. in. motor, it only applies to the 351 size of motor. But Im getting off topic (see what you guys are doing to me? LOL). The Windsor has the better parts availability and support going for it. If you're gonna build one with plenty of aftermarket parts, then the Windsor is the clear choice to make. However, when it comes "stock vs. stock", the Cleveland will walk all over the Windsor because it has the ability to breate, as to where the Windsor's stock heads are strangling it to death! If aftermarket heads are just not possible on your budget, then I'd go with the Cleveland because its got the better heads already (even the open chamber 2V heads flow more than any common 289/302/351W head). But if the aftermarket is a reality for you for heads, then build the Windsor!