Posted by: Chris W.
02/13/2002, 02:25:59
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First off, Clevelands aren't BIG BLOCKS. They have the same bore spacing as any other small block Ford. That is the most important factor in the whole Cleveland head to Windsor block swaps. Actually, the 351W block is physically larger then a 351C block because of the deck height. The Cleveland blocks are slightly longer though. Instead of having a bolt-on timing cover, they are cast with the block and only use a flat metal cover.
Next, as far as Clevelands not being high revvers. That even futher off then the whole big block thing. A good example of what a Cleveland can do is one I've just built.
It was bored .030 over, KB pistons (has about 9.8:1), uses the stock crank and rods, '71 351C CJ heads with stainless 2.19/1.71 valves, titanium retainers, 10 degree locks with lash caps, double springs, bowl ported on intake and exhaust (none of the valve guides were touched), basic port job on the exhaust, port matched with the intake and the MPG port plates, Torquer intake with a mild blend job (just to get rid of the "as cast" surface), Holley 800 DP (currently) with a 1" spacer, General Kinetics solid flat tappet cam which was advanced two degrees (251/251 @.050 w/.610"/.610" w/113 LS and .028 lash), Hooker 1.75" dia. headers, and an MSD ignition. We also run an external oil line. It runs from the side of the block (next to the fuel pump) to the rear "preasure guage" port at the back of the block.
It is in a '70 Mercury Cougar. As of right now it still has the stock 3-speed top loader and 3.00 open geared 9" rear.
The motor has between 30 and 50 miles on it, so it is not quite "broken in" yet. It revs to 7000 RPM's very easy. It may even go higher but we're to afraid to try yet. This thing sounds so sweet at 7 grand, doesn't miss a beat. It might have something to do with the 3" exhaust and Flowtech Terminator mufflers. It is kind of amazing, but it starts pulling hard from down around 1500 RPM's. It is by no means "spongy" down low. The motor even idles good at about 900 RPM's. I just can't wait till the local track opens up. All I know is that it pulls harder then my low 12 sec. 302 '71 Maverick.
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