Curiosity has bitten me, and I apologize for the naivity of these questions(please refer to "newbie" in the new members forum)...that being said...is the 351 block considered a big block? Is the block available as an aluminum casting? Is it available with EFI(I assume it is)? Which is better for HP, the 351 cleveland or the 351 windsor? If I try to source one from a junkyard, with what vehicles are the two considered an option? If I decide to get rid of the 302 that was given to me and go with a 351, how much am I looking at spending? Sorry to be throwing so many questions at yall. Thank you for any and all responses, CT<---novice in every sense of the word
The 351 in both the C and W are considered small block engines. The Windsor is a direct decendant of the 302 which shares most of its traits with its bigger brother. The Cleveland is altogether different and parts are not anywhere near as plentiful. Both are capable of incredible power. In a Maverick body the Windsor is usually favored due to its similarity to the 302 and more favorable exhaust options. Either will require some modification to install and there are many threads that offer lots of info on the swaps.
Some folks will argue, but a Cleveland is actually an easier swap in the Mav IMO. The exhaust ports point down, unlike the Windsor, which shoots the exhaust out the side, right into the shock towers. Everything else is true though: Both engines will fit without tower mods, but they are highly recommended. The W is cheaper to build The C can make great power, but the parts can be either hard to find, or expensive. One thing I will argue with: It's true that the bulk of it's parts are different, BUT: The things that make a swap easy, like pulleys, engine mounts, bellhousing, flywheel, starter, and many other accessories, are direct swaps from your stock 302 to a Cleveland or Windsor. If you were to get a Cleveland from oil pan to intake, then get swap headers, you can bolt it into a 302 car using the rest of your stuff.
