Hello Glenn,
I have a 351W. It's a great running engine and as far as I'm concerned, I've got more power then I know what to do with. Although I'm not pushing the better side of 500 ponies, I can blow the doors off most production cars I share the road with.
There are a myriad of post/opinions on the Cleveland / Windsor debate. You can read until your heart's content.
Check out this thread for example!
Click here
Here's my dimes worth.
The whole debate makes for good reading and when all the smoke clears one is either left totally confused or, at best, appreciates that there is a considerable difference between the C's and W's. Truthfully, when the dust clears, most of the time the guy running the Cleveland is out front. The bottom line is contingent upon you and only you. What do you plan to do with your car? Will you be racing? If so, why bother with a 351, why not a stroked 460
Short of racing your Cobra, I would give careful consideration to a 351W, primarily because of availability of parts and engines.
(OK Cleveland fans, don't badger me, I know Clevelands are out there) As far as I know a Cleveland will not bring any significant increase in resale value. If you decide not to rebuild it yourself, you can buy a tricked out 351W with plenty of bells and whistles for a reasonable price.
I think we can all agree that the only event a Cobra is sure to loose is the practicality contest.
With this is mind, one decision Cobra builders/Owners are faced with is where to place the proverbial fulcrum on the scale of expenditure vs. expectations. The choice is ultimately yours.
The Cobra is the greatest car ever built. Enjoy your experience!