351C rebuild

jjr329 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 10:29 AM

I am having a 1973 351C 2V rebuilt. I'm looking for some advice on parts/upgrades. This will be going into a 73 Mach 1. Only requirement is that it be able to run on pump gas The more power the better.

Current setup:
73 351C .030 over not sure on CR of pistons yet most likely 8.5-9.0
Stock open chamber 2V heads
Offy dual plane intake
Old school Holly Carb (4150?)
Headers 3" collector
C6 tranny
3.89 rear end

Flywheel, torque convertor, starter, and oil/water pumps will be replaced.

Need advice on:
heads - keep current, go Aussie 2V, or?
cam kit
intake
carb preferably Holley
torque convertor
roller rockers?
etc...

The guy that has the engine right now only does top end stuff. He will not work on the bottom end, so I will have to take it somewhere else if anything needs/should be changed.

Thanks for any help.

Harris · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 10:59 AM

A few years ago I had the C motor in a 1972 Pantera. The engine had been bored .010. I used the Pantera web site for advice, info, etc. The consensus of opinion was ...be careful when boring a 351C .030, and even then the recommendation was to have the block sonar checked to see if the block had shifted. Some 351Cs would not allow ANY boring. I finally went with .020 and had no problems that you could trace to the actual engine.
The Aussie 2V heads are very good and you probably would be safe @ 9.5 compression ratio. Millling the new head wil get the quench area of the heads closer and help in preventing detonation. I came out with 343 RWH.
Try and find the Pantera Web Site as they are pretty heavy into the 351C, although the 351 W is a much better initial choice.

Harris

jjr329 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2003, 04:26 PM

I found a big discussion about Clevelends here: Clubcobra Discussion that's why I posted here. Seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people around. I'll look for that Pantera website.

Thanks

Geocobra · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2003, 06:42 AM

OK. If I have done this correctly, this should take you to a Cleveland form.

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/119419

John

Roscoe · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 06:51 AM

I've got a high volume alum water pump by Milodon, used about 10k miles. Let me know if you are interested.

Roscoe

wilf leek · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2003, 07:53 AM

Whilst on the subject of Clevelands, could I ask a favour for a friend?

He has a block and some Aussie 2V heads. He wants to build a stroker engine. He is not any kind of cleveland expert (nor am I)

What he needs is contact details for a (good) US engine builder willing to talk him through the spec of all the internal parts, and supply them to the UK. That means crank/rods/pistons/cam/valvetrain/inlet etc etc. Basically all the bits needed to go from a bare block to a complete engine.

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

wilf leek · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2003, 12:27 AM

CHRIS POTTER · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2003, 04:48 AM

Wilf, Flatlander Racing, who has a banner here on CC, offers Cleveland stroker kits, and, I would suspect, plenty of advice. I had my Cleveland (1972model) bored .030, and no problems in 5 years of use. I want to stroke it, and, will be contacting Flatlander when I'm ready.

rdorman · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2003, 06:37 AM

The .030 over is not a hard and fast rule. Sonic checking will tell you. But these are thin wall casting and your short block may be done. If there is no scoring or taper you may be able to get away with a hone and rings.

You didn't mention your budget. "the more power the better" can cost a fortune. You indicated that you want it to run on pump gas so I am guessing you want to keep it streetable. 450+ is not a problem with a medium size budget while keeping the engine streetable. More than that you will probably get into bigger heads, wilder cams, etc. More money.

There is some good information as well as sample builds at this site: http://stangstable.com/

Rick

Harris · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2003, 02:23 PM

Wilf,
Try www.panteracars.com See if you can locate a web page for Gary Hall @ Hall Pantera in Paramount, Calif. Gary is the guru of the west coast on everything Pantera, Cleveland and Windsor engine, internal part etc. He will take the time to talk with you, if he isn't too busy. Try to avoid talking to his wife, Beverly if possible.
Remember, there have been no Clevelands since 1975. Your buddy might look into the potential of the 351 Windsor as well.

Another suggestion is Pantera Performance in Castle Rock, Colorado, USA telephone 1-303-660-9897

Another is Pantera's by Cook in Norco, Calif
telephone 1-909-278-4243
fax 1-909-2784244

Harris

racer24 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-01-2003, 06:11 PM

jjr 329

I just reinstalled my 351 Cleveland (1970) engine .
Here is what we did.

Bored it .30 over
keith black 9.5 to 1 pistons
balanced the engine ( worth the money)
cam i/e .481/.491 duration 287-307
ported and matched
headers
Estimated 350 hp going to roller and one step up cam 400 hp

Sounds real smooth hits street Wed. night

Rich

wilf leek · #12 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 02:07 AM

Thanks for the info guys, will pass it along.

jjr329 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 01:13 PM

As far as budget I don't really have one. I would like to keep the parts cost under 4k but that isn't set in stone. Much more than that and I could have bought a crate engine so I don't wanna go too wild.

rdorman · #14 (**permalink**) 04-02-2003, 01:20 PM

to have my Cleveland balanced and blue printed at a good shop was $4400. So you can do it for that amount. Great street engine putting out about 400HP. That did not include carb, intake or ignition but $500 of that was for jet hot coating headers and pipes. Just shop around in your area.

Joiliette (sp) Illinois! Cool! Home of the Blues Brothers