Why isn't the 351C more popular in Cobras?

[NeuroToxin]

I've been studying engines too (I am still a few years out from beginning a build) and I have to say, the 351C is really sounding interesting. I respect the 351W and all it has to offer, but I have been thinking in the back of my mind that if I ever have to actually deny having a 427 or 428 then it would be more cool to be able to say I have a 351 Cleveland rather than a 351 Windsor. I have NOT seen a picture of one sitting in a cobra, does anybody have this pic?

Southern Automotive has a 408 stroked 351C offered for 6900 bucks as opposed to a 408 stroked 351W at 7500 bucks. It is also claiming 30 more horses.

I'd like to see what a nice setup looks like in a car. Also, what does it sound like?

[767Jockey]

Originally Posted by NeuroToxin

I've been studying engines too (I am still a few years out from beginning a build) and I have to say, the 351C is really sounding interesting. I respect the 351W and all it has to offer, but I have been thinking in the back of my mind that if I ever have to actually deny having a 427 or 428 then it would be more cool to be able to say I have a 351 Cleveland rather than a 351 Windsor. I have NOT seen a picture of one sitting in a cobra, does anybody have this pic?

Southern Automotive has a 408 stroked 351C offered for 6900 bucks as opposed to a 408 stroked 351W at 7500 bucks. It is also claiming 30 more horses.

I'd like to see what a nice setup looks like in a car. Also, what does it sound like?

Neuro,
Look in my gallery, there are pics from the day I brought my basket case home. The engine is was filthy, but you'll get an idea of what a dirty, poorly equipped 351C looks like sitting in a Cobra engine bay. Needless to say that it'll look MUCH different when I'm done.

[1985 CCX]

NeuroToxin,

Boss 351C in mine, there are pics on page 9 of my agllery.

Doug I think your car is going to be a great one when done. I like the 408ci thing, would really make it fly. I have also spoken with Nick regarding the roll bars and brake bracket. Give me a call...

Jeff

[767Jockey]

Hey, Jeff!
I was thinking that you'd chime in on this thread sooner or later.
If anyone wants to see what a really nice 351C looks like check out Jeff's gallery. That's a real Boss 351C in there looking back at you. I'll call you probably Wednesday - I'm in Cancun (I know - tough way to make a living) Monday and Tuesday. If you want feel free to give me a call today or tomorrow - we're not doing anything this weekend.

Roger,
Yates are not the only good Cleveland heads out there anymore. The CHI heads get rave reviews. I can get a pair fully ported with all new valves, springs, etc. for about $2500. The flow rates are phenomenal, even on the exhaust side. I can allegedly do a Cleveland 408 stroker with 600+ H.P. for just about $10K. I'm looking into it further as we speak, and if it all checks out I'll let you know what the details are. Compare the price and power to a Roush 427, and there's no comparison. Right now one of the sticking points is finding an intake that makes really good power, yet fits under the stock Cobra hood. As long as we're on the subject, and of you Cleveland guys have any ideas on that?

[cobrabobby]

767 Jockey,
If you are looking for the best intake that probably will clear
a stock Cobra hood, look at a dual plane Blue Thunder intake.
The Aussies have been getting the most out of the Clevelands
for years because they produced the 335 series long after it
died here in 73-74. Jon Kasse won the Engine Masters with
a CHI headed Cleveland recently, and I believe they dominated
just last year. Lots of recent performance parts have been
introduced both here and from Down Under. Great potential but
stock 4V heads, if you don't know a correct combo, will yield great
top end power but suffers on the low end. But in a light car such
as a Cobra, it doesn't matter much. Or, you could build a "Clevor",
a Windsor low end with Cleveland heads, which essentially are a
bolt on. Problem is finding a suitable intake. Good luck and Clevelands
are a "dare to be different" sort of thing. Go for it!!
Bob T.

[SP01715]

Originally Posted by 767Jockey

Compare the price and power to a Roush 427, and there's no comparison. Right now one of the sticking points is finding an intake that makes really good power, yet fits under the stock Cobra hood. As long as we're on the subject, and of you Cleveland guys have any ideas on that?

I don't know if that's the case or not. Look at the components Roush is using (Dart block, AFR heads etc...) and compare that price to a 351C using the same stuff and I am sure you would be in the same ball park if not higher than the Roush mill. Stack a 2 year 24k warranty on top of that and I think the Roush motor comes out on top. 15k for a Roush 427R with a warranty is a good deal IMO.

[Cobrabill]

Originally Posted by SP01715

. 15k for a Roush 427R with a warranty is a good deal IMO.

Indeed!This is what happens when $$$$ & time get thrown into R&D.The Roush piece really can't be beat for $ vs HP(unless you want a BB).But a correctly done(read that as $$$$) Cleveland is still a stout piece.