what's better?

[haven]

just out of pure curiousity, which engine is better for a hot rod/racer application. 351, 351w, 351/400m, or 351c? and is there anywhere i can get some good tweeking tips for a 351/400m? thanks.

[Ranchero.us]

I may be disagreed with but a Cleveland is the way to go. They were actually the base of Ford racing applications of the 70s. You can probably get the most power from one although parts are a little costly. The aftermarket is much better for the 351W and I would stay away from a M motor just because aftermarket is not there for that engine. I my opinion there is no sound in the world like a built C.

[5.0 Chero]

Hotrod/racer Windsor lowend Toque and quick rev = Stop light fun

Strip Racer Clevland 4v motor = high end HP and Toque = fast qtr times

BoatAnchor M motors = lots of weight good for holding fishing boats in high wind aeras!
Not good for much else. :D

[79er]

I must agree, the 351W or cleveland are much better choices than the 351M/400. If you must use the 351m, check out these helpful links.
http://www.projectbronco.com/Technical_Articles/351m400_performance_build_up.htm

http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/119419?it=0

[Alex Everett]

BoatAnchor M motors = lots of weight good for holding fishing boats in high wind aeras!
Not good for much else.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[Ranchero.us]

I see some mad M owners coming to get you guys LOL.

[BigBad&Beautiful]

Ihave a 351C 2V with performer intake and a holly 650 Double Pumper mech secondaries and I can not help but to screach the tires if I am not completely careful taking off. I could easily pop the tires if I wanted to.

351C is bad. I have 2 351Cs a both 1971s with flat top pistons and a FMX and a C6 trans

Joe :D

[frankenchero]

Excellent advice! I would agree,if money is not too tight to go with the Cleveland. If you want easy to find parts that are less expensive go with the Windsor. My 2Cents

[Dan the ranchero man]

Here is my outlook on the whole 351 thing. If you want a good all around engine the 351W is the way to go. Like said earlyer if you want a legend and a performer go with the 351C if you want a boat anchor go 351M/400. If you want to spend the BIG money to make the 351M/400 perform Save your money and buy a 429/460 and get more bang for your buck!

[TEAMFAST]

I JUST BUILT MY 351C. PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
AFTERMARKET AUSSIE STYLE HEADS ARE ALSO OUT THERE. THE W MOTOR IS ALOT EASIER TO FIND STUFF FOR, BUT ITS ALL OUT THERE. START WITH A GOOD C BLOCK
BORED 30 OR LESS SO IT DOESN'T GET HOT.
SINCE YOU'RE NOT BUILDING TO THE MOON, BOTH MOTORS HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO PRODUCE THE HP YOU'RE LOOKING FOR. I JUST LIKE THE C MOTOR BETTER. THERE IS ALSO A GOOD CLEVELAND SPECIFIC FORUM, SO YOU'LL HAVE A LOT OF TECH SUPPORT.