Wednesday, March 23, 2005

351W

The 351 Windsor featured an even longer stroke thanks to a taller deck. It produced 250 hp (186 kW) with a 2 barrel carb or 290 hp (216 kW) with a 4 barrel. There were many other changes to this engine, including the intake, heads, rods, and firing order. Though the engine family is the same as the 289 and 302, and employs the same bell housing and head interchange as well as a few other small parts, the block itself is different. The block is taller and wider than other windsor small blocks, with larger main caps and thicker connecting rods. Also the distributor is slightly different to accommodate a larger oil pump shaft and larger oil pump.

The 351W was introduced for the 1969 year model rated at 250 hp (186 kW) with 2 barrel carb or 290 hp (216 kW) with a 4 barrel. The four barrel version actually produced 320 to 325 hp (239 to 242 kW). Though the 351 Cleveland was given higher power ratings, the 351W can be modified to run the same level of performance. The reduced performance was due to rather restricted airflow in the cylinder heads (the Cleveland heads were larger).

The 351W was produced from 1969 to 1996. It was installed in everything from Mustangs to the fullsize cars, and all the way up to the F350. It has been one of Ford's most successful motors.