351 Windsor – What You Need to Know About the Ford 351w Small Block [5.8 Liter]

Wanted to make a note that I misspoke when I talked about the casting number for the C90E block at 07:05. The C90E block is built in the 60's (69) and not the 70's, so C9 castings are 69 castings not 79 castings. D Blocks are 70's, E blocks are 80's, and F blocks are 90's.

New subscriber. Its awesome that I cam sit through a video thats 15 minutes long without having to watch 30 minutes of commercials!

These are great engines. I have one in my 95 E350 work van. 300k on the original 351w. Still runs very strong without any issues!

Nice breakdown of the Ford small blocks! In 1973, after saving every penny earned for like 5 years, and with some help from the old man I purchased my first car. A slightly used 1970 Mach 1 Mustang. It came with the 351 W 2bbl and an FMX automatic. I modded it with 3.91 rear gears, headers, dual exhaust, an Offy aluminum dual plane intake with a 600 CFM 4 bbl plus a recurved distributor. It ran a best of about 14.6 in the 1/4 mile (slow). I gave up on modding it when I roll raced a buddy in his 1972 Mach 1 (heavier) with a bone stock 351 Cleveland automatic. Our race was dead nuts even which was extremely discouraging! The problem was that back then, the 351W was seen as the poor, ugly stepsister to the Cleveland and as such got no love. Aftermarket support for the Windsor was almost none existent. No aftermarket heads, very few cams, etc. Everyone thought the Windsor block was weak due to it’s 2 bolt mains. (I also couldn’t even get a shift kit for the FMX). That all changed when Ford discontinued domestic production of the Cleveland and went forward in production with the Windsor engine family. Only the (lucky) Aussies continued to get the Cleveland as far as I know. When the Fox Mustangs hit the US in the late 1970’s through the 80’s the car became the favorite car to mod for young hot rodders. And guess what they discovered? They could bolt 351W heads onto their 302’s and eventually many just transplanted 351W’s that were plentiful at junk yards. And voila! Suddenly demand for 351W speed parts was born and the rest, as they is history!

Had a 1974 mercury montego with the 351w. Great running car for years.

I've been blessed enough to receive a 67' 289 mustang with a 351 already swapped into it. With the aftermarket exhaust it sounds pretty unique. Stoked to start wrenching on it.

I put a mild 360 hp 375 ft lbs 351 w in a 1986 thunderbird turbo coupe. T-5 world-class transmission and 3.73 track loc disc brake diff. That car was brilliant.

I had both of them, Cleveland and Windsor, loved them both.

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO!!! You really helped a viewer from brazil!

As a previous Ford Engine builder I can say you’re spot on!

Im really impressed, excellent video, best video on the 351 W you really put out a high quality effort and your a nice guy !

Thank you so so much I really appreciate your channel and this video especially as I’m trying to get a 70’s f100 back on the road and I love the 351w that came out of my 80’ f-150

Love the video man. I own a 1993 f150 flairside. I have a 351. And you just told me a whole lot I didn't know about it. I appreciate that and your time. Thank you💯

Thank you for the rundown on the 351W as it was very informative !

I have a 351 Windsor in my 79 F100. I was looking for a video that would give me more information about the motor and you delivered exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much!

This was immensely helpful. I have a 96 F150 with a 351W. And now I know what cams I can use, heads and parts. Thank you

Thanks for being thorough and descriptive. My dad passed me down a 1970 mustang coupe 351W and im trying to figure out how to restore it and get it running but I know nothing about cars and barely have money, this video helped.

Very well researched and produced. I have been wrenching on my 1992 for a number of weeks now and have a greater respect after seeing your explanations and charting. Thank you.

Very good job of describing the Windsor and its Ford Roots, I did catch the screw up on the casting numbers but over all you did your homework, I am glad you did not mention Nichole used in blocks because there was not any of that metal used, I am going to refer people to watch your video so they can learn more about the Windsor.

Hi Ed, I have watched your video several times. Very well explained. I really like your wy of making these videos. Humble but backed up by solid research. Kudos :)