Thanks: Ford 5.8L Engines for Sale.
I was surprised to hear the Ford 5.8L or 351 cubic inch gasoline engines were built through 1994. The first 351 engines were produced in the early ’70′s. The three main versions were the Cleveland (C), Modified (M) and the Windsor (W). Being built in Cleveland, Ohio and Windsor, Ontario respectively. I’m not sure where the M was built. Basically it was a large version of the venerable 302 or 5.0L cubic inch motors.
It was very popular as a big ‘small block’ Ford Engine. Part of Fords FE series of engines. Fitting a gap between the full sized ‘big block’ engines of the day. It provided plenty of power for pickup trucks that needed more oomph than the 302, yet was more fuel efficient than the big monster engines.
In it’s ‘car’ versions, it came through in mild mannered forms to accommodate the nice manners an automobile must have. The engines used carburetors originally and came through from the factory with a 2 barrel (throat) and 4 barbel carburetor. The 2 barrel engine had mild manners yet was quite peppy. The 4 barrel version was quite spicy and propelled a car with more gusto than expected.
My dad had a 1972 Ford Grand Torino (what the heck is that) and it had the 4 barrel carb. It had plenty of go fast for a sue-do luxury car, at that time. It took a 19 year old kid to find out how fast it would go!
Enough confusion on Clevelands, Modified and Windsor series 5.8L Ford engines. The bigger point is how to identify the differences in engines should you ever want to replace the engine in your car or truck. If you know what valve covers are than this might help. Ford put a sticker on the valve covers which clearly had written on it, the designation of the engine. Like 351M for a 351 modified, and so on.
Of course, that did not really tell you if it had a 2 or 4 barrel carburetor, or if it was a newer 90′s model only available with fuel injection. The best way to decide what version you have is as simple as the VIN, vehicle identification number. The engines are not swappable in some cases, so you can imagine the frustration when someone orders an engine from the ‘cheapest’ company around and gets the wrong engine.
That is why we are here. If you are looking to buy a rebuilt 351 cubic inch or 5.8L engine (call it what you want), our staff has plenty of experience and education in determining which model 351 engine you have in your vehicle and what type of rebuilt Ford engines suit your interests and budget. Call us for free advise, GotEngines.com @ 1-888-344-8044.
