I know it's been asked a thousand times, and I am looking through the forums, but I was just curious if someone can give me some feedback on my situation. I currently have a 73 Maverick with a 302 in it. A friend of a friend is hurting for cash and happens to have a 71 351C 4V in his garage that he's never had time to fit into his hot rod. I have yet to see the motor in person (nor do I know the current mileage on it) but I'm told it's rebuilt and ready to be installed. My question is this....should I put myself through this swap, or is it more worth it to stroke the 302? If I do look into buying the 351C, what questions should I be asking the owner prior to purchasing it. This might seem like a newbish question but I'd rather ask the community rather than go out on a limb. The 73 Maverick I'm working on was my first car when I turned 16. In saying that, I want it to be the "cat's ass", but I don't know if it's more worth it to beef up what I already have. In short, this Maverick will be my summer car from here on out. My simplistic goal is to have as much hp as possible. My budget (20K) is broken down over five years to get the car where I really want it to be (bumper-to-bumper...paint and all). Any advice would be golden! Thanks! -Rafi
I'd go with the Cleveland just to be different but a built 302 swap will probably end up being cheaper, plus a 302 can make as much power as you'll ever want.
A 302 would be lighter, and you could make the same power as any 351C, and it's a lot easier to install the 302. BUT...a 351C is pretty cool!
351C is a beast of an engine and I have always liked them but without going to a Mustang 2 front suspension everything I have ever read and seen they are a BIOOTCH to fit in there and have any kind of room left in the engine compartment and headers are pretty much a custom fit job only, I don't think there are any headers that just plain bolt in for the Clevland swap.
The 351C 4-v will want to run high rpms to make power. Also they don't make them anymore and they are hard to find. I'd say stay with a 302 for a steet engine
for the past 7 years I have owned a 351C that resided in my 70 Torino. I now have a 351W in my Maverick. Although the Cleveland has the bad a$$ reputation I have to say that I like the Windsor much better. The 351W is basically a 302 and that means that every possible component and upgrade items is readily available. the C was a headache to get parts for. everything has to be ordered and more often than not it comes in wrong the first time. If stroking the 302 is an option for you I would suggest that you go that way. A stroked 302 will pull much more power than my somewhat built 351C and will be less headaches for you. I will say this . . having a 351 in a Maverick causes a lot of attention. Everyone expects it to have a 302 in it but when they see the 351 they seem to show a lot more respect for the little economy car. Yes I know the 351 and the 302 are basically the same but THEY dont.
http://mmb.maverick.to/showthread.php?t=68274&highlight=351+cleveland+maverick Check out this thread of a 351 cleveland powered maverick. It looks great in this maverick without any modifications to the shock towers. Tubular automotive sells headers for a cleveland swap, they are in the autokrafters catalog. I have a 351 4V cleveland in a 70 mach 1 mustang. Has 4 barrel heads screw in rocker studs, roller rockers, 11.5 to 1 compression, single plane weiand manifold. It is a great running engine! If you have the time and money and patience i would go with the cleveland.
Yep Clevelands are bad azz but not for everyone but I love mine !!!!!!! I have a bunch of pictures in my gallery take a look.
Hey man I looked at yours too love the roll cage and the way you kept the back seat usable and the low side bars so right back at ya with the nice install!!!!!
