'73 Merc Cougar how to tell 351C or W engine?

Question

I am buying a '73 Mercury Cougar. The car runs and is all there, although it needs a lot of TLC. There is a huge looking engine, 351 c.i.d. stuffed under the hood, with a skinny little two barrel carb sitting on top. I was wondering if there was an easy way to identify the Cleveland vs Windsor engines.

I'll do the google bit too, but I was wondering if you folks had any tips or tricks. Thanx.

ClassicMustang · Accepted Answer

The Cleveland radiator hose goes to the block and not the manifold, also true about the fuel pump bolts being vertical and 8 bolt valve covers..

we have some good links about id'ng these in our links

Anonymous · Answer

The cleveland and M series engines had a flat spot on the valve covers where the oil fill hole is. Windsor engines didn't.   If it isn't a windsor, it is probably a 351 modified.  (taller block height than a cleveland, but very similar otherwise)

Anonymous · Answer

look   on   the   engine   block   its   self    and   you   might   wanna    check    the    data    plate   to   see   if   it   came   with    the   351    windsor    or   351    cleveland

omnisource · Answer

Cleveland or Windsor designations should be stamped on the engine ID plate. Perhaps its encoded into your VIN?

144289 · Answer

351 C. has 8 valve cover bolts, fuel pump bolts are vertical, while 351 W. are horizontal

Anonymous · Answer

Check out this  link ...

Trending News

'73 Merc Cougar how to tell 351C or W engine?

6 Answers