cleveland vs windsor

im not sure why but i just cant seem to make up my mind.
i have 68 falcon 289 toploader .
i was plannning to rebuild 289 or build a new 351w .
then looking at local ads i find this .
1970 cougar parts 351c 60,000 original miles 600$.
now the gears start turning what do i have to change
headers bellhousing what else .
is it worth the change
i think the windsor makes more sense
but i cant forget 20 years ago i had 70 cougar convert 351c that thing turned 6500 all day fastest car i had back then i think it had a cam.
what do you guys think any and all oppinions wanted
thanks mike
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It all depends on what results you're looking for. A stock rebuilt C will outperform a stock W. If you're going the other route, you can get great performance with either. In my opinion if its a complete cleveland, I'd go with it. It most likely has the 2v heads which if cleaned up and matched with a nice cam and intake, performs great on the street. It'll bolt right in using the 289 mounts and if you're running an auto, you can get away with a 289 bellhousing (cheap) if you use a smaller flexplate. I'm not too sure what you need to use a toploader and if you're not looking to go nuts with the motor, you can get a cheap set of headman hedders that bolt right in.

I had a '71 Cougar convertible w/ a Cleveland about 20 years ago too. It was the fastest car I had up to that point. You just gotta go with the Cleveland, it's a sentimental favorite. -Mike[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_tup.gif[/img]
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I have a 70 Mach1 with a 351c stroked to 408. Stock unported 4v closed chamber heads. Makes 567 f/wheel hp.
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the word "cleveland" strikes fear in chevy guys, and for good reason. Put a clevor in it.

[chant] cleveland-CLEVEland-CLEVELAND!-CLEEEEEEVELAAANNNDuh![/chant] [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img]
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On 2005-03-06 16:30, ujt389 wrote:
the word "cleveland" strikes fear in chevy guys, and for good reason. Put a clevor in it.
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yeah clevor.. I have the kit you need. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_spin.gif[/img]

Don't know much about the toploder specifically, but since a 351C has the same bellhousing pattern as a 289, it should probably all swap. The bell and trans will fit and it will all bolt in using the existing Falcon mounts. All you should need is some headers - use a Mustang header or ones from Tubular Automotive but be prepared to move #3 tube away from the firewall.
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would headers for a torino or fairlane work i think the falcon engine bay is the same.
when i bought my falcon the guy told me it has a big block toploader and he ground down the input shaft ?
im not sure maybe they make an adapter.


thanks mike

The '66-up Falcon engine bay is identical to the '66-'71 Torino/Fairlane...

As far as cutting down the input shaft, the small blocks actually use a slightly longer shaft. The 427/428/429 generally had a 1 3/8" input, vs the 1 1/16" of the 390 and smaller engines. Possibly it could be cut down, but would have to be re-splined as well... also those trannys use a larger throw out bearing, and wider spacing for the clutch release fingers on the pressure plate. I don't see it as very likely...

_________________
1988 Turbo Coupe...5.0 Conversion... AOD... 3.73s
NA 13.11@105.32....W/90 Shot 12.23@112.19



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: TurboCoupe50 on 3/8/05 6:29am ]</font>