Stroker: Cleveland Vs. Windsor

Originally Posted by Chris_Curl

cleveland stuff is a whole lot more expensive than is windsor stuff, isn't it?

Not really. I got my 408C kit from Mark McKeown for a very affordable price. It was competitive with comparable W stuff. MME RACING

There is a resurgence of Cleveland's taking place. Many performance manufacturers are developing new items or bringing back tried and true parts. There is even an aluminum block for Cleveland’s now. Was in Australia back in November 2007 and was surprised about the number of speed shops building Cleveland’s. They are prolific as a 350 chevy, they are in everyone cars. The belief is if you have a Ford and want to go fast then you build a Cleveland. A lot of US companies are starting to notice. When was the last time you saw a aftermarket Cleveland block, well they make them now.

Prices are coming down on parts. But currently it still cheaper to build a Windsor.

Once you start buying quality parts the pricing isn't much different 351W vs 351c IMO

Factory 351W blocks do have better cylinder walls than 351c but 351c where avbaliable with 4 bolt mains. Oiling system is a littel better in the 351w but I don't think its a big difference once a few modsare done to the 351c.

If your going racing i'd consider a Ford Racing or Dart Block with CHI heads. Once you figure machine work and preping a factory block the aftermarket stuff really isn't that exensive + the metal is way better and the parts are built to be abused.

I think I know where I'm gonna go with this stroker project. CHI 225 heads and matching intake, Cleveland block w/ .030" over bore and oil bypass to mains 4&5, 393 stroker kit with forged pistons, main girdle unless I get my hands on a 4 bolt block. Fully rollerized C4 w/2000 stall and reverse pattern valve body ie: the works. 9" with 31 spline axles, 3.55 gears, and gear style locker.

I guess the big stuff has been decided on, now for the little bits like cam and size of carb to feed this madness.

Watch you convertor and gearing, the stuff your talking about may be more suited to a wedge type of head IMO

I haven't had much experience with wedge style heads, I do however understand how the cleveland heads work as a whole. Could you explain to me how a wedge would be superior to a cleveland with what I'm trying to do?

If you can't get your hands on a 4 bolt block then run Miladon or ARP main studs on your 2 bolt. You'll get the same clamping and sheer strength as a 4 bolt.
We’re currently running a 14-1CR studded 2 bolt block that has 300 passes on it and we wind it to 8500, not one issue with the mains. We also run the oiling bypass and Jomar oil filters Running a out of the box 950HP carb with 80/80 and 3.5 PV's.... equates to 13-1 A/F. Off idle 60' times of 1.42. on 26x10 hoosiers.

Originally Posted by torkair

I think I know where I'm gonna go with this stroker project. CHI 225 heads and matching intake, Cleveland block w/ .030" over bore and oil bypass to mains 4&5, 393 stroker kit with forged pistons, main girdle unless I get my hands on a 4 bolt block. Fully rollerized C4 w/2000 stall and reverse pattern valve body ie: the works. 9" with 31 spline axles, 3.55 gears, and gear style locker.

I guess the big stuff has been decided on, now for the little bits like cam and size of carb to feed this madness.