2 bolt or 4

gconnsr · 11-24-2005, 03:38 AM

I have a 69 M code 351w 4brl. Is it a 4 bolt or 2? Did they even make a 4 bolt? I also have a set of 351c 4 heads (D1ZE-DA) I am thinking about putting them on the 351w. The heads that are on it now are the correct 351w 4brl. Is tis a good idea or should I stick with the w heads?

nitrous_bob · 11-24-2005, 01:35 PM

all i can tell you is the motor you have was rated at 290 hp. do the other heads have "D00E" casting numbers? if so they are better than than the others. i don't know those numbers , but the dooe's are the best small block heads ford ever made , basically gt-40's

gconnsr · 11-24-2005, 02:25 PM

I haven't checked the numbers on the W heads yet, but The eng. is in a 69 Cougar thats all original, I'm pretty sure the eng. is factory correct. I just picked up a 73 Mach 1 with a bad rod, and I'm trying to figure out all my options. I was thinking about picking up another C block, but the W eng. is rated at more HPs.

Tim37 · 11-25-2005, 03:33 PM

it should be a 2 bolt. as far as i know the only 4 bolt widsor motors where bosses and aftermarket blocks.

88BlueGT · 11-27-2005, 05:20 AM

Same thing Tim37 said and here is some info that may be some use to you (sorry if its too long).

"There are no special Windsor blocks. The consensus is that blocks cast up to 1974 (D4 casting prefix) tend to have greater material thicknes. After 1974, Ford engineers were reducing material to take weight out. In this instance, a D4 block or earlier would be a good candidate for a four-bolt main conversion. But go to a four-bolt main upgrade on a newer block, and the main webs might not be able to withstand the extra strain. A four bolt main cap is only as good as the web supporting it. Even with current castings, enthusiasts regularly build 400-500 horsepower engines with a stock casting, and they generally run fine. It's important to concentrate on quatlity machining, parts, fasteners and assembly, because that's what delivers longevity."

- HP Books; Ford Windsor Small-Block Performance (Parts and Modifications for High Performance Street and Racing)

S351R13 · 11-27-2005, 02:40 PM

I wouldn't use the Cleveland heads on the windsor. You will tie up alot of money on valvetrain and customs pistons. They do flow great on the intake side if you plan on turning the motor hard. Below 4000 RPMs they don't work very well and you would have to run alot of compression. Just buy a set of TFS or AFR heads. It will be cheaper. Like BlueGT said, the early blocks are stronger. If you paln on taking the car to the traqck or running it hard buy a main girdle. Don't do the 4-bolt conversion. It won't add any strength since the material in the bottom isn't designed for it. Look at a Dart or SVO block and then look at a production block. You will see a big difference. For the money the Dart is the best deal. the svo requires alot of macine work that Dart does for you.