Identify a Ford 351 Cleveland by its wide heads with canted valves, casting number near the starter, and “2V” or “4V” intake markings. It’s bulkier than the 351 Windsor, with unique water jacket ports.
The Ford 351 Cleveland is a legendary V8 engine, cherished by muscle car enthusiasts for its power, reliability, and unique design. Launched in 1969 and produced until the mid-1970s, it became an iconic choice for Ford performance cars like the Mustang, Torino, and even some Mercury models. With several variations and differences between 351 engines, identifying a 351 Cleveland can sometimes be a challenging task, especially when distinguishing it from the similar Windsor series engines.
This guide aims to walk you through the identification process for the 351 Cleveland, its variants, and the distinguishing features of each version.
Contents
History and Overview of the 351 Cleveland
The Ford 351 Cleveland engine was introduced in 1969 as a high-performance replacement for the Ford Windsor engines. The Cleveland series engines were built at Ford’s Cleveland Engine Plant No. 2, hence the name “Cleveland.” The 351 Cleveland was designed for maximum power output, with features like large ports and canted valves for better airflow, making it an excellent choice for muscle cars.
While Ford produced multiple versions of the 351 Cleveland, the most common variants are the 2V and 4V models, named after their carburetor setup. These versions have subtle but significant differences in components and performance specs, which is why identifying them properly is crucial for car restorers, builders, and enthusiasts.
Key Features to Identify a Ford 351 Cleveland
When identifying a 351 Cleveland engine, there are several key characteristics to examine. Below, we’ll go through these components to help you accurately identify the Cleveland and its variants.
Engine Block Casting and Shape
One of the most reliable ways to identify a 351 Cleveland is by examining the casting and shape of the engine block.
- Engine Block Casting Code: Ford typically placed casting codes on the passenger side of the engine block, near the starter motor. The casting number often begins with a “D” or “C” (e.g., D2AE-CA), indicating the decade and year it was cast. For instance, “D2” would mean it was made in the 1970s, specifically 1972.
- Distinguishing Shape and Size: The 351 Cleveland has a different shape than the Windsor series. Cleveland engines have wider heads, large valves, and a unique design, particularly around the cylinder heads.
Cylinder Heads: 2V vs. 4V Variants
The 351 Cleveland is most commonly identified by the design of its cylinder heads, with the “2V” and “4V” marking their intake port configurations.
- 2V Heads: 2V Cleveland heads are equipped with smaller ports and valves, making them more suitable for street use and lower RPMs. The intake ports are rectangular in shape and much smaller than those on the 4V version.
- 4V Heads: The 4V heads have larger ports and valves, giving the engine better high-RPM performance. The intake ports are significantly larger and have a trapezoidal or “dog-leg” shape.
The head casting codes will also help differentiate these models. For example, a “2” on the heads denotes a 2V Cleveland, while a “4” typically signifies the 4V model.
Valve Cover Identification
Another method to differentiate the Cleveland engine from the Windsor is by inspecting the valve covers.
- Ford Cleveland Valve Covers: Cleveland valve covers are wider than those on the Windsor series engines. Look for a raised “351 Cleveland” marking, which is typically found on original valve covers from the factory.
Intake Manifold and Carburetor
The intake manifold on the Cleveland is often larger and bulkier than the one on the Windsor. Additionally, 351 Cleveland engines came with either a 2-barrel (2V) or 4-barrel (4V) carburetor:
- 2V Models: Equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor and intake, these versions focus on torque and efficiency.
- 4V Models: The 4-barrel versions have a more aggressive design for high performance, making them popular in racing.
Engine Serial Number and VIN Code
The VIN code and serial number can also help confirm if an engine is a 351 Cleveland:
- VIN Location: Look at the driver’s side, at the rear of the engine block near the firewall.
- VIN Decoding: The VIN code should have a sequence that helps verify the engine type, model year, and location of production.
Oiling System
The Cleveland series engine features a unique oiling system. Unlike Windsor engines that oil through the lifters, the Cleveland oils through the cam bearings and has a smaller main oil gallery. This design was intended to improve lubrication at higher RPMs, although it sometimes led to lubrication issues at lower RPMs.
Water Jacket Ports
The Cleveland engine has distinctive water jacket ports at the top of the block that are not found in Windsor engines. This design difference is another telltale sign that you’re working with a Cleveland block rather than a Windsor.
Distinguishing a 351 Cleveland from a 351 Windsor
The 351 Cleveland is often mistaken for the 351 Windsor. While they share the same displacement, there are significant differences:
| Feature | 351 Cleveland | 351 Windsor |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Heads | Wide heads with canted valves | Narrow heads, inline valves |
| Valve Covers | Wider and marked “351 Cleveland” | Narrower, marked “351” |
| Intake Manifold | Larger with 2V or 4V options | Smaller intake manifold |
| Water Jacket Ports | Present on top of the block | Not present |
| Engine Block Shape | Squared, bulkier with wider heads | Compact and narrower block |
Common Variants of the 351 Cleveland
The 351 Cleveland has several key variants:
- Standard 2V Cleveland: Produced for street use, this engine had smaller ports and a 2-barrel carburetor for better low-end torque. It was commonly found in non-performance models.
- High-Performance 4V Cleveland: Equipped with larger ports and a 4-barrel carburetor, this variant was built for high-speed performance, often appearing in muscle cars.
- Cobra Jet 351 Cleveland (Q-code): Introduced in 1971, this version of the 351 Cleveland was designed for high performance and could be equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and higher compression. It was intended for racing and included modifications to enhance power output.
- Boss 351 Cleveland: The Boss 351 was the high-performance version made in 1971. It had larger valves, an upgraded camshaft, solid lifters, and a higher compression ratio, making it ideal for racing applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs about ford 351 cleveland engine identification –
1. How do I distinguish between a 351 Cleveland and a 351 Windsor engine?
The Cleveland has wider heads, larger valves, and a unique water jacket design. The Windsor, by contrast, has a narrower profile with inline valves.
2. What do “2V” and “4V” mean in relation to the 351 Cleveland engine?
“2V” and “4V” refer to the carburetor setup: 2V models have a 2-barrel carburetor, while 4V models use a 4-barrel carburetor, impacting performance.
3. Where can I find the casting number on a 351 Cleveland?
Look for the casting number on the passenger side of the engine block, near the starter motor. It will usually begin with a letter and a number (e.g., D2AE-CA).
4. What is the purpose of the canted valve design on the 351 Cleveland?
The canted valve design improves airflow, allowing for better fuel intake and exhaust output, enhancing the engine’s power and efficiency, especially at high RPMs.
5. What cars came with the 351 Cleveland engine?
The 351 Cleveland was popular in Ford models like the Mustang, Torino, and some Mercury vehicles during the early 1970s.
Conclusion
The Ford 351 Cleveland engine remains an iconic piece of automotive history, known for its unique design, powerful performance, and historical significance in Ford’s lineup. Identifying a 351 Cleveland requires examining specific details, such as cylinder heads, valve covers, casting numbers, and the engine block shape. Whether you’re a car restorer or an enthusiast, understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper identification, maintenance, and restoration of this classic engine.