Ford 351C bellhousing pattern

[jcsinga]

Ok lemme see if anyone here knows.

For whatever reason Ford developed 2 engines families displacing 351 cu. in. and it seems people cant get their mind wrapped around that concept.

True or false, the 351 WINDSOR has a small block bellhousing pattern?

True or false, the 351 CLEVELAND family (335 series?) which includes the 351 MODIFIED and 400 have big block bellhousing patterns?

I am looking for an automatic overdrive transmission for a mildly built 351 CLEVELAND I expect 400hp.

What trans to use? Mid-80"s up from behind a 460? When did they stop using the MODIFIED engine?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Kruse]

Actually 3 different 351 engines. 351W, 351C and 351M.
The true Cleveland engine would be from about '71-73ish and used only in cars.
The 351W shares the same bellhousing as the 302. In most cases, the 351C will share the same bellhousing as the 351W. The 351M and 400M will share the same bellhousing as the 429 and 460.
Remember that the biggest difference between the 351C block and the 351M block is the bellhousing.
An overdrive tranny from that era that is rebuilt with GOOD, AFTERMARKET PARTS should handle 400 horses.

 

[2520-4010]

The true 351 cleveland was used in some 1970 model cars. A 1970 mustang could have either a cleveland or windsor.

 

[Kentb ofSWMO]

I had a friend who built a pretty wicked 351C for a Mustang. He used a C-6 behind it. He had all kinds of problem with the trans. Finally found out take the engine made so much torque that the trans case was flexing causing the valve body to unseal from the case causing the clutchs to slip.

Kent

 

[jcsinga]

HHMMM!! I had about decided to use a C-6, Gear Vendors makes an overdrive tailhousing unit??? Dont know the cost yet but supposed to give 6 speeds, I guess just a high and low range like a transfer case. Mine wont be a real big powerhouse, book said 405hp/420lb ft torque.

 

[jcsinga]

Thanks Kruse, thats what I needed to know.

 

[Jon Hagen]

Yep,302-- 351C-- 351W Have the smallblock pattern.

The 351 M is a 1/2 inch destroked 400, thus the M designation. It is a 400, modified (destroked from 4 inch to 3-1/2) to 351 CI.
351M--400--429--460 all share the 385 series bellhousing pattern.

 

[Jon Hagen]

I remember back in the day, the drag racers were having the C6 case flex problem Kent is talking about. The fix was one aftermarket company making a very strong cast aluminum oil pan for the C6 that stiffened up the case and fixed the problem.
a google search may find the vendor.