And, given the lack of interchangeability between key components, its absolutely critical to know what youre wrenching on.Modified was a slang designation originally applied by Ford enthusiasts, and the name just stuck.Youll also hear folks define the M as Michigan after the engines original casting plant.The etymology doesnt really matter, its just a way for us to distinguish it from the other 351 engines.
It is part of the long-running Ford small-block Windsor V8 family, which also includes the venerable Ford 302 (5.0L) V8. It shares the same small block V8 bellhousing pattern and motor mounts of the August 1964 Windsor engines. Engine builders and hotrodders have no problems pulling gobs of horsepower out of these engines, and popular upgrades include cylinder heads, camshaft, headers, and intake manifold. Back in the day, the 351C was considered the go-to Ford performance engine, thanks to its better-flowing cylinder heads and stronger crankshaft. Ford made both 2V and 4V cylinder head versions for the 351C, with the latter 4V heads being the more performance-oriented versions. The engines rarity makes it a more expensive platform for an engine build, though its capable of making impressive power with the right upgrades. And, for what its worth, theres still a ton of Blue Oval cache in saying youve got a real Cleveland under your hood. Its based on the 400 Modified engine (see note on nomenclature in the opening paragraph), which was essentially a 351C with a longer stroke. Ford 351W Series Big BlocksUnlike the 351C however, the 400 blocks had the bellhousing bolt pattern of 385-series big blocks. It also had a higher deck height to accommodate the longer stroke. The bellhousing bolt pattern on the 351M uses the same pattern as the 385-series big-block engines as well. That means, even though theyre related, transmissions, intake manifolds, and other parts may not be interchangeable between a 351C and 351M.). Some claim the M stands for Modified being modified from a 400-V8 with a shortened stroke though others claim that the M refers to the Michigan Casting Center, where the 351M began production. Some say that the M designation has no official meaning and that it was just Fords way of distinguishing the 351M from the 351C and 351W. This is despite the 400 has been the design basis from which the modified 351M was derived and it was in production several years before Ford used the M designation. Further confusion arises from Ford printing 351M400 on the emission stickers for the engine. This sticker also listed the engine displacement below the engine family. Windsor engines have the radiator hose and thermostat installed into the intake manifold, where it exits from the front of the engine. The Windsors timing chain attaches to the front of the engine and has an external timing cover typically made of cast aluminum. By comparison, the 351M was used in 1975-82 passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs. Swaps between the three engines are common, so you cant always match the engine to the vehicle you found it in.
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