Ford engine questions?? 351W?

I picked up a '60 F100 last Saturday. It has a 351W that feels pretty weak and smokes a good bit. I'd rather find a replacement than take the downtime rebuilding what's in it. I know nothing about these motors. Is it a good choice to stick with the Windsor? There's a freshly rebuilt longblock in the local classifieds for $300 obo. Would there be a better choice for power and reliability? I'm told the trans is a C-6. If I wanted to switch to a manual trans, what would I need to look for? Thanks for any help.

 

I think a 351W is a fine motor. For 300 bucks if it is a good rebuild sounds like a deal to me. As far as the C-6 they are tough as hell but no O.D. I think an E4OD is basically a C-6 all jazzed up.

 

351w is an awsome engine.

 

Actually the E4OD is a jazzed up C3/C4 not the C6.

 

I feel the opposite. I never had a good 351W and I've had a few. I found that the 302 was a much more forgiving engine and could run the pants off a 351W. By the time the Windsor was wound up and pulling , the 302 was already gone. All the 302 needs is a good carb setup, headers so it breathes well and I think it would surprise you.Not saying the Windsor is bad just that I think the 302 is by far better

 

I recommend the 351W for this size of vehicle. Enough cubes to have a little extra torque, but not as big, heavy, or thirsty as an FE or big-block.

If you really want a manual trans, a wide-ratio Ford T&C Toploader would be a good choice. Keep in mind that the wide-ratio trannys were mostly installed behind small block motors, and might not be up to serious abuse, but are more than adequate for driving and occaisional towing.

If you are feeling prosperous, a Tremec TKO is the hot setup. Five speeds, overdrive, plenty strong for practically any application.

Having said all that, I think a 351W/C6 setup would be my choice for a driver/light tow vehicle. A 3.25 or 3.50 rear gear and 28-30 inch rear tires would make a combination with enough gear to get going in town, and still roll effortlessly on the highway.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

 

I agree with Animal.

I've run a 351W in a '68 Mustang and a wide-ratio toploader & 3.89 gears - did high 13s in the quarter. When I rebuilt the engine to put in a '51 F1 Panel Truck, I found that someone had put 302 pistons in it (1/4" in the hole!), so bored & stroked it (374") and ran a C6 w/3.89 gears - revved up a bit a freeway speeds, but limit back then was 55. Engine currently resides in a '92 Mustang with a T5 behind it & pulls hard - not had it to the track, but "guess" in low 13s.

Get the rebuild. They're a bit more forgiving of being overcammed than a 302 is, but like more intake velocity due to the longer path - keep to a dual-plane intake. Keep the C6 and gear it like Animal says and you'll be fine.

 

I put 100K hard miles on a 350 Horse 351W, in a '79 Mustang, and am now going to put it in a 62 Ford pickup. It has the toploader O/D four speed, works great, the 351 has the torque to pull the wide gear spacing. IMO the only Ford engine worth using (other than the flattie, of course!).