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 cl***ifieds 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 ******s 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!).