Whats Better: 351W Or 351C – Making The Choice

What is the power output of a 351 Cleveland engine? The 351 Cleveland, often referred to as the 351C, was rated at 330 horsepower. This potent engine allowed the Boss 351, a high-performance variant, to achieve impressive quarter-mile times of low 14 seconds at a speed of approximately 100 miles per hour. This performance put it on par with Ford’s optional big-block 429 Cobra Jet engine in the Mustang. Ford produced a limited run of 1,806 Boss 351s. In the spring of 1971, Ford introduced an even more powerful version known as the 351 Cobra Jet, replacing the previous M-code.

When comparing the distributors of the 351W and 351C engines, one key distinction lies in the size of their distributor gears. The 351W features a smaller 1.245-inch diameter distributor gear, while the 351C boasts a larger 1.418-inch diameter distributor gear. Additionally, both engines share a common 5/16-inch oil drive at the base of the distributor shaft. To further differentiate the two, it’s worth noting that the distributor housing of both engines has a 1.557-inch diameter when measured directly above or below the O-ring area. This information helps clarify the significant distributor differences between the 351W and 351C engines, providing valuable insights for automotive enthusiasts and mechanics.