Hi, I just recently bought a 68 cougar with a 302 and a 1406 edlebrock carb on it with a c4 transmission. I was thinking about swapping the 302 out for a 351. How easily can this be done and what are the pros and cons of the clevland and widsor?
First off let me say welcome to the Classic Cougar Community. It’s always great to have another new member.
Now your question, I am not 100 % sure but one problem you might encounter is hood clearence. I think the with of the 302 and 351 are the same width in the Windsor engine series but the 351 is taller than the 302. The 351 Cleavand is a different breed which will have other issues to fit. The 302-351 has been done and I’m sure someone else will help answer your question with more detail. Again welcome!
Steven
Welcome aboard…where’s your pictures???
The 351 in either variant will fit. Local Hero has a Windsor in his, and mine came with a Cleve in it(swap not completed). Not for certain on the W, but the C used the same mounts as the 302.
Either 351 will be taller and wider than a 302, but still smaller than the 390, 427 and 428 engines that were optional. Either the 351Windsor or 351Cleveland will physically bolt in using the same motor mounts as the 302. Transmission bolt patterns are the same as well.
351Ws are more readily available, have far greater aftermarket parts support, and are cheaper to build. The 351C is a legendary performer with a certain “street cred” that is unmatched among mid displacement engines. For decades the 351C was the performance engine of choice because the C heads offered drastically larger port and valve sizes. The ready availability of high-flow aftermarket W heads has pretty well eliminated that advantage, so today its really just a matter of budget and personal preference.
Thanks for all the help and advice. the owner before me swapped the original engine out for a 73 Mustang 302. I don;t know if that means they changed the mounts or not but they also but a scoop on it so i believe hiegth wond be a problem.