What is the difference between a 351 and 351 Cleveland? The 351 Cleveland is a larger, more powerful version of the 351 engine that was first offered in 1965 for Ford cars. It features a stronger, more durable crankshaft and larger valves that allow it to produce more power at higher RPMs.
The 351 is a popular choice for classic muscle cars such as the Ford Mustang and Shelby GT500. In fact, the engine used on a Mustang in 1967 is still considered to be one of the most collectible Ford engines of all time. Both the 351 Cleveland and the 351 Windsor use the same bore and stroke dimensions—66mm by 85mm. However, the Cleveland has a thicker cylinder wall while the Windsor has a thinner wall. It also has a larger crankshaft than the Windsor and a forged connecting rod that contributes to its superior strength. By comparison, the 351 Windsor is a high-performance version of the 250 cubic inch straight-six engine that was first produced in 1962. It has a bore of 4.00 inches and a stroke of 3.50 inches, making it very similar to the 351 Cleveland. However, it uses a cast rather than forged connecting rod and has a slightly less powerful camshaft with a shorter duration than its sister engine. As a result, the Windsor produces slightly less power and torque than does the Cleveland.