Hi everybody. I have a chance to get some Windsor heads really cheap. Will they fit on my 1972 351 Cleveland?
Thanks
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
No
no
.... or at least not without quite a bit of machining work and parts replacement. First, the cooling water must be rerouted by machining a square transfer passage round in each head, then pressing a freeze plug in the resulting hole. The fastening bolts (or studs) holes in Windsor heads are slightly larger so shouldered washers are needed to center/locate the bolts. Then, once the heads are on, you find that the Windsor intake manifold and exhausts don't fit the shorter Cleveland block, and the Cleveland manifolds do not begin to match up to the Windsor head ports; they will both need replacing with custom parts. The pushrods also will need custom-fitting for proper length.
Once you do all this successfully and the engine is running, you will then have an engine that has been significantly detuned from what a 351-Cleveland with its bigger valves, ports and rocker arm ratios can deliver. And god help you if something goes wrong on the road.... There are some things that, while they are possible, are just not a good idea to do for the benefits obtained. Even if the 351-W heads were aluminum and free, I would pass on this conversion.
Once you do all this successfully and the engine is running, you will then have an engine that has been significantly detuned from what a 351-Cleveland with its bigger valves, ports and rocker arm ratios can deliver. And god help you if something goes wrong on the road.... There are some things that, while they are possible, are just not a good idea to do for the benefits obtained. Even if the 351-W heads were aluminum and free, I would pass on this conversion.
it would be cheaper to buy a Windsor block
Thanks for the comments.
Really appreciate it.
Really appreciate it.