Auto Racing: v8 rpm, foundry group, bolt mains

Question
Hi,  John.

I just purchase my brother n laws mach 1 from 1973 as a project car for my son and I.  I understand he has it set up for drag racing but says that I shouldn't drive it over 3,000 rpms as it is hard on american v8's.  Is this true?  I thought that the 351 cleveland would develop strong horepower all the way up to much higher rpms.  I do have a 600 mile drive to bring it home.  would it be a problem at higher rpms for longer distances?

thanks

Mark
Flagtaff, AZ

Answer
Hi Mark,i'm not sure about how much gear is in your mustang's rear axle but that engine wouln't mind 3000 rpm .     Thanks I hope this helps .jmazio
  

The 351 Cleveland


Produced for only four years 1970-73
Belongs to Ford's 335 engine family
Thin-wall cast big small block
Uses the smaller 14mm spark plugs
Separate front cover (bolted to the block) housing the timing chain and routing water so that water does not go through the intake manifold
features beefy main caps (wide enough to drill for 4-bolt mains)
Poor oiling system
Different heads for 2V and 4V versions

The heads make all the difference and these fire breathing babies make this motor the legend it is. On the 4V, the valves are HUGE, measuring 2.19" intake and 1.7n" exhaust. Valves this large are only possible via a canted valve arrangement, forming what Ford refers to as a "poly-angle" combustion chamber. The valve covers are not straight - the front is flat and parallel to the ground, but a curve twists the rear parallel to the head. They are attached by 8-bolts and when removed, there is a 4 cast into the corner of the 4V and a 2 cast into the corner of the 2V. The canted valves are the dead giveaway.

While 1972-73 engines are not referred to as "CJ"
they have identical features & specs



71-73 specs
General Specifications
(All figures taken from dealer literature.)  
engine type
8 cylinder
90 degree, OHV
displacement
351 CID
foundry group
Cleveland
maximum
horsepower
280 Bhp @ 5,800rpm**
(1971)
266 Nhp @ 5,400rpm***
(1972)
259 Nhp @ 5,600rpm***
(1973-74)
maximum
torque
350 lbs./ft. @ 3,800rpm**
(1971)
301 lbs./ft. @ 3,600rpm***
(1972)
292 lbs./ft. @ 3,400rpm***
(1973-74)
maximum standard
bore x stroke
4.002" x 3.50"
heavy-duty mains?
4-bolt (all)
max. compression ratio
(w/ service-type gaskets)
9.0:1 (1971)
8.8:1**** (1972)
8.5:1 (1973-74)
combustion chamber
(volume)
73.9cc - 76.9cc
("open" type)
carburetor
Autolite 4300-D (4V)
spreadbore
(automatic choke)

fuel requirement
regular
intake manifold mat'l.
cast iron
valve-train type
hydraulic
intake valve
(head diameter)
2.185" - 2.195"
(1971-72)
2.0485" - 2.0515"
(1973-74)
exhaust valve
(head diameter)
1.7045" - 1.7145"
(1971-72)
1.6565" - 1.6605"
(1973-74)
distributor
single-pointset
vacuum advance
(1973 with A/T, only)
All others: dual-pointset
vacuum advance

spark plugs
Autolite ARF-42
emission controls
(CA only)
NOx system
IMCO (with A/T, only)
emission controls
(49 states)
IMCO (with A/T, only)
nominal weight
(less alt., starter, fan,
belts, & air cleaner)
530 pounds

351 CLEVELAND 4V
( the original is still in mine)





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