[steelcityfan29]

I have a 69 mustang...

Its got a 351M in it.

I need to know which direction I should go? I'm not a mechanic type of guy but I am learning.

I understand the bell housing and mounts and everything are different on a 351m than the other 351s or 302s.

So whats going to be my best route to go for cost and ease or installation for me to get my mustang up and going. I want some Horses.. I want a showoff car.. weekend drag strip races with my friends but id like to drive it arond town on occasion too.

I just need ideas at whats feasible and cost effective so I can start looking in that direction.

its an automatic with a C6 and a 9 inch rear end in it.

Ideas and suggestions appreciated. Thanks all! There are some pics in my garage on the site as well. I can link some up here if it makes a difference let me know.

Oh i also want to get power steering and brakes in it as well. It has nothing power now and the PO said that the guy before him took power everything out of it to race it. So I have no idea really.

Thanks!

[MustangOne]

Welcome to MM Forums...

From your photos, and the year of the car. You have have a 351 Cleveland.

The motor mounts and bell housing are the same.

That motor can have a lot of power, the C6 is kinda of power hog but can take a beating.


Is the car a M code or H code? M codes is the 351C 4V witch flows more air. Works better racing.

Good Luck...

[steelcityfan29]

So I was told it was a 351M by another forums people.. due to the flat piece near the distributor? I believe the engine was replaced.

I cant find anywhere where i can see a Casting number on it. if its above the starter.. I cant see a thing.

I was hoping it was a 351C but a few other people told me reasons its a 351M.. I have no idea really. I'm trying to remember what they told me other than some flat piece thats sticking up near the distributor.

If its a Cleveland ill leave it alone..

If its a 351M what should I do?

I will include a couple more pics of the engine here shortly.

[steelcityfan29]

and



and



and

[steelcityfan29]

Hopefully some of those images work. I was looking all around the starter for casting numbers but its pretty dirty and i couldn't see a thing. Couldn't reach very well either and I didn't want to tear the starter out to look yet as I might have to move it before i start tearing it apart.

[MustangOne]

Here are some photos of a 351 Cleveland I just built. I hope this help you tell what you have.

From the photos you have a 351C, The part beside the distributor is the thermostat housing.

In your Vin number what letter is the 5th digit? M or H?

You can see it in my photos also.

[steelcityfan29]

I guess I'm going to have to pull it and see. I don't believe the engine is original thought the previous owner didn't really know a thing about the car either. I will get the VIN and then pull the engine this weekend if I can find a cherry picker and engine stand so I can actually get a casting number.

Either way I need it out of the car before I start it.

Any tips on an engine stand?

the harbor freight one work fine? Or is that a waste of cash? Like I say Im new to all of this and starting literally from scratch.

Thanks again!

[MustangOne]

Dont buy the cheapest one they have.

If you see the one I have Mine on that is a good cheap engine stand.

[steelcityfan29]

Any features? or just heavier steel? something I should keep an eye out for? Thanks again!

[steelcityfan29]

"Your engine is a 351M or 400. That flat just to the right of the distributor is almost level with the flat under the distributor on a 351C engine. 351Ms are slightly taller than the C version much like a 351W is to a 302. 351Ms & 400s were truck and big car engines and don't have much for aftermarket parts, not very desirable"

This is what I was told on the stangnet forums about my engine. Does that sound accurate to you guys? Again thanks for the help.

[MustangOne]

Here is a Good link for you. 351C 351M or 400, What's the Difference?

[steelcityfan29]

Yea thanks ! Ive read that one. I just don't know enough about it. Is there anywhere else on the block to easily identify the engine? I cant find the casting number anywhere I can see anyways.

[steelcityfan29]

also is there something on it to say its NOT a 351M or 400? Sorry I'm leery.. if its a POS i'm going to look for a other engine before i pull it but if its a decent engine ill just pull it and start working on it.

[MustangOne]

I really do not think you have a 351M,


What does the casting number on the intake say? C9AE?

[steelcityfan29]

OH Ill get that in just a minute.. let me call the girlfriend .. I didn't know that mattered.

[MustangOne]

If the Intake is a low year, It can not be a 351M or a 400 351C will not fit a 351M or 400

[steelcityfan29]

d5ae is what she thinks she found on the intake. It was a rough time explaining what to look for.

Does that help any?

[steelcityfan29]

If thats a 351M would this 70's Ford 429 Longblock be a hard swap or feasible?

[steelcityfan29]

I also have two other people one with a 302 BOSS and one with a HO 302 willing to make good deals.. possibly a newer 94? ish 351w

any of these easier and make better HP/Torque per dollar?

The BOSS has no heads.. so thats hard to find from what i hear as the cooling in the heads is quite unique.

[Countryboy_99]

Actually, there is a guy who has a set listed on craigslist. Check in the autoparts section of the Wichita, KS craigslist for them. Search 302 or Boss and they should come up. IF you're serious about the boss motor. I personally would go with the 429 or 351 (cleveland or windsor) if racing your buddies is your desire with a little cruising thrown in, as they all have huge potential. Heck even a late model 302 would be great.