351c-4v

[chuckleyiv]

Last March I got a 1971 Mach 1 with a 351 Cleveland-4V. I have a Edelbrock Torker Intake Manifold with a Holley 750 cfm carb on it. I replaced the valve covers, and cleaned out the carb. Is there any place I can buy parts to add performance yet still be driveable on the street? Also, does anyone know of any ways I could improve the engine?

Thanks!

[Phillyfanfrombirth]

That's a big carb and intake... My guess would be that if you are running other stuff stock, such as a torque converter, exhaust, and cam... that you are probably losing both power and drivability with that set up.

A Performer RPM... or even a Performer intake would help... a nice dual exhaust setup with a set of headers (if it is not already equipped with them)... and, of course, a good tune up. Much beyond that, you start getting into cam swaps, porting the heads (or just adding a set of aftermarket ones)...

I'm not sure how in depth you want to go there, but the key is matching everything to what you want from the car. If you aren't going to be doing holeshots and 7k revs, then don't waste the drivability of the car on putting parts in there that are designed for just that.

[chuckleyiv]

From what I can tell, the engine has been pulled before, so I am pretty sure that the engine has been modified before. Also, the intake manifold on it is built specifically for the 351 Cleveland with 4V heads. The Edelbrock Torker 351:

Torker 351 (3000-7000 RPM)
Designed for street 351 c.i.d. Ford V8s with 4V Cleveland or Boss 351 heads. Will not fit under hood of Ford Pantera with stock air cleaner. Will not fit 351 with 2V heads.
From Edelbrock.com

I probably will go at 7000 RPM, depends. Most of the vacuum hoses and electric wires are cut, so I know they pulled the engine. I will spend some money, I want to make it a quick street/strip car.

Thanks for the reply
Phillyfanfrombirth

It also has dual exhaust. Automatic tranny, ratchet shifter. Please feel free to ask me questions. I could really use the help.

Thanks for reading!

[Phillyfanfrombirth]

Well, if you're comfortable with that RPM band... then the trick is to match everything else, accordingly...

Most websites will provide this info in their product descriptions...

A cam and stall torque converter would be money well spent.

Since you already have a 4v set of heads, I would think that a port and polish should suffice... though I'm not sure what compression that engine runs, which might make shaving the heads a good or bad idea as it relates to the ability to run pump gas. While you're at it, be sure to get some hardened valve seats put in there, I believe that they were still running leaded gas at the time.

Double roller timing chain... and some roller tip rockers if you can, would also be some good pick ups....

[chuckleyiv]

Thanks for the advice, and by the way, Compression is 10.7/1!

[rwhite65]

a 351 -c 4v is gonna be decent on power with only few mods. I personally would pay attention to a good torque converter 1st and a set of gears...or does it already have a lower gear? A good exhaust to let that cleavland breath would also be top priority. Does it already have any other mods...other then u think it may have been rebuilt?
Ryan

[thecerealcommie]

Efficient ignition is another area to consider... I'm assuming the distributor isn't stock or at least has a set of optical points. An ignition box like the MSD 6A and a good coil, in conjunction with a good set of 8mm wires and new plugs, and you'll be getting all your spark there with minimal loss of potential power.

Do you have a high flow air filter? This is a particularly cheap power gainer.

You mentioned that all the vacuum hoses had been cut to take the motor out, are you sure you don't have any leaks? A vacuum leak into the manifold or carb is a big no-no and robs power.

Hope this helps

[chuckleyiv]

I have managed to put the vacuum advance back to the carb, and the brakes to the manifold. One thing, does anyone know where the radiator overflow hose goes? Sorry, I'm new to the 71.

Thanks to all for the replies!

[chuckleyiv]

I also managed to pull the battery, which was so old and worn out, it couldn't run a watch! I'm also changing the cables. I was thinking about getting an MSD Ignition and distributor. Probably, yes, a MSD 6A.

I also thought of putting a roller conversion kit in it. It would reduce oil pressure and increase horsepower. The old air cleaner I took out, was TOAST! I gave it to a friend to use as a demo, and while sawing it apart, it caught fire from sparks!

I am thinking about putting a new torque converter in it. I don't know about my flexplate though.

Thanks!