Quote:
Originally posted by PKRWUD:
It wasn't that long ago that true blue Ford racers wouldn't use any small block other than a 351C. If you suggested a 351W, let alone a 302, you wouldn't be taken seriously. Today, Cleveland engines are so rare, there's no where near the amount of aftermarket parts available that there used to be.
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Chris, I have been around for awhile and I can't remember when there was ever an over abundance of Cleveland parts when compared to the small block parts that were available. Clevelands have always been kind of a rare site around here. Hell, I've seen more 302 Boss engines than I have 351 C's.
The two most popular engines were the small block Ford and the small block Chevy. I think the 5.0 will be around for a long time to come. After that, the 4.6 may take its place, but I don't see that coming until the aftermarket starts putting out some high quality aluminum heads and have been at it for awhile. Plus the fact that the 4.6 is harder to work on. Granted it's all a matter of getting in there and learning, but it will be awhile for the "back yard mechanic" starts feeling comfortable working on one. Do you remember when the Fox Body Stangs came out with the EFI engines? Everyone I know that built cars commented on how the back yard mechanic was dead with all this high tech stuff. He's not dead, he just adapted! It will eventually be the same with the 4.6 (if it's still around).
[This message has been edited by 2FastLX (edited 11-10-2001).]