Torque converters are probably the most misunderstood component in an automatic transmission, yet they’re the simplest in both theory and function. Think of a torque converter like a water wheel in an old saw mill: the waterwheel is driven by fluid in motion. A torque converter works on the same principle—a fluid coupling or clutch […]
Ford Cylinder Heads and Valvetrain Interchange: Small-Block
Few things determine an engine’s personality more than cylinder heads, camshafts, and rocker arms. Ford V-8s have always struggled to make power because they’ve always been limited by factory cylinder head design. Port size on small-block Fords has always been a shortcoming, even with the 351C and Boss 302 with huge ports. Huge ports can hurt […]
Ford FE Engine Intake Manifolds: The Ultimate Guide
Ford FE intake manifolds are unique to this engine family, and instantly recognizable when compared to any other engine’s parts. One-third of the valve cover extends over the intake casting, and the pushrods run through cast or machined passages in the manifold. The FE manifolds are comparatively wide and heavy, and have numerous machined surfaces […]
Ford FE Engines: The Complete History
The FE Ford engine was released into production in 1958. The earliest applications included use in the short-lived Edsel program. The FE was not a replacement for the Y-block; it was a larger companion to an engine family sharing some design features. In 1958, the Y-block was still considered a current design at only four […]
Ford 9 Inch Differential Guide: Third-Member Assembly
This is where you combine the assembled differential with the gear case and hypoid gears. Plus, you also add the necessary bearings, seals, and shims. You can purchase individual pieces or a complete kit that includes everything that you need. Step-1: Inspect Component Kit Use the large shims on the left to make pinion […]
Ford Axle History and Identification: Ford Differentials
Before you embark on the rebuild and start scouring local scrap yards and online websites, it will be helpful to understand what to look for and what to avoid in these axles. First, you need to understand some fundamentals of the Ford axles to help guide your quest. I have spent countless hours over the […]
How to Build a 500 Horsepower Ford 351 Cleveland Engine
There are two Cleveland engine builds for you here: one from Trick Flow Specialties and another from Hot Rod magazine contributor Jeff Huneycutt of www.horsepowermonster.com. Each of these builds shows what can be done with both the 351C and 400 given budget and savvy engine-building technique. Trick Flow Specialties Trick Flow recognized the dilemma […]
Ford 351 Cleveland Engine Ignition Guide: Timing
Adjusting ignition timing must be performed with a timing light with an accurate harmonic balancer. Be sure your harmonic balancer has its timing marks properly indexed. You’d be surprised how many times you get it wrong using a worn-out balancer or one improperly indexed from the factory. Even a new harmonic balancer must be checked […]
351 Cleveland Cylinder Heads Guide: Factory Iron Heads
Although there’s some confusion over Cleveland cylinder heads, the 335-series engine family has the easiest line-up of Ford cylinder heads to understand. • 351C-4V closed wedge chamber (bolt-fulcrum rockers) 351C-4V closed wedge chamber, boss/high-output head (adjustable rockers with screw-in studs) 351c-2v open chamber (bolt-fulcrum) 351C-4V open chamber (bolt-fulcrum) 351C Australian head (2v ports with closed wedge […]
Ford 351 Cleveland Engines: Block Identification Guide
There has always been some confusion when it comes to Cleveland block identification. The 351C block castings, despite different casting numbers, are all basically the same casting and can all be converted to four-bolt main caps with help from a qualified machine shop. All have the same main webs and pan rails. And if you […]