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Building Ford 351 Clevelands: The Power Physics

Building Ford 351 Clevelands: The Power Physics

We’ve long been led to believe horsepower is what “power” is all about. But horsepower is rooted more in Madison Avenue advertising rhetoric than fact. In the power picture, horsepower doesn’t count for much, especially on the street. What counts is torque and when you have the most of it. Engines make torque when you […]

Filed Under: Ford 351 Cleveland Engine, Ford Tech Tips

Ford Axle Removal: Complete Step by Step Instructions

Ford Axle Removal: Complete Step by Step Instructions

You have a couple of options when servicing the rear axle. You can do all the work with the axle installed in the car or remove the axle from the car and perform the work on an axle fixture. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Are you working on a vehicle hoist or using a […]

Filed Under: Ford Tech Tips, Rebuild Ford Differentials

How to Machine Small-Block Ford Heads: Step by Step

How to Machine Small-Block Ford Heads: Step by Step

The small-block Ford has never been blessed with particularly good cylinder heads in its half-century service life. Even the Boss 302 and 5.0L GT-40 were never impressive in the cylinder head department. The Boss 302 was an excellent racing engine, but it was a real dog on the street because its huge ports didn’t deliver […]

Filed Under: Ford Small-Block Engine, Ford Tech Tips

Small-Block Ford Ultimate Disassembly Guide

Small-Block Ford Ultimate Disassembly Guide

In Chapter 1, we told you about our subject engine, a 1965 289-2V engine removed from Jeff Fischbach’s Mustang convertible. When Mustang Monthly decided to target this engine for a “Budget 289 Build-Up,” they invited us to follow to gather information for this book. The engine had failed coming off of a Los Angeles freeway. […]

Filed Under: Ford Small-Block Engine, Ford Tech Tips

Roots Superchargers Guide in Ford Small-Blocks

Roots Superchargers Guide in Ford Small-Blocks

It matters little whether you call them blowers, compressors, huffers, windmills, air transfer pumps, wheezers, Jimmys, or anything else. The supercharger in its various forms is almost as synonymous with high-performance enthusiasts as the beloved V-8 engine itself.   This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOW TO BUILD SUPERCHARGED & TURBOCHARGED SMALL-BLOCK FORDS. For […]

Filed Under: Ford Small-Block Engine, Ford Tech Tips

FORD MODULAR SWAP GUIDE: Startup Tips

FORD MODULAR SWAP GUIDE: Startup Tips

Below are a few miscellaneous final tips to get the projects out and on the road. Proper handling, proper startup, and proper run-out are all important and these pointers will help you avoid costly mistakes.   This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOW TO SWAP FORD MODULAR ENGINES INTO MUSTANGS, TORINOS AND MORE. For […]

Filed Under: Ford Engine Swaps, Ford Modular Engines, Ford Mustang, Ford Tech Tips, Ford Torino

Ford Modular Engine Swap Guide: Exhaust System

Ford Modular Engine Swap Guide: Exhaust System

With most modular engine swaps, space restrictions under the hood of the swap vehicle will affect the exhaust system. Often, components can contact and interfere with the routing of the header tubs or exhaust manifold castings. When building a high-performance car, owners often opt for headers to allow the engine to breathe well and produce […]

Filed Under: Ford Engine Swaps, Ford Modular Engines, Ford Mustang, Ford Tech Tips, Ford Torino

FORD MODULAR SWAP GUIDE: Transmission and Drivetrain

FORD MODULAR SWAP GUIDE: Transmission and Drivetrain

The transmission is a major factor to consider when converting to modern drivetrain components. In particular, you must determine fitment in the transmission tunnel and shifter location. Modern transmissions, with their additional gears and capabilities, are considerably larger than their older counterparts, and there are many horror stories of chopped transmission tunnels to make the […]

Filed Under: Ford Engine Swaps, Ford Modular Engines, Ford Mustang, Ford Tech Tips, Ford Torino

Ford Modular Engine Swap Guide: Cooling, Ignition and Engine Systems

Ford Modular Engine Swap Guide: Cooling, Ignition and Engine Systems

This chapter discusses the systems external to the engine and should be considered when swapping a modular engine into any chassis. Items such as cooling, ignition, and gauges need to be designed to take advantage of some of the improvements of the modular engine over earlier V-8 designs.   This Tech Tip is From the […]

Filed Under: Ford Engine Swaps, Ford Modular Engines, Ford Mustang, Ford Tech Tips, Ford Torino

Swapping Ford Modular Engines: Fuel Systems Guide

Swapping Ford Modular Engines: Fuel Systems Guide

As I stated in the introduction, the goal of this book is not to make you an expert on building a monster modular engine. The goal is to help you get the engine in your chassis and make you aware of the options available for the project. The fuel system is a prime example because […]

Filed Under: Ford Engine Swaps, Ford Modular Engines, Ford Mustang, Ford Tech Tips, Ford Torino

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The Ultimate Ford Transmission Torque Converters Guide

The Ultimate Ford Transmission Torque Converters Guide

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Mustang Engine Swap Guide

Mustang Engine Swap Guide

In this chapter I cover the common engine swaps for first-generation Mustangs that increase performance potential. My philosophy is “There’s no replacement for displacement” when it comes to increasing performance, but the key is how you get it. I … [Click here to read more...]

How to Install Ford C4 and C6 Transmissions: Step by Step

How to Install Ford C4 and C6 Transmissions: Step by Step

Although I focus great attention on how a transmission is built, installation and proper adjustment after the unit is installed are just as important to durability and longevity. To get longevity and durability, a transmission must be properly … [Click here to read more...]

How to Disassemble Ford 4.6L & 5.4L Engines – Step-by-Step

How to Disassemble Ford 4.6L & 5.4L Engines – Step-by-Step

Because the Modular V-8 has so many different applications, it is impossible to detail all the removal and installation specifics here. However, I can touch on what you can expect across a broad range of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury applications. Gone … [Click here to read more...]

How to Build a 500 Horsepower Ford 351 Cleveland Engine

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 … [Click here to read more...]

How to Assembly Ford 4.6L & 5.4L Engines – Step-by-Step

How to Assembly Ford 4.6L & 5.4L Engines – Step-by-Step

Once you have disassembled the engine, selected the best parts, and finished the machine work, it may seem as if the toughest part of a rebuild is over, but it isn’t. As with every other aspect of a Modular engine rebuild, the assembly is challenging … [Click here to read more...]

Ford Small-Block Rebuild: Torque Specs, Sequences, and Alignment

Ford Small-Block Rebuild: Torque Specs, Sequences, and Alignment

Cylinder Numbers and Firing Order / Torque Sequences This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, HOW TO REBUILD THE SMALL-BLOCK FORD. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link: LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK … [Click here to read more...]

Ford FE Engines:  The Complete History

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Ford FE Engine Intake Manifolds: The Ultimate Guide

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Ford Cylinder Heads and Valvetrain Interchange: Small-Block

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Ford C4 and C6 Transmission Trouble Shooting Guide

Ford C4 and C6 Transmission Trouble Shooting Guide

It’s good to have a source to guide you when you’re struggling with troublesome transmission function. You can be methodical and cover all the bases during a rebuild and still things can go wrong. This is where a step-by-step approach to the problem … [Click here to read more...]

Ford Axle History and Identification: Ford Differentials

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Ford AODE/4R70W Guide: Calibration, Building, Troubleshooting

Ford AODE/4R70W Guide: Calibration, Building, Troubleshooting

Ford’s AOD evolved into a highly successful mechanically modulated transmission from its 1980 introduction until production ended in 1991. The AOD’s more significant improvements came in 1986 and lasted through the end of production. Ford developed … [Click here to read more...]

Ford AOD Transmission Installation and Swapping Guide

Ford AOD Transmission Installation and Swapping Guide

Although transmission installation and adjustment appears straight-forward, you should take an orderly, methodical approach to ensure success. You’re either swapping in an AOD, AODE, or 4R70W, or you’re removing and reinstalling one. Size up the job … [Click here to read more...]

Ford 9 Inch Differential Guide: Third-Member Assembly

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Ford 351 Cleveland Engines: Block Identification Guide

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 … [Click here to read more...]

Ford 351 Cleveland Engine Ignition Guide: Timing

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 … [Click here to read more...]

4.6L & 5.4L Ford Rebuild Cheat Sheet: Selecting Parts

4.6L & 5.4L Ford Rebuild Cheat Sheet: Selecting Parts

Parts selection is one of the most important elements of engine building because all parts must operate in concert with one another. Never has this been more crucial than with Ford’s Modular V-8 because of the many variations produced since 1991. You … [Click here to read more...]

4.6L & 5.4L Ford Rebuild Cheat Sheet: Before You Begin

4.6L & 5.4L Ford Rebuild Cheat Sheet: Before You Begin

When Ford introduced the 4.6L single overhead cam (SOHC) “Modular” V-8 in 1991 in the Lincoln Town Car, it took Ford enthusiasts by surprise because it was unlike any other Ford V-8 ever made. It wasn’t like the classic FE-Series 427 SOHC V-8 that … [Click here to read more...]

351 Cleveland Cylinder Heads Guide: Factory Iron Heads

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, … [Click here to read more...]

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