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351c 2v to 351c 4v

  
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351c 2v to 351c 4v

 
Sprockets72 Sprockets72
New User | Posts: 22 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 06/11/09
02:31 PM

I just purchased a 72 mustang with a 351c 2v engine in it.  At some point in the future I would like to make some changes and convert it over to something closer to a 351c 4v.  Is it possible to use the engine I have currently and swap out the valves and such to convert it over or are there bigger differences between the two?  I am not overly familiar with these engines and I am just a hobbyist so any information you guys can give me would be great.  

 
shiftthis shiftthis
User | Posts: 216 | Joined: 04/09
Posted: 06/11/09
03:42 PM

the 4V heads have larger ports and valves than the 2V and the only way to make it a 4V is to install 4V heads and intake. the 4V heads have a raised 4 cast in the corner of the head. the 4V head came in closed and open combustion chambers. i recommend closed chamber for better detonation resistance and higher compression. i dont remember the exact year but 70-71 were closed chamber and i think 72-73 were open. i would also recomend headers. i ran a 4V closed chamber 351C back in the late 70's on the street and it was fast.  

 
boomer300 boomer300
User | Posts: 58 | Joined: 05/08
Posted: 06/11/09
05:13 PM

Australian heads have smaller port size for better low end torque and closed chambers for less detonation.  The valves in the 2V are still large vs a 302/351W and will flow pretty well if you want to save some money.  Edelbrock makes a 4V intake to mate with 2V heads as well.  I'm casually considering this same set up as I have a 2v 351C sitting here.  The 2V has lower compression, but pistons or head milling could be an option for increasing desired compression.  4V heads have very high compression and might be a factor in your decision making. Dished pistons can also lower that if preferred.  

 
mechanicalguy48 mechanicalguy48
Enthusiast | Posts: 723 | Joined: 12/07
Posted: 06/11/09
09:40 PM

Yeah I agree with whats been said. The closed wedge head chambers are D0AE-H,R and they have huge ports. The 4V open chamber heads are D1ZE-DA,GA. Typically these engines do not perform well under 3500 rpm and frankly you get that doggie feeling driving around because of the big valves and port sizes. If you have a 4:11 gear and you run at rpm higher then 3500 then yeah this engine will perform for you and it feels like a big block when its wound up tight. But for the street driven mustang the windsor engine is actually a better motor. Boomer has some good alternatives there but I would definitely stick with the 2v heads(or 2v aussie) unless you plan on seeing a lot of track time.  

 
Sprockets72 Sprockets72
New User | Posts: 22 | Joined: 06/09
Posted: 06/15/09
05:51 PM

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I will definitly have to decide what my primary use for the vehicle will be.  I am thinking I will keep the 2v heads and just switch the intake over to the edelbrock setup.  Can you recommend some good headers shifthis?  I was thinking about going with hooker headers new darkside headers but I don't know if they will fit with the automatic transmission and they don't have any footnotes listed for the 72 mustang yet.  

 
shiftthis shiftthis
User | Posts: 216 | Joined: 04/09
Posted: 06/15/09
07:10 PM

i like the 4 into 1 style , i would use 1.75" tubes into a 3" collector,HOOKERS are fine , i am not familiar with the darkside except for vader. i use a custom set from FPA on my 393W 1.75 into 3" jet hot coated.  

 

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