351W In A 1971 Mustang Mach 1

by Minette Langston
(Lehigh Acres Florida, USA)

Question:

I have a 1971 Mustang Mach 1. The previous owner was not a car person, but told me it had a 351W 2v in it.

I have had 2 people from different places (parts suppliers) tell me that the Ford did not not use a 351W in the 1971's.

I can't find a definitive answer on this issue.
Do you know anything about this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Minette Langston

Answer:

Here's a near definitive answer to your question of whether or not a 351 Windsor V8 was available as an option in a 1971 Mach l Mustang.

Officially, there was no 351 Windsor engine made for the Mach l in the 1971 model year.

The available V8 engines were the base 302 V8 Windsor engine with 210 horsepower - Code F

Next up, was the 351 V8 Cleveland 2 barrel motor, which produced 240 hp - Code H

The 351 V8 with the 4 barrel carburetor, producing 280 hp was also a Cleveland engine - Code M

The only other 351C V8, which was rated at 330 horsepower, was the Boss 351 engine.

The only gray area, that might make it possible to have a Windsor engine, would be if it was an early 1971 manufacture that received one of the 1970 model year 351 Windsor engines. A very slim possibility.

Just to make sure you know what you should have for the engine in your 71 Mach 1, check your serial number on the 1971 VIN Decoder page and see if it agrees with what you see.

A 351C and a 351W are two very different looking engines. There are a number of things to look for, to help sort out one from the other.

If you want to spend a little money, you may be able to confirm that with a Marti report, using your VIN number.

Hope this helps!



More detailed information for the 1971 Mustang


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