Windsor 351 Engine
The Ford Windsor 351 is an engine that made its debut in 1962, in the midst of the popular "Muscle Car" era. Originating from Windsor, Ontario, hence the name, the power and beauty of this engine's performance were soon to make it one of the most popular on the block (if you will forgive the pun).
The 351 is a small block V8 engine, replacing the former y-block engines that were currently in use. Its reliability factor, together with the fact that it dovetailed nicely with existing Ford engine parts made the 351 economical to produce, fit and run in terms of maintenance. With parts compatibility with other engines, Ford was able to put a lot of effort into making the Windsor 351 the engine brand of the times.
Over the years, Ford did try other versions of this engine, such as the 335 Cleveland, but none seemed to have the staying power of the 351 so it outlived them all. Even the 4.6 litre modular V8 from Ford could not dent the preference for the 351, probably because the overhead cam valve train was not considered to be the sign of a real muscle car block, which normally relied upon the pushrod V8 with overhead valves.
However, the muscle car gang and others really started to become noticed when Ford decided to seat it in the Mustang. Suddenly, recharged with this unique new engine, the Mustang moved up a notch in the muscle car ratings and, with the Windsor 351 power began to set standards that other the performance of its competitors were forced to take notice of. It literally oozed confidence, which was naturally transferred to the Mustang driver.
Ford took advantage of the Windsor 351's reliability and power to increase the attractiveness of other automobiles within its range. For example, the popular Ford Explorer SUV ran with the 351 until 2001 and the F-150 until 1997. The majority of those who drove vehicles with this small block 351 were eminently satisfied with it.
The 351 has seen modifications during the years, including the introduction of the popular 351 Cobra power-plant and this has helped to keep the engine alive in an automotive product sector that has seen other engines come and go with monotonous regularity. The Ford Windsor 351 has outlived them all because, although it is no longer used within many production models, the engine is still available today with a number of companies manufacturing it in crate form. This just shows that when you get a good thing going with an automotive engine and it finds a connection with the consumer, you just can't see it end. At present the Windsor 351 shows no signs of being consigned to history.
