Topic: 1971 mach 1 engine question ???

[777mach1]

Hi everyone !

I just finally bought my dream car. Been looking around for years. It's a matching nb's 1971 mach 1 fastback with a 351 cleveland 2 bolt, auto tranny. I'd like to get a bigger engine and a stick. I need some guidance. It's a project car so I can go any direction...
What do you recommend ?
Thx

[ol dirty doug]

you can do alot with that engine but it is expensive, i would build a windsor stroker.

[Jeff73Mach1]

Why change the engine and transmission in a matching numbers car?  Seems like finding a non matching numbers car would be cheaper. 

As to building a Cleveland engine, it really isn't much more expensive than building a windsor and the rods and crank in a cleveland are good for 7000 rpm without upgrading.  The block is stiffer as well.

Get a set of 4V heads (Closed Chamber if you can find them, Open chambers are fine though)  Build them with one piece stainless valves with a decent 3 angle valve job.  Put a good camshaft in it (don't waste the money on a roller, a good solid is much more fun) add a intake matched to the heads and a good set of hooker headers  you'll have no problem putting out 375 horsepower with nothing trick at all.

Keep what you pull off and clean it up and if you decide to sell the car, you can either include the parts, or return the car to its original condition.

[Soaring]

you can do alot with that engine but it is expensive, i would build a windsor stroker.

Yeah, I have never been enthralled with the myth that the Clevo was a better engine, especially since the Windsor upgrades are so plentiful over the Clevo. 

[Col]

Hi all, I have a matching numbers `73 Mach1 and there is no way I'd be modifying the engine. would it not be better to just throw a crate motor in there and save all the hassles?? by the time you buy all the bits and pieces you hae spent thousands anyway. Regards to all and Happy Xmas from down Under.

[777mach1]

Thx for the input !

Not so much that I want to get rid of it..... I planned on keeping the Clevo, restoring it and crating it to keep it matching and neat. Then get another engine to have fun with  , that could cruise well 'cause there would be some highway miles involved (I want to actually drive the thing, why a 5 speed interested me); good start AND cruise !?

But I guess you're covering my doubts about how solid the Clevo block is! I wasn't too sure about which direction I could go with it. I intend on having a good overall performance on the starting grid, yet not crap my shorts everytime I see an on-ramp because of fuel.....

And also, what are your thoughts on carburators? I've heard 2 sides to the story about wether or not to switch to a fuel injection ?? I'm all about keeping it as stock as possible but if these swaps are worth it and don't mess the integrity of the car, well.... you know ?!

Thx again

[Soaring]

Keep the carburetor.