1971 Boss 351 Engine & Trans O/H

[Stevieray]

Super resto, I like it!

Did you rebuild the trans? Do you have a picture of the third and fourth speed synchronizer in position?

I did a rebuild of my trans a half a year ago but unfortunately, I did not take a picture of the position or in which way the third and fourth speed synchronizer was installed before disassembly. A lot of others but not this one! ☹
The FORD Shop Manual tells me the groove should facing forward, but my synchronizer has a groove/notch on each side. I’ve installed it the best way I know, but now shifting out from of the third to forth or second is a little sticky/notchy. Into third it’s no problem and smooth.
Before I disassemble the trans again and reverse the synchronizer, I’d like to make sure, that this would be the solution.
How looks your third and fourth speed synchronizer in position?

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I had the transmission rebuilt by David Kee in San Antonio. David is a well known top loader expert. I’ll look back and see it I captured any pics with the top off, prior to taking it to David. The only issues I was having was a leaking front seal and the speedometer gear on the tail shaft had failed.

 

[Stevieray]

I’ve been unable to have the original dual point distributor rebuilt. Mine is going to need a shaft. When the front cam bearing failed the oil supply passage to the distributor drive shaft was restricted, pulling some of the metal on the shaft. I found a guy who rebuilds the Autolite distributors but I still need to find a replacement shaft. During the interim, I‘ve installed an Pertronics flame thrower that has worked great. This is the first start. Always a good feeling to hear them fire up!
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[71ProjectJunk]

It is great to see that engine running again! Congratulations

 

[Stevieray]

This is pretty much the finished engine installation. I have added a few more correct decals since this photo was taken. I had a couple of friends help me install the hood and fenders. I did have an unexpected event with the 4300D where I practically could have easily burned the car to the ground. Appears the floats may have hung up and it flooded the intake with AV gas. Gas was also deposited in all of the low points on the intake. I had a rebuild kit in hand and went through the carb. All has been good since. Thanks for all of your comments. Next project is the 70 Boss 302. I’m chomping at the bits!

 

[AcesArneson]

At this point the engine has been disassembled and taken to the engine shop in San Antonio. They will inspect, clean and do what ever work is required for rebuild. I will reassemble it myself. We did discuss mods to obtain more power but I told the guy I wanted to keep it as close to original as possible. I did go with the hardened valve seats on the rebuild of the heads and we went with new pistons and kept the original compression ratio. I burn 100LL Av gas in it. I dropped the top loader off with David Kee for a complete rebuild. The transmission did show signs of someone being in it earlier. Now on to the engine compartment. The surprise comes when I remove the battery tray. The panel shows some eat through due to a battery leak at some point in the cars past. And it will only get worse from here. More to come.

While the engine is apart you should get your mechanic to make a couple of changes to the oiling system so your Cleveland last longer. Restrict the number 1 bearing angled oil port and install lifter bushings. Google oiling issues for 351C for full details.

 

[AcesArneson]

I always installed factory exhaust manifolds without gaskets and never had a leak.

I recently tore my Cleveland out and noticed there were no gaskets on the exhaust manifolds. I thought they missed them and do not recall the engine ever leaking exhaust.

 

[Mac]

This is pretty much the finished engine installation. I have added a few more correct decals since this photo was taken. I had a couple of friends help me install the hood and fenders. I did have an unexpected event with the 4300D where I practically could have easily burned the car to the ground. Appears the floats may have hung up and it flooded the intake with AV gas. Gas was also deposited in all of the low points on the intake. I had a rebuild kit in hand and went through the carb. All has been good since. Thanks for all of your comments. Next project is the 70 Boss 302. I’m chomping at the bits!

Stevieray,

Your engine installation looks very good. You did not install a engine "351 C.I.D. Ram Air" decal on your air cleaner lid as a number of others make the mistake in doing. That decal actually came on the 1970 GT350. In reality, Ford felt that the "351 (or 429) ram air" lettering located on the outside of your hood by the twin air intake ports was enough. One item and I can not see in your picture so in reality in may be there is the "Battery OK" decal. You are doing a great job! Please post pics when completely done.

Mac

 

[Stevieray]

I recently tore my Cleveland out and noticed there were no gaskets on the exhaust manifolds. I thought they missed them and do not recall the engine ever leaking exhaust.

I had the engine shop take a cut on the manifolds to clean them up. Still, I decided to go back with gaskets. First time I installed them with high temp sealant. This is a carry over from using the sealant on my Lycoming exhaust gaskets. Second time around, I installed the correct size gaskets dry. Have yet to have any issues.