Whipple for a 351(c)

[LePetiteMort]

Hello,

Sorry if this is a dumb question. I tried searching on the forum and online as well but haven't found a really solid answer. I have a '73 fastback with a 351(c) 2v in it. I have only had it about 7 months and have finally gotten into nicer weather and want to start looking at what I want to do to get more power out of her. I started considering looking at an upgraded cam kit, but then I began to realize that there seems to be something else that connects to the part I wam wanting to upgrade that keeps trailing into this. So I came to the realization that if I am wanting to put a supercharger of some kind on it, that I would need to have that in mind when I am deciding most of the other modifications as well (like the carb, and the cam, and the valves, etc). That led me to find the Whipple brand of superchargers as I like the idea of it being low profile and maybe not having to "come up" though the hood. So they interested me.

A little background, I am SUPER new to wrenching in general. I have always wanted to start a project and dive into learning everything there is to learn about wrenching, but was never in a financial or stable postiioin to do it. Until now, so I bought my first project and have been slowly learning since. I have this '73 Mustang with the intent to turn it into a restomod as I do not want to push for OEM on my first project so I have the peace of mind to screw things up as I learn. I also am building this to be a daily driver, I want to drive this as often as I can. (which has been evident as I have driven it a couple times this past season when it was less than 10 degrees outside and there is not currently any heat in the car). I love this car, and I have loved getting into and learning more and more about working on it.

Unfortunately for me, as I am digging into the engine aspect now, it is getting significantly more complicated for me and I am getting a little overwhelmed. So I have a couple questions for the experts in here that might be willing to help.

1) Do you know of any good book or website that would be useful for someone that has ABSOLUTELY NO experience with working on cars or engines that would be able to really help me dig into working on the '73 Mustang? I have purchased the shop manuals and repair manuals that everyone suggested, but the problem with these is if you have absolutely no experience working on cars, these might as well be written in greek for the most part. I am not looking for a "Mustangs for Dummies" book, but something that would assist me in learning more of the "why" and "how" as I am developing these skills would be great. I would like to consider myself a fairly intelligent individual and able to pick things up fairly quickly, but unfortunately almost all of the guides, links, and videos I've found are targeted and geared for people that already have a reasonable background in mechanics.

2) Do you have a suggestion on where to look to find a decent low profile supercharger for her (if Whipple makes one or if maybe someone else does)? I am more interested in torque I think than top end speed as I want it as a daily driver, but would like to be able to light them up off the line every now and then when the itch presents itself (most of the time when I have some little Honda next to me revving up...)

3) As I am looking at upgrading the engine to the point of a supercharger. There is obviously a "starting" point that I should be looking at to begin this process. I was under the impression that the cam was that point, but I am beginning to think that I may be wrong in that assumption and thought it couldn't hurt to ask while I was on here anyways.

I greatly appreciate any help that you are able to give, I genuinely apologize if this is something that has been rehashed already, I did try to run a couple searches before I jumped on here and asked. I do not mean to waste anyone's time. Thank you again.

This is the engine bay after I cleaned her up.

 

[Tnfastbk]

https://thesuperchargerstore.com/ag-1781692.1781865-ford-351c-400m.html
Torqstrom makes a single and double kit
https://www.tpsmotorsports.com/torqstrom-ford-351-cleveland-twin-supercharger-kit.html
https://torqstorm.com/product/ford_351_cleveland_supercharger_kit/
https://torqstorm.com/product/ford_351_cleveland_twin_supercharger_kit/

 

[Cleveland Crush]

Hello,

Sorry if this is a dumb question. I tried searching on the forum and online as well but haven't found a really solid answer. I have a '73 fastback with a 351(c) 2v in it. I have only had it about 7 months and have finally gotten into nicer weather and want to start looking at what I want to do to get more power out of her. I started considering looking at an upgraded cam kit, but then I began to realize that there seems to be something else that connects to the part I wam wanting to upgrade that keeps trailing into this. So I came to the realization that if I am wanting to put a supercharger of some kind on it, that I would need to have that in mind when I am deciding most of the other modifications as well (like the carb, and the cam, and the valves, etc). That led me to find the Whipple brand of superchargers as I like the idea of it being low profile and maybe not having to "come up" though the hood. So they interested me.

A little background, I am SUPER new to wrenching in general. I have always wanted to start a project and dive into learning everything there is to learn about wrenching, but was never in a financial or stable postiioin to do it. Until now, so I bought my first project and have been slowly learning since. I have this '73 Mustang with the intent to turn it into a restomod as I do not want to push for OEM on my first project so I have the peace of mind to screw things up as I learn. I also am building this to be a daily driver, I want to drive this as often as I can. (which has been evident as I have driven it a couple times this past season when it was less than 10 degrees outside and there is not currently any heat in the car). I love this car, and I have loved getting into and learning more and more about working on it.

Unfortunately for me, as I am digging into the engine aspect now, it is getting significantly more complicated for me and I am getting a little overwhelmed. So I have a couple questions for the experts in here that might be willing to help.

1) Do you know of any good book or website that would be useful for someone that has ABSOLUTELY NO experience with working on cars or engines that would be able to really help me dig into working on the '73 Mustang? I have purchased the shop manuals and repair manuals that everyone suggested, but the problem with these is if you have absolutely no experience working on cars, these might as well be written in greek for the most part. I am not looking for a "Mustangs for Dummies" book, but something that would assist me in learning more of the "why" and "how" as I am developing these skills would be great. I would like to consider myself a fairly intelligent individual and able to pick things up fairly quickly, but unfortunately almost all of the guides, links, and videos I've found are targeted and geared for people that already have a reasonable background in mechanics.

2) Do you have a suggestion on where to look to find a decent low profile supercharger for her (if Whipple makes one or if maybe someone else does)? I am more interested in torque I think than top end speed as I want it as a daily driver, but would like to be able to light them up off the line every now and then when the itch presents itself (most of the time when I have some little Honda next to me revving up...)

3) As I am looking at upgrading the engine to the point of a supercharger. There is obviously a "starting" point that I should be looking at to begin this process. I was under the impression that the cam was that point, but I am beginning to think that I may be wrong in that assumption and thought it couldn't hurt to ask while I was on here anyways.

I greatly appreciate any help that you are able to give, I genuinely apologize if this is something that has been rehashed already, I did try to run a couple searches before I jumped on here and asked. I do not mean to waste anyone's time. Thank you again.

This is the engine bay after I cleaned her up.

As to your 1st question on a good beginners book for stock/factory 351 Cleveland engine builds:
(Tom Monroe) How To Rebuild Your FORD V8. 351C-351 | PDF - Scribd

BUT may I suggest, since you want to supercharge your engine and have no prior engine building experience ...get a trusted partner to help and advise along the way. Building your first engine is fun and rewarding, do a lot of reading, research and ask a lot of questions in advance.
The forum members will be happy to offer their insights to help you along the way!

 

[rcadd1ct]

The blower shop sells a low profile roots blower.

the Distributor willl be in the way so you will have to go coil on plug or do some other form of ignition.

I am currently running a b&m low profile supercharger from the 90’s. It has a blower snout offset to get around the distributor. You can see how far it stick out the hood.

there are blower manifolds for a 6-71 pattern supercharger for a 351c, but most are cost prohibitive

 

[LePetiteMort]

Thank you all for the amazing help and responses. This was immensely helpful. I do have a couple close friends that are quite experienced that have been able to help me when it came to some of the harder projects that I've done. Unfortunately they are not very versed in the world of the ponies and thus I wanted to get some input from the experts on here. One of the problems that I have been facing thus far is that most of the people I talk to, and most of the materials I read (including so many of the websites) seem to run off the assumption that I have a solid mechanical foundation. This has seemed to be my biggest barrier as it makes it hard to fully follow exactly where the information is coming from at times as I seem to spend so much of that time trying to look up what it is they are talking about. That is why I asked about the "beginner" guide. As I am picking it up quickly and working quickly, but I seem to be doing a lot of backtracking to cover a bunch of gaps.

Thank you again for all the help and I am looking forward to what is next.

 

[Spike Morelli]

Having such lofty aspirations as wanting to supercharge your 351c Ford, on entry level skills and knowlege, is impressive. To start off, because Fords have the distributor in the front, what people usually do, is purchase an intake manifold that is raised, like a Tunnel-Ram base with a plate bolted or welded to it that accepts a supercharger. Obviously, any hopes of fitting a blower under the hood without alteration are soon impossible. Even if you had a Chevrolet small block, for which much is available, there's always some special fabrication to do, so having those skills helps a lot. Also, you would want a fresh engine, with a blower friendly cam grind, and relatively low compression pistons, to realize the full merits of the blower. Pump gas, being as ****** as it is, will limit most street builds to around 5 to 6 pounds of boost. As an aside, there is no boost at idle, and scarsely any at cruise, but, plant your foot in it and your efforts are realized. Even with mild boost, prepare to light up the tires. As is the case with an engine built to take the boost, you would want to be sure your rear end, trans, and suspension, is up to the task. Oh, and you will need to cut a hole in your hood, probably lose your A/C if you have it, and lose your radiator fan shroud or notch it. A new carb will be required as well. The lower blower pulley may interfere with the front crossmember ( just a guess). My intention here, is NOT to be a "buzzkill", I work at The Blower Shop, I like supercharging a lot, and I don't want to steer you against your dreams. Just know that there are some other things that go hand-in -hand, and it can become pricey, especially for a first time enthusiast. We, at The Blower Shop, do not stock a kit for the 351c, however, you can Google, and call, Blower Drive Service, Alkydigger, Hampton's Superchargers, RBS Superchargers, and check out what they have, and the prices, which will, at least, give you some idea as to what to do. If you have any questions as you get into it, about Roots style blowers, don't hesitate to call me at the shop, or even better, e-mail me....spike@theblowershop. Good hunting!

 

[c9zx]

Offset distributor. Chuck http://www.swartzracingmanifolds.com/distributors/

 

[Spike Morelli]

Outtasite! Nice pull C9zx! yeah, this can make things do-able. I know a guy who runs a M/T front dist drive on his blown 427 Ford, but man, are they hard to find.

 

[Spike Morelli]

When it comes to the actual installation components of a Roots style supercharger on a Cleveland, it all starts with locating and aquiring the intake manifold first. Some are adapted tunnel-ram lower sections with a blower flange welded onto it, and these are some of the tallest. Some blower manifolds are actually dual-quad manifolds with the carb pads machined down, and a blower flange welded on. Some, like the Speedmaster style are of a lower, more compact style, which appear to be more appropriate for a low profile style street blower. Whichever style you go for, the manifolds positioning of the blower. in height, and distance forward or backwards on the mounting, will now determine what components are necessary to complete the drive set-up. I personally think purchasing an "angle" drive, to get the distributor out of harms way, is the ticket. When figuring out the location of the drive pulleys, you will want to do all you can to keep it all as close to the block as possible. The further away the crank blower pulley, the further out the blower snout has to reach to be in line with it, and many Ford and Mopar guys will turn the top pulley around so it's offset is biased forward. Sometimes, placing the accessory ( ALT or P/S ) outboard of the lower blower pulley will net you another 1 1/2" to place the lower pulley closer to the harmonic balancer. It's very common to have the idler pulley located on a slide bracket bolted to the blower's front case, so that isn't an issue. Because of the direction of pull on the drive belt, ( clockwise when viewed from the front ), all of the major stress is on the driver's side ( or right, when viewed from the front), so the idler will always be on the "slack" side, to the passenger side. Now, as far as blower case placement, you may be thinking, " I'll just make a plate to bolt to my manifold to move it forward instead of a long snout". The reality here is, Roots blowers using the traditional 60 degree twist, tend to move the air to the front of the case, so keeping the blower relatively over the manifold is preferred. If you purchase a blower with straight 2-lobe rotors you may be better off on the street, and it will still make all the boost you can use on pump gas. With all of this said, to me, the installation also needs one other element.....asthetics. Excluding the Mickey Thompson set-ups for FE and Small Block Ford, no one really dedicated a lot of competiton inspired components for Fords, and specifically Clevelands, as they weren't in production here very long. Possibly there's an Aussie blower intake that we need to look at.

 

[Ron Tanzi]

I thought Mr. Whipple died.

 

[midlife]

I thought Mr. Whipple died.

That's a real Charmin.

 

[Sheriff41]

That's a real Charmin.

You guys are squeezin' this for all it's worth!

 

[AcesArneson]

As far as being new to automotive mechanics goes I believe it would be very helpful watch some videos on YouTube about the internal combustion engine and how it works. Videos for beginners will give you the general idea of what is happening under the hood.
A blower is an awesome addition for a Cleveland but just throwing one on a stock engine might be asking for trouble. The 351c has an underperforming Lube system can starve the lifters and the inner main bearings on the crankshaft, so adding torque to your engine before correcting these faults might lead to an early rebuild.
The 2V Cleveland is an awesome engine with tons of potential. In order to produce more torque and inevitably more horsepower you will need to help the old girl breathe. These 2V’s are great for blowers because they specialize in low end torque but you will definitely need to do a little work if you want to get some snappy wheel busting.
The intake manifold is the place to start and it sounds like the rest of the gang has already brought this up, just remember any intake you buy must mate up to your 2V heads. These Cleveland’s have 2V and 4V configurations in North America but the Auzzie’s have a 3V that combines the best of both of the original platforms. So be very careful that any intake manifold you buy is 2V.
Have fun with your car, the engine compartment looks great. I wonder if your engine has already had some work done to it or if it is stock? Find out from the person you got it from. If it has already been rebuilt then you may have even more options than you are aware of.

 

[kim&mike121721]

Having such lofty aspirations as wanting to supercharge your 351c Ford, on entry level skills and knowlege, is impressive. To start off, because Fords have the distributor in the front, what people usually do, is purchase an intake manifold that is raised, like a Tunnel-Ram base with a plate bolted or welded to it that accepts a supercharger. Obviously, any hopes of fitting a blower under the hood without alteration are soon impossible. Even if you had a Chevrolet small block, for which much is available, there's always some special fabrication to do, so having those skills helps a lot. Also, you would want a fresh engine, with a blower friendly cam grind, and relatively low compression pistons, to realize the full merits of the blower. Pump gas, being as ****** as it is, will limit most street builds to around 5 to 6 pounds of boost. As an aside, there is no boost at idle, and scarsely any at cruise, but, plant your foot in it and your efforts are realized. Even with mild boost, prepare to light up the tires. As is the case with an engine built to take the boost, you would want to be sure your rear end, trans, and suspension, is up to the task. Oh, and you will need to cut a hole in your hood, probably lose your A/C if you have it, and lose your radiator fan shroud or notch it. A new carb will be required as well. The lower blower pulley may interfere with the front crossmember ( just a guess). My intention here, is NOT to be a "buzzkill", I work at The Blower Shop, I like supercharging a lot, and I don't want to steer you against your dreams. Just know that there are some other things that go hand-in -hand, and it can become pricey, especially for a first time enthusiast. We, at The Blower Shop, do not stock a kit for the 351c, however, you can Google, and call, Blower Drive Service, Alkydigger, Hampton's Superchargers, RBS Superchargers, and check out what they have, and the prices, which will, at least, give you some idea as to what to do. If you have any questions as you get into it, about Roots style blowers, don't hesitate to call me at the shop, or even better, e-mail me....spike@theblowershop. Good hunting!

Spike morelli can you call me? I live in boise also and would like your input on a blower set up if i could. 208-249-8043 mike mann. Thanks