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Need help on an engine ID...


Kaiboywakesurfers

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OK. Here's the deal. I bought an 85' Malibu a few years ago. Took it into the local shop and wanted to get a manual for the motor. The service guy was beside himself. He said it was a completely "built" motor. Everything was replaced and upgraded and he couldn't ID it. I've search and can't find any numbers. I know its either a 351 or 305? Does that sound right??

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A picture should tell which it is or what it started life out as at least. It could be bored to a bigger displacement too. if it can't be identified by a picture for certain, there should be numbers on the block that will tell what it is, but there is a noticeable difference between Ford & Chevy.

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Look for a raised casting number on the block. This will tell you what the engine block is. It will be a long code, not "351" or "305". May even find "GM" or "FOMOCO" on it somewhere.

If you can find a flat ground surface with a "stamped" number, this will be the motor identification number that is individual to the vehicle it was built for. If no stamped number, it probably is a replacement block.

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Didn't ford engines have the dist at the front of the engine? I also think Ford exhaust ports are all separated where as the Chevy center two are side by each and the outer ones are by themselves. There are a number of other ways to tell, but those are the two easiest to explain, imo.

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I'll take a look again this afternoon and see about some numbers. And try to take a couple pictures as well. Thanks all. I appreciate the help!

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OK. Did some poking around and found no numbers on the block. I did, however, find "performance 351 W" on the edelbrock intake. I'm assuming the motor is a 351 Windsor. Can anyone tell me about this motor? HP? Where I might be able to find some info on it? She Sounds great and hauls a**.

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That would be my guess too. I've had a couple of those in my younger days. The distributor will be on the front of the engine and the exhaust ports are all separated by spark plugs as previously posted. It's a step up from the Ford 302. The 351 Windsor is a small block engine....the 351 Cleveland is big block and noticibly different in size. IIRC, the 351W was the largest displacement small block they made at that time. There's no way to know on power without knowing what was done to it. If it's "built", it could have head work, aftermarket cam, etc which will make it hard to guess.

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