The 351 Cleveland/Bunkie Knudsen Connection - Is there a connection? Again we look to our readers for answers.
When Henry Ford II hired Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen away from General Motors in the mid-1960s to run Ford Motor Company, Knudsen brought ideas, engineers, and stylists with him. You can imagine the conflicts at Ford as a result, especially when Ford Division General Manager Lee Iacocca had his eye on the position.
Ford already had a raised deck small-block Ford under development based on the 289/302 headed for production in its 351ci 2V and 4V V-8 introduced for 1969. In 1970, Ford would introduce a second type of 351ci V-8 with the same bore spacing, yet clearly different block and head architecture than the 351ci mill introduced in 1969. Because there was some confusion with both of these engines with Ford service technicians, Ford issued a TSB identifying these engines. The engine first introduced in 1969 would be known as the Windsor, named for its foundry and plant. The engine introduced for 1970 would be known as the Cleveland for the same reason. The Windsor would be identified by its 18mm spark plugs and cylinder heads virtually identical to the 289/302. The Cleveland would be identified by its smaller 14mm spark plugs and wide cylinder heads.
Question - did Bunkie's engineering staff, or perhaps Bunkie himself, influence the 351C's birth in any way? We've asked this question before. We are seeking answers from our readers. The 351C sports GM engineering influences such as wide, large-port, poly-angle valve heads like a big-block Chevrolet. So does the 385-series 429/460ci Ford big-block conceived when Knudsen was running Ford Motor Company. The 351C has the same block architecture as the Oldsmobile 330/350/400/455ci Rocket V-8 of the same era. Aside from bore spacing and oiling system, it is like no other Ford V-8 of the era.
Look at the 351C block. Then, look at the Oldsmobile block (in gold) and observe the similarities. I'd like to hear from anyone who might have insight into the 351C's development. You may write to me at Jim.Smart@sorc.com.