Ford 351 Windsor Engine for Sale | OEM Used 5.8L Windsor Small Block V8
$3,500.00
Product Overview
- Displacement: 351 cu in (5.8L)
- Engine Family: Ford Windsor Small Block
- Configuration: V8, OHV, 16 valves
- Horsepower: 150 to 300 hp, confirmed at order
- Condition: OEM used, compression tested and inspected
- Availability: Multiple year ranges 1969 to 1996 in stock
- Shipping: Free freight to all 50 states, 5 to 10 business days
- All 8 cylinders pressure-tested with results shared before payment
- Firing order difference from 302 disclosed before every order ships
- Year, block generation, and fuel system documented before shipping
- Fitment verified before every order ships
- Zero core charge required, your existing engine stays with you
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
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Description
Engine Background
The Ford 351 Windsor is the largest-displacement member of the Ford Windsor small block family. Introduced in 1969, it shares the same 4.00 inch bore as the 289 and 302 but uses a longer 3.50 inch stroke to displace 351 cubic inches. What most buyers do not know upfront, and what causes the most installation problems, is that the 351 Windsor uses a completely different firing order from every other Ford Windsor small block. The 302 and 289 fire 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. The 351 Windsor fires 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The two cannot share plug wire routing.
The 351 Windsor was produced across a very wide range of applications for 27 years, from the 1969 Mustang to 1996 F-Series and Bronco trucks. Early high-compression versions produced up to 300 hp. Late emissions-era versions dropped well below 200 hp. EFI truck versions from the late 1980s onward are among the most practical used units available today due to their relative youth and durability.
For Mustang, F-150, Bronco, and full-size Ford restorers, the 351 Windsor is one of the most available and well-supported used Ford V8s on the market. A compression-tested unit with year and block generation documented is the reliable foundation for any Ford repair or restoration project.
When Replacement Becomes Necessary
- Knock at startup that clears after oil pressure builds, worn main or rod bearings on high-mileage units
- Blue smoke on cold startup, valve stem seal deterioration (very common on aged Windsor heads)
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, ring wear, scored walls, or head gasket failure
- Oil leaks at the rear main seal, the two-piece seal on pre-1982 engines is a known seep point
- Timing chain noise at cold start, worn chain on flat-tappet engines
- EFI rough idle not resolved by tune, mass airflow sensor or injector wear on late-model truck versions
Known Issues We Document Before Shipping
- Pre-1975 versus post-1975 block incompatibility: the 351 Windsor block changed significantly in 1975. Pre-1975 blocks have different water passage routing and deck dimensions. Some heads and intake manifolds are not interchangeable across these two generations. We document which block generation you are receiving on every order.
- Firing order confusion with 302: the most common installation error. The 351W fires 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. The 302 fires 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. Using 302 plug wire routing on a 351W will cause severe misfiring. We flag this on every order.
- Flat-tappet cam wear on pre-1994 engines: pre-1994 351W engines use flat-tappet camshafts requiring ZDDP zinc additive in the oil. Many were run for years with modern low-zinc oil, accelerating cam lobe wear. We inspect and report on valvetrain condition indicators.
- 2-bolt main caps: unlike the Boss 302, the 351 Windsor always used 2-bolt main caps. For high-performance builds requiring stronger bottom end, aftermarket 4-bolt main conversions or aftermarket blocks (Dart, World Products) are the path.
- Fuel system varies dramatically by year: carbureted (1969 to mid-1980s), EFI (late 1980s onward in truck applications). Match the fuel system to your application or plan a conversion at installation.
351 Windsor Variants by Year and Application
Verified configurations across the 27-year production run:
| Era and Application | Years | HP Range | Compression | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early High Output | 1969 to 1971 | 250 to 300 hp | 10.7:1 | Best performing 351W era. 4-barrel carb versions in Mustang and Torino. Pre-1975 block. |
| Emissions Transition | 1972 to 1974 | 161 to 248 hp | 8.0 to 8.6:1 | Net rating switch. Pre-1975 block. Declining output due to emissions tuning. |
| Post-1975 Block Era | 1975 to 1987 | 145 to 210 hp | 7.9 to 8.3:1 | Revised block with different water passages. Common in F-150 and full-size Ford trucks. |
| Late EFI Truck Version | 1988 to 1996 | 150 to 210 hp | 8.8:1 | Sequential multi-port EFI. Roller cam on 1994 onward. Most durable used units available. |
| C9OE-6015 / D0OE-6015 | 1969 to 1970 original blocks- pre-1975 generation |
|---|---|
| D2OE to D4OE | 1972 to 1974- pre-1975 generation |
| D5AE onward | 1975-and-later revised block- different water jacket and deck height |
| E8AE / E9AE / F-series stamps | Late 1980s to 1996 truck blocks- EFI era |
What Ships and What Does Not
| INCLUDED- Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, front timing cover, and water pump where present. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold, carburetor or EFI system, exhaust manifolds, distributor or coil pack, alternator, power steering pump, starter, flywheel or flexplate, accessory brackets. |
| Short Block Option | Call (240) 306-7051 if you need a short block only. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Direct-Fit Vehicle Applications
| Ford Mustang | 1969 to 1973 (Mach 1 and base variants) |
|---|---|
| Ford Torino and Ranchero | 1969 to 1976 |
| Ford Fairlane | 1969 to 1970 |
| Ford F-100, F-150, F-250 | 1969 to 1996 |
| Ford Bronco (Full Size) | 1969 to 1996 |
| Ford LTD and Crown Victoria | 1969 to 1991 (select applications) |
| Ford Country Squire and Wagon variants | 1969 to 1991 (select applications) |
| Mercury Cougar and Montego | 1969 to 1976 |
Search Terms Buyers Use
| 351 Windsor | Most common buyer search term |
|---|---|
| 351W engine | Abbreviated designation |
| Ford 351W | Full designation |
| Ford 5.8L engine | Liter-format- truck buyer search |
| 351 Windsor motor | Motor vs engine buyer |
| 351W for sale | Short buyer search |
| Mustang 351 engine | Mustang restoration buyer |
| Ford truck 351 engine | F-150 and Bronco buyer |
| 351 Windsor replacement engine | Replacement intent buyer |
| used 351W engine | Condition-qualifier search |
Not sure if this fits? Call us. We verify year, block generation, and fuel system before every order ships.
Used OEM Versus Specialist Rebuild
For a classic Mustang, Torino, F-150, Bronco, LTD, or full-size Ford restoration on a reasonable budget, a documented used 351 Windsor with year and block generation verified is the cost-effective path. For a performance build targeting 400-plus horsepower, a specialist rebuild with stroker kit, aluminum heads, and supporting upgrades is the better investment. Built 351W strokers (393, 408, or 427 displacement) typically run $6,500 to $12,000 from established Ford specialist shops, plus carburetor and supporting components.
Inspection Workflow
- Compression test logged across all 8 cylinders with uniformity reported
- Year and block generation documented: pre-1975 versus post-1975
- Fuel system identified: carbureted (pre-1985) or EFI (late 1980s onward)
- Firing order disclosure provided on every order (1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 for 351W)
- Valvetrain condition assessed where accessible
- External oil leak survey at valve covers, front and rear seals (especially the two-piece pre-1982 rear main), oil pan
- Donor vehicle and service history documented where available
Pre-Purchase Buyer Notes
- Confirm firing order at installation: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 for the 351 Windsor. Do NOT use 302 plug wire routing. This is the most common 351W installation error.
- Match block generation to your heads and intake: pre-1975 and post-1975 blocks have different water passage routing. Some heads and intakes do not cross over. We document block generation on every order.
- Use ZDDP oil additive on pre-1994 flat-tappet cams: modern low-zinc oils accelerate cam lobe wear on flat-tappet engines. Use a high-zinc oil (Brad Penn, Driven Racing, Lucas Hot Rod) or add a ZDDP supplement.
- Match fuel system: a carbureted 351W in an EFI chassis requires fuel system conversion. An EFI 351W in a carbureted chassis is simpler but still requires fuel pump and tank changes.
- Plan rear main seal service on pre-1982 units: the two-piece rear main seal is a known seep point. Service or upgrade to a one-piece seal kit at installation.
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Year and block generation documented before payment (pre-1975 or post-1975)
- Fuel system identified: carbureted or EFI
- Firing order disclosure provided on every order (1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, different from 302)
- All 8 cylinders compression-tested with uniformity reported
- Valvetrain condition assessed for flat-tappet wear
- External oil leak survey including the known two-piece rear main pre-1982 issue
- No core return required
- Free freight delivery to every state
- 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
- Call us to speak with someone who knows 351W versus 302 firing order, pre-1975 versus post-1975 block differences, and classic Ford application matching
Additional information
| displacement | 351 cu in (5.8L) |
|---|---|
| engine-family | Ford Windsor Small Block |
| configuration | 16 valves, OHV, V8 |
| bore-x-stroke | 4.000 in x 3.500 in |
| firing-order | 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8- DIFFERENT from 302 and 289 |
| aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| block-material | Cast Iron |
| head-material | Cast iron |
| main-bearing-caps | 2-bolt standard on all Windsor 351 blocks |
| production-years | 1969 to 1996 |
| manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| horsepower | 150 to 300 hp- confirmed at order |
| torque | 270 to 380 lb-ft- confirmed at order |
| compression-ratio | 7.9:1 to 10.7:1- year dependent |
| compatible-transmissions | AOD automatic | Top Loader 4-speed manual, C4, C6 |
| condition | compression tested and inspected, Used OEM |
Stroke and firing order. The 351 Windsor uses the same 4.00 inch bore as the 302 but a longer 3.50 inch stroke (versus 3.00 on the 302) to displace 351 cubic inches. More critically, the firing orders differ: 351W fires 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, while the 302 fires 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8. Using 302 plug wire routing on a 351W causes severe misfiring. This is the most common 351W installation error.
Water passage routing and deck dimensions changed in 1975. Pre-1975 blocks use different water passages, which means some heads and intake manifolds are not interchangeable across the 1974/1975 break. We document which block generation you are receiving on every order to prevent mismatched cylinder head and intake combinations.
A long list across 27 years of production: 1969 to 1973 Mustang, 1969 to 1979 LTD and Galaxie, 1969 to 1974 Torino, 1969 to 1996 F-Series trucks, 1969 to 1996 Bronco (full-size), Mercury Cougar, Lincoln Mark V, and many other full-size Fords. EFI 351W versions appeared in 1986+ F-Series and Bronco applications.
No. The 351 Windsor (Windsor, Ontario built, Windsor small block family) and the 351 Cleveland (Cleveland, Ohio built, Cleveland 335 series family) are completely different engines despite sharing the 351 cubic inch displacement. They have different bore and stroke, different cylinder heads, different valvetrain, and different intake manifolds. The Cleveland is a high-performance engine; the Windsor is a workhorse.
For a 1969 to 1973 classic Mustang, yes, with the original chassis having been designed around it. For a 1979 to 1993 Fox-body Mustang (factory 302 application), the 351W is a popular swap with appropriate motor mounts, headers, and supporting hardware. For a later SN-95 or Edge Mustang, the 351W swap is more involved due to chassis geometry.
The 351 Windsor firing order is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8. This is different from the 302 (1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8). If you've owned 302s and are installing a 351W for the first time, do NOT use 302 plug wire routing. We disclose firing order on every order to prevent the most common 351W installation mistake.
Yes. Starting in 1986 for F-Series and Bronco truck applications, the 351 Windsor received electronic fuel injection. EFI 351W versions ran through 1996 in F-Series and 1996 in full-size Bronco. These late-model EFI units are among the most practical used 351 Windsors available today due to their relative youth.
No. There is no core return required.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Ford 351 Windsor engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Performance materially different from how the engine was described
- Incorrect part shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from incompatible components or wrong firing order routing
- External components unless specifically itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery.
- Year and Block Generation Documented: Pre-1975 or post-1975 confirmed before payment
- Firing Order Disclosed: 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 flagged (different from 302) on every order
- Fuel System Identified: Carbureted or EFI configuration noted up front
- All 8 Cylinders Tested: Compression results shared before payment
- Valvetrain Condition Assessed: Flat-tappet wear indicators inspected
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
6 reviews for Ford 351 Windsor Engine for Sale | OEM Used 5.8L Windsor Small Block V8
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Glenn S. –
Got a 1990 EFI 351W for a Bronco swap. Year and block generation (post-1975) documented, EFI fuel system confirmed, firing order disclosure provided in the order paperwork. All eight cylinders tested uniform on compression. Routed plug wires per the 351W firing order, no misfires.
Kyle B. –
Sourced an early 351W for a 1972 Mach 1 build. Pre-1975 block confirmed before payment, carbureted fuel system, flat-tappet cam disclosed (using ZDDP additive at break-in per their recommendation). Honest about it being a used unit, not a rebuild. Solid restoration foundation.
Glenn S. –
Got a 1990 EFI 351W for a Bronco swap. Year and block generation (post-1975) documented, EFI fuel system confirmed, firing order disclosure provided in the order paperwork. All eight cylinders tested uniform on compression. Routed plug wires per the 351W firing order, no misfires.
Kyle B. –
Sourced an early 351W for a 1972 Mach 1 build. Pre-1975 block confirmed before payment, carbureted fuel system, flat-tappet cam disclosed (using ZDDP additive at break-in per their recommendation). Honest about it being a used unit, not a rebuild. Solid restoration foundation.
Glenn S. –
Got a 1990 EFI 351W for a Bronco swap. Year and block generation (post-1975) documented, EFI fuel system confirmed, firing order disclosure provided in the order paperwork. All eight cylinders tested uniform on compression. Routed plug wires per the 351W firing order, no misfires.
Kyle B. –
Sourced an early 351W for a 1972 Mach 1 build. Pre-1975 block confirmed before payment, carbureted fuel system, flat-tappet cam disclosed (using ZDDP additive at break-in per their recommendation). Honest about it being a used unit, not a rebuild. Solid restoration foundation.