1970 Ford Mustang 351 cubic inch V8 Engine

The engine is a stout M-code 351 Cleveland V8, which was rated at 300 horsepower and an impressive 385 pounds of torque thanks to 11:1 compression and a 4-barrel carburetor. The Cleveland motors also feature oversized canted valves and intake ports, so they’re happy at high RPM yet make great low-end torque. Rebuilt to stock specs, it runs great and pulls the relatively lightweight Mach 1 with real enthusiasm. It’s also a capable handler without a big block’s worth of cast iron over the front end, it makes awesome Mustang sounds thanks to a custom exhaust with high-flow mufflers and unique square exhaust tips that fit in the original cut-outs just right. It’s detailed correctly, too, with Ford Blue engine enamel, a factory Shaker air cleaner assembly with reproduction decals, and finned aluminum valve covers with their distinctive Cleveland shape. It’s equipped with high-flow code ‘4’ heads (correct for a 4-barrel M-code engine), a factory Autolite ignition system, and original exhaust manifolds. Of course, power steering and power disc brakes are part of the deal, too, making this Mustang very easy to live with.

Underneath it’s very clean with what appear to be original floors, solid rockers with their factory spot welds still visible, and no signs of previous damage. The FMX 3-speed automatic transmission clicks through the gears without any issues and is always ready to drop down a gear to let the deep-breathing 351 do its thing. It’s punchy around town, but thanks to 3.00 gears in back, it’s also a comfortable highway cruiser. You’ll note that there are new brakes up front, fresh shocks at all four corners, and a new gas tank hanging out back, so it doesn’t need anything to start having fun. Magnum 500 wheels are always the right choice and carry staggered 235/60/15 front and 255/60/15 rear radials that really fill the fenders.