Let's talk about possible applications for the new Clevland heads from Edelbrock which I recently saw in the new Engine Masters.  Given the scarcity of Cleveland engines, I'm thinking old Vic must have some other applications in mind.  So what can we do with these heads?

Given the number of cheap 400M cores out there, an obvious one would be bolting the Cleveland heads to a 400 to vastly improve the output of this otherwise crappy motor.  But why?  Unless you're really comitted to keeping the original 400 in your Ranchero, then for the money wouldn't you be better off just building a 460?  Especially since they share the same bellhousing.  Plus, what would you do for a manifold?  Given the taller deck height of the 400M, a Cleveland manifold won't fit, but would a 400M manifold match the ports of the Cleveland heads? I don't know.

Now, the writeup in EM says "Edelbrock's Performer RPM 351C heads have the flexibility to be used in a number of combinations (351C, 351 and 400M, Windsor, etc.) without any necessary modifications."  Huh? My understanding is that it is possible to bolt Cleveland heads to Windsor blocks but that certain mods need to be made regarding coolant passages.  In any case, we know it can be done.

So here's my concept:  the "BOSS 427"

Take one of those Windsor-based 427 stroker motors, bolt on the new Cleveland heads, and build a BOSS 427.  What do you think?  Will the Cleveland heads make any more power than the aftermarket Windsor heads?  Who knows.  I have heard that nobody bothered building Windsors back when the Cleveland was more readily available.  Plus Clevelands are just bad to the bone.  Seems like a fun project for a Ford buff with deep pockets though.  Or for Car Craft...

DF and I spoke about this @ HR forums a couple months back, he didn't seem too interested, but more questions could change that.  

Clevelands are just plain bad ass motors.  I used to race a 72 Mach 1 with a 351 CJ Cleveland and it was incredibly fast and powerful!