How to make 300 hp from a 351 Cleveland 2V on a budget
Engine dyno, as configured — flywheel horsepower. Standard test config: stock manifolds through 18" of pipe, air cleaner lid flipped, no accessories driven. Factory SAE net ratings are measured as‑installed and read 15–25% lower. Rev ceiling for this combination: 5800 rpm.
Three hundred honest horsepower out of a 2V is a cheap build, because you are not touching the heads. A mild hydraulic cam, a four-barrel intake that fits 2V ports, a 600 and a set of long tubes.
The 2V head is not the limitation people say it is at this power level. It flows plenty for three hundred, and it keeps the port velocity that makes a street car feel strong off idle.
Springs are the one place not to save money. Whatever cam you pick, buy the springs that match its lift or the cam cannot do its job.
The build
| Block | Factory 351C 2-bolt main (stock) |
|---|---|
| Crank | Stock cast iron — 3.50" stroke (351 ci) |
| Rods | Stock I-beam (factory) — to ~450 HP |
| Pistons | Generic flat top (0cc) |
| Head gasket | OEM compressed (.040") — neutral |
| Cylinder heads | 2V US open chamber (75cc) — the common head |
| Porting | As-cast / stock |
| Camshaft | COMP XE256H — hyd flat (32-241-4 · 212/218 @.050 · .487"/.493") |
| Valve springs | Crane single 110 lb |
| Rocker arms | Stock stamped 1.73 rockers |
| Intake manifold | Edelbrock Performer 351-2V #2750 — 4bbl flange, 2V ports |
| Carburetor | Holley 600 cfm 4150 |
| Exhaust | Long tube 1-5/8" — street |
| Ignition | Pertronix Ignitor II — hotter spark · ~7,000 rpm |
| Fuel | Pump 93 octane |
| Air cleaner | Stock air cleaner, LID FLIPPED — DYNO STANDARD |