What Is the Firing Order for a Ford 351 Windsor?
The firing order for a Ford 351 Windsor is 1-3-5-7-2-6-5-4-8, which differs from most other V-8 engines the company manufactures. Ford numbers its cylinders beginning at the front left of the engine, with cylinders one through four on that side and five through eight on the right.
Ensuring the correct firing order on the 351 Windsor ensures the right spark plug fires so that the engine continues to run smoothly. If a vehicle is running smoothly before the plug wires are removed, as when replacing spark plugs, they are likely in the correct order. The easiest way to ensure they remain in that order is by labeling before removing from the spark plug. If they are inadvertently rearranged, knowing the firing order allows the owner to return the right wire to each plug.
Ford introduced the 351-cubic inch Windsor in 1969 due to the public demand for more powerful stock engines. Gasoline was cheap, and the early powerful models of the engine produced over 300 horsepower. As emission standards came into play, Ford reduced the power produced, with the 1973 Mustang producing only 169 horsepower. Ford used the 351 Windsor as stock in several of its vehicles for many years. However, with the demand for better fuel economy, it does not, as of 2014 offer this engine on any of its vehicles. The 351 Windsor remains available as a crate engine from Ford’s motor sports division.
