quote:Originally posted by garth66:
So, back to your question...
It's not hard to build the kind of power you're looking for with a Cleveland. So first of all, determine how you're going to use the car and what kind of driveability you're looking for; everything else will follow from this decision.
Next, what does your engine builder recommend? Often, it's best to go with your builder's recommendations if you expect him to stand by his work if you don't get the results you're after.
Make sure you have a engine builder that understands the 351C ! Many don't !!
The engine is 40 years old now and not all that common in the U.S. compared to other engines, that puts it outside the experience of many builders and they can tend to treat it like it is a 350 Chev. That will be a mistake.
Unless you can get some super deals on alloy heads where you are i can't imagine rebuilding a set of used cast iron 4V heads would be more expensive even with new valves, hardened valve seats, valve guides, springs ect
Be sure to check exactly what you get when comparing head packages, eg: do the alloy heads come with valves ,springs ,retainers ? ect and what type are they ?
Do the alloy heads require special manifolds ? Does that limit your manifold choice ?
Do they require a specific set of headers ? Does that limit your your header/ exhaust choice ?
Compare apples to apples not apples to oranges.