quote:
Originally posted by alnukem:
... Do you think the 3.85" stroke is where I should start or would the 3.5" get me where I want to go ...
3.5" stroke. The '67 cougar is not heavy enough to warrant more stroke. The 351 will light up the tires at will. All other things being equal, increasing stroke does not increase horsepower, it lowers the rpm of peak horsepower but the horsepower remains the same. Peak torque increases however.
quote:
Originally posted by alnukem:
... As far as the cam goes, isn't a 228 duration @.050 just a wee bit more than your typical street 268 type cam ...
228° at 0.050", but about 282° advertised duration. Just another ubiquitous 280° street cam. Horsepower peak will be 6000 rpm.
quote:
Originally posted by alnukem:
... Is your choice of lifter, flat solid or hydraulic roller ...
This is a street engine, isn't it? In that case hydraulic roller.
quote:
Originally posted by alnukem:
... And I know the devil is in the details. I know that starting with the right parts is key & tuning is where you get your streetability ...
The low overlap high lift camshaft is the key. Yes the carb & ignition must be tuned appropriately. The SCM heads can take at least a 1/2 point higher compression ratio (10.5:1), this will help reach the power goal AND give the engine even more snap.
When the time comes to order a cam I'd recommend an off the shelf cam from Crane or, if you wish, I can put together a spec for a custom ground cam from Bullet Cams.