302 vs. 351 empty block weights

[FIA#9]

What a fantastic web site. Great info guys--the weight is very important. The last post was exactly on point. If you replace an iron headed 302 with an Al headed 351, the net change is minimal. I've got a quote written in the front of a folder full of Cobra info (source unknown now): "Truely hot 289 competition Cobra had a power to weight ratio of 5.75lbs/Hp. A Corvette Grand Sport 5/3 lbs/Hp." In real life I watched an original Grand Sport outdrag GT40s out of turn 10 and down the front straight at Watkins Glen, thought they were both flat out. The FIA handles great, don't want to screw that up--but my 302 isn't any match for a big block in a straight line at present. The other issue about weight is that my car is heavy at 2550 lbs with about 5 gal gas, and the brakes go away and the toyo street tires turn to mush by the end of a 20 min session at The Glen--weight being a main culprit. Unless the weight goes down, more Hp=upgrading the brakes, which are stock with no air ducts at present.