Dan,
Thanks for the update--it's a real treat to speak with a cleveland authority
. Have you finalized the cam specs for your 408? Did you sonic check your XE block yet? Yeah, I was worried about so much material being milled off this set of A3 heads as well. The guy's asking $1200 for the pair, so I guess I'll keep looking for a set. Today I found a guy who has a set of C-302 heads and a matching Roush intake for (gulp) $2900. They've been messaged by Indy Head Services, but I don't think I'm ready to drop that kind of coin yet on my motor. As for the E351 motor, I'm still giving it some consideration. It's definitely a wet sump running an OEM
oil pump and I believe it uses a windsor pan.
Can you tell me approx. how much taller a 4V torker manifold is than an Edelbrock F351 2V? I'm guessing 1-1/2". I think the additional air cleaner height would be the only clearance issue I would have if I decide to buy this motor and drop it in my cobra.
Currently I'm running a mild 2V headed cleveland, 9.5:1 compression, E351 intake, etc. Maybe 340 hp. I'd like to add some more hp, but not just at the top end, so I too was thinking about going with a stroker kit. But after speaking with some people about it, I became confused as to whether I should run 2 or 4 barrel heads. During my research I stumbled across this E351 motor and now I'm considering buying it and installing a stroker kit to use with the E351 block and the mildly ported 4V heads that are on it. Plus even with the extra stroke, I think this block could handle the stress of turning moderate rpms--maybe 6800 peak, shifting at 6500. What kind of rpm do you play to turn your 408/XE Dan? Thanks again for all the info.
Mike