[RICK LAKE]

Grubby The 1st question is how streetable do you want the car? 2nd question, how much maintainance do you which to do?
In todays world with owning a cobra we have gone to the lower rearend gearing of 3.31 or less, 5 or 6 spd trannies, and dropping the operating rpm range.
I believe in torque motors over hp motors for my driving style and endurance. Can you turn a torque motor to 6,500 rpms, Yes with the right parts, But why? I just keep pulling gears. Some times 5, or times 6.
I have an FI motor at 482 cid with 622pound of torque and 560hp at the crank. My car is 2705 pounds. I ran pilot 335 in the rearend and now run Nitto 05 315's. Control of rolling on and off the throttle is the trick.
I have a hydro roller cam with stage 2 heads for Shelby and a little more work done to them. All port matched. 10.5 compression. Exhaust is the big power killer. Have gotten the back pressure down to between 2-3 psi posi pressure under WOT. Problem is loudness. Most track now have a Noise limit in the 98-105 range. With street exhaust, no problem with race pipes, no good. Street driving need ear plugs in left ear.
My last motor will be a 498 stroker and a torque monster in the 650+ range with a TWM 58MM setup. heads are worked to the max. Camshaft will be in the .650" range. I have found beehive spring to cover this and have safe rpms to 6,500 rpms. Will still be a torque motor. Will have to slow down the throttle speed of this setup.
IMO here's the thing, small blocks like to rev, rearend ratio's in the 3.54 to 4.09. Big block make a ton of power down low and due not need to rev. Reason for lower gears 3.07-3.31. Some guys run a 2.88 jag rearend but the power limit on this gearing is limited to about 450/450. With 30 spline stub shafts, support cover, chrome moly axles, you can push the jag rearend to the 600/600 club but, need to do more maintainance. No 5,000 rpm hole shots and banging gears.
John if first gear in your trans is higher than 2.80's you will never use it with a 3.54. It's good for pulling out stumps at a tractor pull or parade drive. I have a 3.05 first gear and 3.31 rearend and never use this gear. Have to shift within 15 ft. Will be dropping my rearend ratio to a 3.07.
My car needs more attension now with high power. At my age, my driving skills are slipping and the car has become faster than my reactions are when auto cross or roadracing. This is another reason for running more torque and lowwer rpms, longer life. 7years on 452 motor and now 8 years on 482 with same block. I really think you will be happy with a stroker. Rick L.