[misfit41]

Steelcomp,
Your correct much of my argument is from passion,I just love the old motors,and hate 385's,I've tried to like them,but I just cant,I know they are cheap power nowadays ,but there heavy and ugly ,and dont sound so good, and please no offense meant to anyone,thats just my opinion,I suppose I formed it in my teens when I worked at a small ford dealership while going to Ford Tech school,they were considered a boat anchor then,still overshadowed by fe's,I realize given the epa regulations imposed at the time,it wasnt a fair shake,but it dosent matter,my mind is set,I like my ice scream chocolate and my fords with big wide intakes,too late to change now.
I havent the technical knowledge to debate any of what you said,and have no doubts it is true,but I still believe for an average guy{shade tree type} in an average world and pump gas,an fe is hard to beat ,up to its limits I suppose,for maybe 3500 to 4k you can take an old junk yard 390 and get 400+ bullet proof horsepower,a motor anyone can assemble,,thats pretty cool.
ps,,I HATE sbc crate motors in street rods too,,,just FYI,,
have a great day,,Tim