[767Jockey]

I just bought a Contemporary Classic Cobra with a 351C. The car is in rough shape and I'm just starting a complete restoration of it. I've been starting to think about what engine will end up in it and the more research I do the more clear it becomes that the 351C is an almost perfect engine for the Cobra. It has all the size and weight benefits of the 351W/302 engines, with the power potential of the FE's due to the Boss type canted valve Big Block style heads. It's not difficult nor terribly expensive to stroke a 351C to 408 cu. in. , and a power output of 650+ HP is not terribly difficult nor uncommon. It can be done on pump gas easily without crazy mods or a difficult to live with engine. While they're not as common as Windsor based engines, they're certainly not rare nor difficult to find. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

I'm not trying to flame the silly small block / big block wars. It's just seems that the Cleveland is essentially the best of both worlds. The block is undoubtedly a small block, while the canted valve huge port heads are doubtlessly big block heads. If originality is your thing, there's no substitute for an FE, hands down. For cost effective power, light weight and the combined benefits of both, the Cleveland seems unbeatable. Ideas, folks?