Jerry, sounds like it should be a Great sounding engine with that short stroke, especially if it likes 8k. One of my toys, a v8 Miata (currently with engine out chasing a mystery noise) has a HO 5.0 or 302 Ford that's bored 60 making a 310. Sonic checking said it'd be safe with the overbore. Point being the little Fords, 289's and 302's I think are some of the best sounding V8 engines on the road. And I'm not a Ford guy, I seem to have lost some of my early life prejudices.

Looking forward to updates and dyno results.


RonR


1951 3600 with Clark flatbed, T5, 4.10 rear
1970 340 Duster
1990 5.0 V8 Miata (1990 Mustang Gt Drivetrain)
1964 CJ5