These old engines are way over-engineered, especially where the block and crankshaft are concerned. The cylinder head is the choke point, so building for increased RPM is a bust from the get-go. More torque, from increasing both bore and stroke, is definitely in play, however. That also makes it possible to hide the modifications deep inside, an advantage for people who want to keep the engine compartment looking original. An extra 30 cubic inches or so, and the corresponding increase in compression, regardless of the original displacement, yields some pretty impressive results on the dyno. For the guys who don't want to telegraph their punches by adding external accessories such as dual carbs and exhausts, having that extra torque on tap is a real advantage.
Jerry
