Advise well taken Jerry

No plans on going to a stroker or big bore.

Just want to keep it simple reliable and original looking.

For regulare driving I am a big fan of really well built stock engines...with maybe a little warm up.

I've always found headers a great efficency as well as power enhancer so its a definite.

But other than "balancing and blueprinting" the long block will be stock. Don't mind spending money on really good machine work, balancing and good head work, but don't need the big valves, stroking and boring for this project or budget.

I think the Holley 390 you recommend is likely the best choice, but I want to build a nostalgia style triple set up because I want to see if I can and it's period looking.

Thanks for the 848 casting recommendation...I would like to bump the compression, but if I don't make 9.0:1 without going overboard I won't be heart broken (well maybe a little).

Appreciate the advise.

Thanks Tom