If I wanted to be building or dreaming cookie-cutter engines I'd still be driving a Chevy 350. Where's the challenge in that?

If I had an extra $1750 lying around I'd be driving the "long-term stroker" in my '64Dog. I must not be in the "cheap" category, maybe mine is the "ultra-cheap". Paying for two households on one income with two kids in college will do that to you.

OF COURSE larger and better engines can be built, but where I live that 5.9 Magnum costs a minimum of $450 complete with 100K miles and a spun bearing or two. For $175 I can get a core 360 shortblock. So that free 318 block looks a lot better, because the stroker crank plus the free 318 are about the same cost as that $450 5.9.

The most important part, though, is the thrill of the chase. How can I do it better/faster/cheaper is what drives these flights of fancy. To me the alternative feels a lot like getting back to that 350 chevy.....

To each, his own taste!

R.