Thanks, I've read both those articles more than once

This is another good one, that has an engine closer to mine (451 is a 400 block with 440 crank):
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/mopp-0207-intake-manifold-engine-and-rpm-range-test/

I actually do like the way it drives with that big cam - as long as I have the revs over 2000, there's plenty of power for cruising. And I can wind it up into the powerband (3000+), floor it and scare myself