I agree with the lower cruise rpm and it is the way the manufacturers have gone to help mileage with 1700-1800 cruise rpm on the highway .

Wouldn't whatever intake makes the best torque at cruise rpm be the one to help fuel mileage the most?

Didn't you run 302 heads on the first build? Maybe those ports were the limiting factor in the intakes not making much difference?

As far as the heads go could you just tube the push rod holes in the magnum heads and cut them open instead of spending a bunch on aftermarket stuff? Would moving the location/ angle of the injector boss work?

Just thinking out loud not trying to argue. I appreciate you sharing your experience with us.