That combo is done all the time with a larger bore, like in a 383 or 400 block, so the compression height shouldn't be an issue. Make sure the connecting rod doesn't run into the end of the bore somewhere around mid-stroke.

I applaud you for going into new waters, 361s are giveaway engines. I actually turned down one several years ago, and my motto is, "A man can't have too many pieces of cast iron aging in his back yard."

Your proposed engine is basically an Olds 455 with a little shorter rod and shorter comp height.

Dwayne Porter, aka Fast68, did a set of 516s as mentioned above. He is a really good source even if you are going to do the work yourself. I don't think he'll worry about the competition!

If I was your tech adviser I'd steer you directly to the Stealth heads. Out of the box they will be worth 100 hp over a home ported set of 516s, and they will have an advantage from idle to redline.

But either way it will honk at low rpm. You'd better buy a set of 2.76s for your 8 3/4!

R.