| Re: 306 vs 342
You know, these cars are all about enjoying them. As Ron got into in another post, there really is no class where these cars are competitive for serious racing.
Since with modern engine technology we can always make enough power to scare ourselves silly in a car this light, it really comes down to what you like. I agree that there is something about the sound of a V8 at high RPMs that sends tingles down your spine. The original 289 and 302 cars had a redline of 7,000 RPM. If you want to match the sound of the originals that would be a reasonable redline to use. A 347 with a 3.400” stroke is at 3,970 FPM at 7,000 RPM so that would work with no problem. With a power peak at say 6,800 RPMs a 347 with good heads, etc. should be capable of about 525 HP (Just about what the original 427 Mk IIs & Mk 4s made, but with a 300 lb lighter car). 7,000 is low enough that you would avoid the more serious valvetrain reliability problems as long as you use a street roller cam and not a race roller, and use the Crower roller lifters with the Pin Oiling option.
A 347 like that would probably be a great engine in one of these cars.
Have Fun,
Kevin
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