The reason I'm looking at the 331/347 stroker is I want to retain the factory aircleaner that came on the 85 and not need a new hood. When I installed a Eldebrock air gap intake I lost a little clearance but it still clears the hood (barely).

It is my understanding with a 351 the taller deck would be a problem. I want to keep the car looking bone stock on the outside and stock as possible under the hood <grin>.

The real question here was reliability 331 vs 347.

My plans for the car are a good set of aluminum heads, a hotter but daily driver cam and whatever else one of our best local engine builders says I need. Who is a good local engine builder?

Chassis I have a lot to do. New rear end, I have to lose the 7.5 and a total replacement of the suspension/brakes. The whole 9 yards. K member, a frames, coil overs..... Maximum Motorsports kit? Long term plan.

I guess where I'm going with this is having my old frumpy/mullet 85 running like a bee-stung greyhound and handling like a slot car but looking like it did when when the wifey bought it new in 85. Sleeper?