[Barry_R]

There are a couple other differences between the Shelby and Pond blocks that merit mention. The Shelby uses a very long special head stud that concentrates load and bore distortion down toward the main bulkhead - better for cylinder roundness and ring seal. The Shelby uses double cross bolts on the main caps - looks impressive but cannot really add much since side loads are nominal in comparison to vertical.

The Pond uses 1/4" dowel pins alongside the main bolts. I really like dowel pins - they positively locate the cap in all directions. Pond blocks also require a special head stud with addded thread engagement length. The Pond block does look a bit more original, but still is not a reproduction piece.

The Shelby is available in a 4.375 bore version, while the Pond is only up to 4.310 last I knew. Both will accomodate teh 4.375 stroke with minimal work. I currently have a Pond cammer project in the works with a 4.750 stroke....news at 11 on that one....

Both will handle quite a bit of power - I've run several of them around 800 naturally aspirated with no issues.