[blykins]

Well, I disagree about the cam timing "games" and about the bore determining the ballpark the engine would be in. I'm also curious as to what lab engine was used, that allowed a difference in stroke by 2" increments.

I play the cam timing game on every engine, not necessarily trying to move hp/tq curves around, but trying to clean up the bottom end manners on street engines. Advancing cam timing helps attain a clean idle, more vacuum, better throttle response, etc, etc. Even on heads that flow over 400cfm, I play that game...

As for the bore determining the ballpark, we have to watch what generalities we use. Remember, the Cup guys are making 900 hp with a 4.125" bore. That is very small compared to the 4.360-4.600 bores of a factory and aftermarket 460 block, and extremely small compared to the Mountain Motor bores.

However, XB, what he said really doesn't help your mission statement. His last sentence is true, especially about spinning it faster and getting less torque. That's what happens....the higher the hp peak goes, the less torque and usable power you get. Adding displacement and stroke helps that because it makes the torque curve broader at lower rpms. Taking away stroke makes the engine very peaky and you get nothing down low.

We were discussing the VTEC engines the other day.....remember that those engines are zippy, but the transaxles also have 4.4:1 final drive ratios and overdrive gears.