Hi Adz,
I dropped an Edelbrock crate engine in my DRB in June last year.
The endurashine finish is awesome and so so easy to keep clean.
I live is Cairns to driving through the odd rain shower is common.
Car had a 347 in previously built on a HO block.
Edelbrock did specify I had to use a manual water pump not the CVR electric it was using and also change ICE ignition to MSD as verified rev limited ignition was needed to satisfy 2 year warranty requirements.
90% happy with crate tune, think a holley carby would be easier to tune as the edelbrock only has an external idle adjustment. No external float adjustment on edelbrock carb.
Immediately noticed an improvement on low rev torque and this engine has a very smooth power curve that never seems strained.
Like you I considered switching to a bigger block and cubes but given I only drive the car spiritedly (above 80%) on the odd occasion, a straight swap without any exhaust, clutch etc changes was the right option.
Good price, power and looks.
Edelbrock.com - Crate Engines - Small-Block Ford - Performer RPM 9.9:1 (438 HP & 413 TQ)
