[Keithc8]

Most people pass up some good blocks because they believe they have to have a side oiler block. We are using the center oiler blocks in Red LeBlancs and his sons NHRA national record holding mustangs. We turn these engines 8200 to 8400 RPM's with no oiling problems what so ever. If the oiling system is done properly you will have no problems. These blocks are actually sleeved back to 428 bore size because they are running the 428/ 335 horse power engines with the factory steel heads. we are getting about 720 to 730 HP out of these with the factory compression of 10.8 to one and the original 735 carb. We can run a solid roler camshaft, after market intake and port the heads but have to have the original port volume. I agree about the better cylinders for better ring seal and HP. Good luck with your project and the 550 HP should be no problem. Keith Craft