If some is good, than more is better.
I think this is just a young buck rite of passage that first time engine builders go through. They build this monstrosity that's totally undrivable on the street, then start wondering, "What have I done wrong?"
Then they start getting street smart about this and don't ask questions like this. They've been there, done that, and know what works for their particular car and driving style. More conservative and reliabile works better.
You don't need monster truck power to push your 2400 pound plastic car around spiritedly.
35 years ago, Shelby had two choices for Ford engines. The 289, and 427. There were no Ford 351's in 1965. The reason 427S/C's are so rare today is that they were a sales disaster in '65 & '66.
Realistically, today, the only car that will give you a tussle is another Cobra. Turbo Porche's, maybe, Dodge Vipers, maybe. Pro-Street '60's era Camaros', maybe. Vette's, you eat for breakfast. And you can do this with a 302 based engine, add a stroker kit and huffer and have a 10 second street machine that gets 22 MPG on trips, and behaves itself in rush-hour (or beach) traffic!
Bottom line, if there ever is one, is listen to these guys who've been there, and done that. Your engine machine shop does this every day. He knows what works on street engines, race engines, and weekend warriors. Just like your Doctor, you're paying him for what he knows.
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