[GT4T]

If you've got hydaulic in mind, then don't change to solid. You should have no problem getting the ratios you need to make it turn the kind of cruise rpm you want.

I had to change the springs in my AFR 205s for solid roller. You'd probably be good with the hydraulic cam. You may want to consider some spring cups/locators and to check your retainers. When we pulled mine to check them, I was NOT impressed with the way the valves were set up. They had way too much room to move around and would have eventually eaten up the head. Retainers and cups/locators are cheap. Current wisdom likes locators better, but either is better than none.

With no desire to turn over 6500 rpm, the thought about keeping the lca to 110º looses its validity. I need to turn upto ~7200 rpm with the Porsche transaxle in my GT40 and trying to change the ratios is VERY costly. Its easier and cheaper to build a motor to match the gears :-)

I still think the 347 is going to be OK with the AFR 205s. AFR185s may have given you a couple more FP of torque, but probably not worth the hassel of selling yours an buying others. Seems like I always loose out in that kind of deal. And with the 750 carb, I don't think you are going to get a bad velocity drop in heads runners, which can be an issue with a wet intake (fuel fallout.) Nor, should you get any softening of the throttle response.

I absolutely agree with ItBites on the pistons. If you want a good forged piston at a reasonable price, take a look at the Mahle pistons. Not only did I like the price, I also liked the lightness of them (again remember our different rpm targets.) They come in Porsches, have been in every Le Mans 24 Hours winner for years and years, F1 uses them in about 80% of the cars. I think they are in the new Ford GT. They just don't have a big name here, YET. They are forged and come with pins and rings for the price of an every day piston. I got them from the Mustang Depot (yes an ebay store, but, hey! they had the best price) at ~$450 for a +.060 set. (I am running a 336 ci w/ 3.25 stroke.)

Anyway, it should be sweet motor when you get done. And, you won't have to reset the lash on the rockers like you would with a solid roller :-).

Enjoy,
Lynn