You will get no argument from me on EFI's drivability, economy.. but power, yes. I have seen time after time where peak HP on either system is about the same. I don't think a carb is superior to efi, in fact the other way around. But, like my post said, efi does not have the edge it once had in terms of max hp, particuarly in the type of engines for which this thread is discussing.
7000, absolutely. Bot not as it comes from the factory. Like my post says, a well assembled bottom end with good rod bolts and of course no one would attempt that with stock cast pistons. At least, not more than once! A basic polish of the beams (which means they will need to peened again), rod bolts, decent pistons and a good balance and the cleveland bottom end will live at those R's.
I am familiar with the oiling issues, taking care of that is part of a "decent.. assembly".
No one expects a stock Torino engine to turn 10,000 rpm. But pro stockers ran cast cleveland cranks at those rpms for years upon years. Sure they where modified, what crank designed for an old american push rod v-8 would not have to be to live at those r's, but they where cast iron cranks from ford and they lived and rarely failed.
I suggest you go back and re-read my post. The only reference to 10,000 rpms was in regards to the crank. Again, they where ford pieces and not that I have gave a little more detail, hopefully you will see what I mean.
As for 7000 rpm, the cleveland bottom end will live just fine modified as I described.
Pushing the limits, sure, but it does work! The Boss crank was nothing but a high nodular iron cast crank. I spin mine daily to 6400 and after 18,000 miles runs great. The only reason I don't spin it higher is it wasn't built to run higher!
My point, I completely agree with your point, "You're never going to make a "stock" 351C bottom end live at 10k RPM, no matter what rod bolts, assembly methods, or magic blessing stone you use to put it together."
