Steve,
I did give the 347 a thought or two. The fact of the matter is that it would be quite a bit more cash to build the engine that I would like if I went that direction. I would want the same engine Jason has with injection and the next step up in cam and heads which would cost me over $10K by the time I purchased all the additional parts that I already have if I go with the 460. In the very long term it would most likely pencil as we are most likely going to see $5.00 gas in the near future
.
I do love the exhaust note of the 460 and the tractor like torque. My engine builder says he can build a Dove blocked, balanced and blue printed engine with forged pistons and I-Beam rods for about $5K. That includes rebuilding my heads and porting them so they flow a little better. I will also add a 950HP carb and some dyno time to get the numbers and brake the cam in. He says he should be able to get me 1-2 mpg better fuel economy with the new carb which will have an economy tune built in. He also says 550HP should not be a problem. That sound good to me. If I can squeeze 14 or 15 mpg out of it I will be very happy. I know that is not the low 20's that are capable of the SB's, but I just can't justify the money difference.
Jake