[olddog]

SB chevy, BB chevy, SB ford, SB mopar, even the 460 ford are all fairly easy to build. There are dfferences in them, but nothing like an FE. The FE has all types of little things that you just have to know. I guess all engines have a few secrets, but the FE has tons of them. A chevy guy may be good, but if he doesn't know the FE, do you want to be the one that helps him learn the hard way. Hell even my wifes cousin Jim can build a chevy, and you won't find a better bubba than cousin Jim.

IMO the heads, exhaust, and intake make the engine. The breathing potential defines how much torque it can make. The cam's durration determines at what rpm the torque will be made. I would say the cams lift is part of the breathing potential. Very oversimplified general statements. However short of some major weak spot, better heads will make more power every time.

PS
No doubt a total package designed to work together will give the best results.