Hi,
I am recently retired and trying to realize a dream of a Model A street roadster. So far I have a title, a repro frame, a Magnum 4" drop front end with econo brake kit, a 74 Maverick 8" rear and a 76 Corvette 2-bolt 350 V8 (80K miles) along with a recently rebuilt TH350 (no lockup) with a B&M shift kit and new clutches. I have searched the Internet for anything I can find on the 350 V8 and I am disappointed to find that power requires high compression and that requires 92 octane fuel! I do not want to spend more than about $1600 on the engine but I want a low rpm torque cam for mileage and able to use 87 or 89 octane fuel and as near a 300 HP as possible. I really like the Comp Cam XE250 cam, but the best deal from Manufacturers Wharehouse only offers Melling cams and the MTC-1 seems to have too long a total duration for economy. The question is can I find a way for under $1600 to get an engine with low rpm torque (2.79 rear gear!). I have a set of good, bare 461 heads but with 62 cc chamber, I can't find a short block that will yield something near 9:1 C.R. What kind of mileage can I expect with a 9.1 CR, Melling MTC-1 cam and cheap rams-horn exhaust manifold; I have a cast iron intake and a useable Q-jet carb. The Magoo 29 claims 18 mpg with a 3.08 rear and a hi-po 327, can I find a way to get 20 mpg? I look forward to expert communication.

Don Shillady