Okay a bit of a decision was made on the engine, last week.
I killed the idea of getting a used sideoiler or topoiler block.
Probably going to be this Shelby block;
or
this Pond aluminum block;
Plan is to go .040+ making the cubic inches about 487.
First I was going to go 482 but that's a common FE stroker size. Then I was thinking 489, which is + .050, and call it an 8 litre. BUT the 7 Litre was a 428 designation.
The Pond block will go a max of 4.310 so a +080 over. I figure If it ever needs a rebuild I can go custom pistons in +.010 steps and still have 4 small overbores, left in the block before a resleeve.
Plus 487 sounds nice... different.
Then this build theme, starting with the engine, will continue along the lines of the (one only) 1967 Shelby Super Snake, which was tested on Goodyear's Texas test facility, at a reported speed of +170 mph using a light-weight 427 high riser engine.
This engine featured a remote oil filter and oil cooler. We will see if those features make an appearance on the upcoming engine. I like the KISS philosophy for reliability, less things to break or go wrong.
There were a reported, unknown number (likely less than 50) of specially built 1967 Shelbys made with the 427 medium riser engine, shipped to select dealers and customers.
Using an aftermarket aluminum block the front end will get a 75# diet which should be good for the road course.
The bad part is it's a big budget impact, so may take a while longer to put together