Well qtrmiler,

I don't know why you feel that way about the 385 forum. I built my motor for well under 3K and I'm expecting about 500 fwhp. Many of the guys on there are as cheap as I am and many seem pretty open to discussion. But hey to each there own.

Back to the original question.
There is a kick-ass site on how to port DOVE-C heads as well as most ford big block heads. http://www.reincarnation-automotive.com/

According to the flow numbers on that site you can make 700hp with a good port job,2.25 intake and 1.75 exhaust valves on a DOVE-C head.

You really don't need to spin a big block 6500 rpm to make 500-600hp. 6000 is what I will limit my 429 to (and I have a shorter stroke). I am also using a Weiand stealth since I am not going to spin over 6000. If you want to spin that high be my guest there is plenty of hp to be made but you should really get a big cam .700 lift range at least and a lot of duration to take advantage of the high rpm range.

I really am skeptical about stock rods even with ARP hardware, shot peening etc. at that RPM level. It is a gamble, I have heard some that take stock rods to 7500 rpm and then I have seen the resulting disaster of doing so on stock rods, so be warned.

I have been working on my 429 fox body transplant for some three years so I have acquired a lot of info. Feel free to email me.

Greg