I didn't mean to imply that any of the example engines I mentioned weren't or couldn't be made fast. Just that with my budget, I could get more power out of a SBC and still not be competitive, but that (at least at Maxton) I could be sort of fast (half-fast?) with a semi-stock nailhead (cam, home ported heads, homemade headers, etc) in a semi-aero body (which I already own). I know that some historical and very talented guys did amazing stuff with any of the engines in question, but not at my budget levels and with the shop/skills available to me. I come back to my conversation w/Keith a couple of years ago, but the thinking at that time may have changed as they try to be more SCTA-like.
Dan