Optimum air speed and other dumb questions

Gotcha. A lot depends on the package you run. I was thinking a typical set of iron 340/360 heads with a little work, and 1.88/1.65 valves. Depending on the cam choice and some other stuff you'll need around 230cfm of intake flow to make peak power at 7800. Also bear in mind - this engine is not a really wide power band engine. So you'll want to be careful with rear axle ratios and transmission type. I don;t think a torqueflite is what would be best. I think a manual trans would be better.