re the getting old sucks.... i currently use cheap reading glasses that are 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 magnification depending on what i'm doing. on occasion i've doubled them up for greater magnification too, lol. maybe you could slip a pair of cheapies over the ones you normally use for greater clarity...
a small block with ally heads and intake is very light. a 408 (stroker 360) with that top end will make good and reliable power too. just saying...... :thumbsup:
neil.
nobody has mentioned the 'S' word yet, lol. a 4" stroker crank gives you 390 cu in or above (depending on the over bore). and yes it'll still rev hard despite what some may have you believe. :thumbsup:
neil.
the only difference pulling the bottom hose makes vs draining at the radiator tap is speed. oh and mess, lol. the end coolant level in the motor will be the same. so fast drain but longer clean up time or slow drain and little to no clean up time. your choice.
neil.
i made fenderwell headers for the '65. you can reach under them for plug swaps easy, lol. you can even pull the heads with the motor in situ too.
neil.
i agree on needing more room. if a did another 440 into early A (did a '65 years ago) i'd fit a straight tube axle and lose the inner fenders.
but not everyone loves a gasser like me, currently doing a '58 rambler american gasser with an fe ford big block for me and a '66 (english) ford zephyr...