Hi Dick

The Volvo sounds interesting... Fords 5.0 Litre HO is an excellent engine. I'll bet she really hauls the bacon. You must not have many problems with smog issues in Utah...

I grew up in the hot rod fraternity my father and uncles were well versed and it rubbed off on me, I've built many and shoe horned engines in lots of them, still play with them on occasion. Spent many years racing professionally and building engines, big engines. Intimately familiar with Blown alcohol/nitro 10 Litre Arias and such...

I use a 98 Ford E250 Van with a 5.7 litre that I retired from the work fleet to move my models and trailer around nearly 200K and still never misses a beat... Mileage is very reasonable as well.

There is also historical data that suggests Ford truck's out work and outlast Chevy's...

I'd have to agree on the aftermarket parts and common street knowledge related to hot rodding Chevy's verses Ford. However those in the know can make a Ford run and run very well. Different strokes for different folks I guess. I have built several 460 that put 454's to shame for hauling, big bore short stroke works too... I have a Chevy BB that started life as a 454-LS7 in my squirt boat that does an honest [NO BS] 103mph in a 18-1/2' semi vee hull. Yea I know everyone has a fast boat but not everyone can back it up...

I'll agree with your analogy of engine choice based on installation/model criteria. This is always a major player on the small stuff and even some of the 1/3 scale stuff and bigger occasionally.