Dag blast it, I think you're right, Jay. The valve covers should have 3 bolts on top and 2 on the bottom. A quick glance and I thought they were baldy covers.
I don't know of any other engine with protruding exhaust ports, but it's dark enough that it may be misleading.
I'm just confirming my "newbie" status....now, where's that towel to wipe the egg off my face 

Don't wanna hijack but if I read this correctly y'all are saying that powerbond makes an integral pulley/damper like the original one I'm running on the truck?

Will

No, they are strictly the later style with separate pulley. Dale was mentioning that he just needed to find the correct later pulley with the correct belt count to work with the damper.

the motor runs dual turbos !

Nah, those are centrifugal superchargers. With two superchargers, it doesn't much matter if the engine can actually use the four carbs or not....it's called FORCED FEEDING 

Thanks for the reply.
I understand everything you're saying. I'll check out the GT500 filter, but if the filter media is no better is there a source for better medias in a more bulk form? There is enough area that I could build my own support structure to increase surface area of a custom made filter.. The area under the leading area of the hood is an extremely high pressure area...easily witnessed by the corners of the hood lifting at anything over 80mph
Bottom line is I would give up a few HP for increase in longevity, but don't want to penalize myself any more than necessary. I believe the increase in intake tube diameter and contoured entrys are the main gain points, and since the aftermarket filters are actually quite small, it wouldn't take much to increase surface area in a custom setup.

Most times the squeel is caused by a belt that is old enough to harden or has been "burned" on the outer rub areas and is hardened enough not to get a good grip. Usually a new belt will cure it. I like the double pulley set-up that Jay mentioned and use them.

I know it's more money, but a Holley pump tuning kit is a "must have" for carb tuning. Investing in a pump cam kit and a couple squirter sizes above and below where you're at now will allow you to play with the combo to see what the engine wants and needs. Every engine is different, so just start with what you have and experiment to see what it likes.

Thanks, Scooter. I did forget to add a '70 F350 dumptruck that I have, but with a stock 360 it's not much to brag about.
Here are the other rides....



Still looking for a solid cab to re-do the Highboy...





And just for giggles, a video of my Highboy taking off. You can't stomp on it from a start or it will wrap up the rear axle too bad.

Thanks, Jay and Bruce.
I admit, Jay, I do like a clean engine compartment and keep up on any leaks and repainting occasionally. To me, it's the focal point of the car.
Bruce, it's pretty peppy to say the least, but really can't compare to some of the engines on here. I keep fighting the urge to put a stroker in it, but I like the fact that it's all Ford iron. Still, I'm not real good at fighting temptation