Strokersix, Nice build, I am following it closely. With all the 16 pages of detail I just had to run this one thru the DeuceCoupe Gonkulator computer. Here is what it computed to, with the info you gave and assuming that 396-2v carb is the 1.25" venturi style (381cfm at 3.0" rating) I also computed a 9.46cr, not sure how you got 8.8cr unless I missed something? Anyway here goes: Torq 324 at 3300 Powr 257 at 4500
And with a good bite: 2.18 60ft 9.25 at 75.8 1/8mi 14.52 at 92.2 1/4mi
Using 1-5/8 headers instead of 1-1/2 only added 3 hp, and was better by about .02 sec and .2mph. Not worth it.
Adding a 600cfm Holley was good for 28hp, about 25sec and over 2mph in the 1/4 mile. But then you'd lose the fun of showing people your Nova taillites with not only a six, but a 2-barrel six.