After going from a semi stock 8.75:1 built 250 engine, then going to a 10:1, different 2 barrels, & different 4 barrel carbs.
Then switching to a 12:1, 3 side draft 48 MM DCOE Weber carbs, then going back to a 8.4:1 Paxton supercharged blowing through the same 48 MM DCOE carbs, I have to say I would never go back to a N/A engine, that is why I will eventually get my 250 EFI turbocharged engine going.
The 12.0:1 side draft Weber carbed engine was really fun, but the Paxton made a ton of more power & just kept on revving & revving, & that was only making 8-10 PSI tops in the boost dept.
I say turbocharge it!, even w/a stock headed engine, a turbo will make so much more torque than almost any N/A engine will ever make.
Boost is that addicting.
Lets say you build a 194 head, lumps installed nice camshaft, nice 4 bbl set-up, stock bottom end (if I am reading you correctly?), I will say it will be a disappointment as compared to a semi stock 194 engine & running 7 PSI turbocharged engine.
MBHD
