Sounds like pure looks.
If you have the room between the intake and the firewall I see how it would look better.

 

Running what backwards?

 

I ditched that idea since the computer and the relays are going to have to go on the firewall.

 

I believe that they are talking about mounting the intake manifold with the inlet facing the firewall.

 

Update, damn block is still at machine shop and said it will be next week. I have all my parts bought but a stall, fuel pump, and lines. I bought a patriot 226 to go in it and my old man hogged out the intake ports on the heads and did a little on the exhaust. I also got me a set of mac mid-lenghts. What kind of #'s should the motor make?