you are correct in stating that a cleveland is not a big block, but people have always insisted it was. you might say that the windsor block is bigger than the cleveland's.. but the cleveland heads and valve train "dwarf" a windsor.
the idea of the cleveland was to build "big block" style power in a smaller package.

i still stand by a cleveland not revving out as far a one might expect. obviously you can make adaptations to extend the rpm ranges of any car. but a typical cleveland WONT rev to 7000 rpm, and that doesnt mean it aint healthy.

my clevelands..
72 cougar: bone stocker, 2V- great running, reliable.. not fast, wouldnt rev.

72 mustange grande: 351 cobra jet (2:19 valves), bone stock, fell on its face in the bottom end, strong in the middle, average at best on top. tried to fix by adding edelbrock intake and holley carb.... not much better.
great car, got eaten up out of the hole by any car i ever raced. was wonderful from a punch, up to about 5500 rpms.

my most recent was another 72 cougar: i thought i had the cleveland figured out by now... I DIDNT
i used the 2V heads, electronic ignition, 3:25 gears, RV cam, 600 and 750 cfm carbs, etc..
power band....about 2000 to 4500 rpm, then it was used up.

all 3 (actually 4, the mustang had a good 2V in it, when i bought it, but was unsatisfied and bought the CJ) were fine, reliable, engines. all in good shape.. 2 fresh.
for all the hype of the cleveland, i was dissapointed and realize that i was wasting my time with that engine.
it is NOT a torque motor. that is what you want on the streets.