Thanks for the info guys. This really helps me out. Forgive my ignorance pat but you said i could use a shelf piston in a "srp -je" I don't know what that means.

Also, is there any advantage to using a 6.800 rod over the 6.535 rod. Will it develop more torque with the slightly longer rod?

I bought the engine as a complete long block, Are the stock heads (oval port with big chambers) a waste of time or is there anything I can do to them to make them perform OK. I'm planning on 450-500 hp for regular street use.

I'm planning on a 4.5 inch crank and H-Beam rods from Ohio Crankshaft. They are the cheapest I've found, but I've never heard anything about the quality of their products. Any opinions?

How well do the intake manifold spacers work? should I Just buy a tall deck manifold or do the spacers work without too much headache.

Thanks again guys, I'm learning alot reading your old posts. I appreciate all of your input.