Paul,

The P2404s are ordered. You are correct, the machine work has been done on the heads and they did need to be shaved slightly and hardened seats installed. I have no idea what effect different shaped pistons have regarding the combustion process so any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I'm also not adverse to picking up a book and learning about it that way either if you could recommend one.
Golan's Racing has the block and will be machining it this upcoming week so the pistons should be here in time for them to finish hone it to spec. They're not going to deck it yet per your suggestion to mock build the short block first. Thanks again for the info.

Dwayne