you could go with more lift for better performance. I have used a herbert cam with adv dur. 275/285, lift 475/500 and it worked well. I have used f/t pistons with either 289 heads, or 351 windsor heads cut .060 and that seemed to work well. use a dual plane intake, better than a performer and it will run well.the stock rods with 5/16 ,arp bolts hold up good.