OK - couple answers/statements = headers can be interesting, but with mine, using Sanderson FF1 block huggers, only one plug presents a problem and that was 'fixed with a modified 5/8 socket. You do have to tell Donna at Sanderson what heads and they will provide the right headers. My guess is that even my 'problem' has been addressed by now.

You do need to add a fuel pump eccentric, new bolt and a correct length drive pin. Summit has the eccentrics and the correct ARP bolt. The drive pin was obsoleted by Ford on Oct 27, 2010( I know, trivia, but I went looking for one in Nov 2010) - but McMaster Carr has a box of 25 of the correct diameter and length for not much money. The photo below is why you shouldn't use the Ford 2 piece eccentric. I tore the drive tab off the one on the right. The left one is the replacement - looks like you will have to click on the link to open the photo



Edelbrock Performer carbs drain back - that's a fact of life. I'm using a 1" four hole phenolic spacer and it isn't quite as bad as the aluminum piece I had used.

Use a new ARP oil pump drive - seem to be a better piece then the Ford Racing.

OEM pistons should be cast flat top with 4 eyebrows. On a mild engine, probably fine. If the engine needs a bore, then the hypereutectic would be my choice unless you went for a blower/turbo, then the choice would be forged