You can do it but these motors really have lame compression. I used a set of Speed Pro cast pistons with a .125 dome and stock heads in my 82 454 and it ran great. Clearance was fine with a .550 lift cam. This was just a good old backyard rebuild, but I made sure all the clearances were within specs. I never had it dyno'd, but it had plenty of power in my 70 Monte Carlo. You don't have to spend a ton of cash for a decent street engine if you just take your time and pay attention to the details.