Thanks for all the help. I do have Jim Hand's book and read it through and through years ago. Since then, many new low cost parts are available, these option I think make it harder to pick a direction for a build. With these Pontiacs being low rpm engines, you need big cubes, this again makes it difficult with the high compression heads.
Here is what caught my eye. Chiphead...build a strong 400 for about 5K, based on a solid bottom end and modern E heads. I would stay with the stock crank. lust4speed.....build a solid stroker with iron heads and dished pistons. I would assemble it myself, and would give the simple port job a go as per Jim's book. It seems that all agree the rods and bolts need to go. I agree, and think about each time I push my engine to 5K, which is everytime I drive it.
I would definately stay with my existing performer manifold, seen many an article that indicate it really is not far off from the rpm, and in some cases does better. That would be a cheap upgrade later anyhow. I would stick with the Edel 800 AVS, that is a good carb, those that think not have not spent a few minutes with it. The exhaust would need to stay the same, Dougs headers, with the 2.5" flowmaster. Converter, would love a Continental, but will settle for a Hughs. The entire drivetrain was redone last year and can handle the power. My existing ignition system is fine. Will need to beef up the fuel and cooling though. Got a few of those parts laying around, cooling is more difficult.
Now which direction to go:
Strong 400 like Chiphead indicated, based on E Heads and FT cam?
Strong stroker like Lust4speed indicated, exisitng heads, dished pistons, light head clean up by me and Hand's book, with a HFT cam?
Either engine will be durable, and fun to drive. I will have to do some more DD simulation to compare the curves and my intended street (and ocassion track) power curves.
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