Barron- I'm trying to stay away from the 347 for longevity issues. I'm not wanting to have to purchase a new block right before I give it to my kids.

Baddad- not a bad plan. I was considering the Trick Flow 179 twisted wedge heads and want to keep compression down to about 9.5. Pump 84-86 octane.

I did email Stroker John Nijssen about my ideas to get some feedback from a stroker engine expert. He suggested trying to squeeze a 434 (351W block) in there. Since the bay is designed to accept either a DOHC I4 or SOHC V6, it might fit. Good news in that area is that I have to custom fab the engine mounts anyway, and I can lower as necessary. I might have to with the ZF anyway.