i definetly would not cross out a lightning because you think the stock blocks are junk.i can give you a list of guys that are putting over 500 to the rear with stock blocks.(me being one of them)having a good tuner is really key once you start modding them and they will handle alot.my 2001 has been modded since day one.first 2 years 4l.b. pulley,sbtb,filter and chip(tuned on the dyno)i ran consistent 12.6 w/slicks putting down 411 r.w.h. now for the last three years or so i have been running a 75 shot,ported eaton,power cooler and a couple of little tricks.on the same dyno i got retuned and put down 529 r.w.h. and 703 r.w.t. all sae.100% stock block and converter.which i ran 11.9 @114.(crappy track)and as far as the plug issue they only blow out when they are loose so check them once in a while make sure there tight and you will be fine.ive been bored so last month i just finished some changes i wanted to try something new so decided to go with stage 3 ported heads and stage 2 cams with a kenne bell.(still on my original block with 68000 miles)ill be going to the dyno in the next week or so and see what happens.

TEAM SWANSON
2001 lightning
529 r.w.h. (sae)
703 r.w.t.
1/4 11.9 @ 114
1/8 7.5 @ 93