340 Piston to valve clearance w/RHS heads

The factory doesn't use KB pistons with the top ring so high up. Only KB makes its pistons like that.

U have to be careful with any sbm the intake seals top and bottom. I now use only fel-pro intake print o seal gaskets with a seal core. In the past I had gaskets split, lucky just on the intake ports and not water ports.

Don't believe those factory 12 second numbers. these new cars aren't tough like the old cars. U got a great rear end, 7 1/4 rear ends break with any power long term.

I would just build the engine with hypers, maybe skipping decking, etc. A good balance job is whats needed. My engine came out fine doing it that way.

A bit more weight, a bit more stroke does add to more stress on the parts for the same rpm's. Forget how the factory do things today. They use smaller pistons and longer strokes for emissions not longevity. The light wheels, low profile tires weigh less and the sports cars have less drag today.

U get that 340 running and stick in 4.10 gears--which is a bad idea with $5 gas coming--and it fly pass these new cars, believe me