416 stroker cam choice

so it duration that makes the difference. just trying to better understand this whole thing, i plan on getting a running junkyard motor and replacing mine to keep it running then work on my original engine, it has a rod knock or something going on down low.also shorty headers are they worth it or stock manifolds for now headers im looking at are 700.00 +

Well yes, and LSA.

More duration will make it lope. Less LSA will make it lope.