you're lucky I know guys tha smoked 3 packs a day lived to over 100 years old , then again seen a few stock blocks with 600 hp plus crack cylinders at my buddies shop . Like he says stock blocks are just not made for that level of power . Just because YOU got lucky does not make it a good idea for all . even at 540hp i consider my block lucky to survive 3 years of track and street use , built with better caps girdle molnar crank and rods