Guess it comes down to how much cam can be ground out of stock one
Heads flow should be easy enough ported even with 1.78 valves, decent cr should be able with machining, two barrel and manifolds be the most liability, should easily make more than 318 hp.
Do you think that with port work and stock intake valve's he could reach his goal? What about the exhaust valve, would going to 1.600 be a good idea? A 9.0:1 cr would help